3D Laser Scanning Services in New York

Architects and mechanical contractors could plan both the demolition of the existing systems and the implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing the Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple's aesthetics and spatial design.

To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

GPRS laser scanned the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple to produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

Location: Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois Task: To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation. Challenge: The challenge in this case was to be able to thoroughly document the 1909 Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—in order to prepare for a multi-million dollar building restoration—without compromising the building’s historical identity or disrupting ongoing tourism and church activities within Unity Temple. Solutions: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a major practice within the AEC industry, specifically for new construction, adaptive reuse, or buildout projects. But how does this practice of “build twice” translate to restoring an early 19th century architectural marvel? By means of High Definition Surveying (HDS). HDS is a non-contact measuring tool that collects visible information of existing conditions in a fast, precise way while, at the same time, reducing damage risks and time associated with traditional measuring methods. Visible information is captured in 360 degrees, generating a 3D point cloud with accuracy up to 2 to 4mm. These point clouds ultimately become 3D virtual worlds of the building, making the method a fast and cost effective way to generate as-built documentation (both 2D and 3D) for project analysis and coordination. In the case of Unity Temple, TruePoint was hired for its expertise in historical preservation by means of laser scanning and BIM modeling. TruePoint’s team of architects and engineers performed a comprehensive laser scan of the building’s interior (temple, offices, mechanical basement, classrooms, etc.), exterior, roof, and skylights in order to capture explicit detail of Unity Temple’s current condition. TruePoint then created a 3D Revit model from the point cloud data so that the construction management firm and subcontractors (mechanical contractors, concrete restoration, architects, etc.) could investigate the building’s existing state and accurately assess their project designs for restoring Unity Temple. Deliverables: Deliverables included a 3D Revit model of the building’s interior, exterior, roof, and skylights; a colorized point cloud in Autodesk Recap file formats (.rcp/.rcs) to be used directly in Autodesk Software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc.); and TruView photographs. Added Value: The colorized point cloud generated from laser scanning gave explicit detailed information that would be otherwise nearly impossible or extremely difficult to document without risking damage to the fragile building elements. Examples of two key architectural features are the intricate window panes (e.g., clerestories, skylights) and the wood trim throughout Unity Temple. Both of these features were collected in the point cloud data in congruence with other building information (structure, mechanical systems, etc.). Additionally, TruePoint trained the client on how to create 2D elevations, sections, and a Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) directly from the point cloud data within AutoCAD. These AutoCAD sheets contained precise measurements and photographs, making it quick and easy for the client to identify the exact piece and location of each element for its removal, restoration, and re-implementation. TruePoint also provided the client with TruViews. The TruView utilizes a free plug-in for Internet Explorer in order to view each scan location from the scanner’s perspective. This offers a quick, easy way to take rudimentary measurements, make hyperlink notes, and perform project collaboration, thereby reducing the hassle, time, and cost associated with on-site visits. Another added bonus of producing a comprehensive point cloud and BIM model of Unity Temple was documenting the existing mechanical room and tunnel in relation to the entire structure. Mechanical contractors and architects could then plan both demolition of the existing systems and implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing Frank Lloyd Wright’s aesthetic and spatial design.

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3D Laser Scanning

GPRS’ accurate measurements allowed the client to order dimensionally-correct windows for each specific opening, thus reducing any change orders for this project. The client can review the 6-story building and its openings in 3 separate deliverables: the point cloud, the 2D drawings, and the TruViews.

To capture the dimensions of all the window openings on the building.

GPRS captured the accurate dimensions of the window openings safely from the ground.

Location: Detroit, Michigan Task: To capture the dimensions of all the window openings on the building. Challenge: The building was a 6-story building with windows on all four sides. The height alone of a 6-story building can create enough challenges when obtaining accurate measurements of window dimensions. This project, however, presented additional challenges. For example, the exterior of the building was not easily accessible by lift or scaffolding due to its being located along a busy road with minimal right of way. Additionally, the other sides of the building also had obstacles which further limited access to the windows. Solutions: By utilizing laser scanning, a non-contact measurement tool, GPRS was able to capture the accurate dimensions of the window openings safely from the ground, as well as from other safe locations. Windowsills can sometimes be difficult to capture when scanning from the ground, but our scan technicians were able to set up on and scan from surrounding buildings and rooftops to ensure enough elevation to capture these features accurately for our client. And since laser scanning is not only safe and accurate, but also is extremely fast, the field work was limited to one day. Deliverable: GPRS provided our client with 2D elevations in AutoCAD, which included the dimensions of the edge of existing rough openings dictated by the limestone cladding. Additionally, we supplied our client with TruViews – 3D photographs overlaid on top of the point cloud, allowing for rudimentary measurements directly from the photos. The client can now view the building and its openings in 3 separate deliverables: the point cloud, the 2D drawings, and the TruViews. Added Value: Many times, in field measuring, there is an assumption made, after measuring several similar units, that others will likely be of the same dimensions. With laser scanning we can easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each opening individually. As is common with many older buildings, many of the openings of this building appeared to be the same size but, in fact, varied enough to cause potential problems. GPRS’ accurate measurements allowed the client to order dimensionally-correct windows for each specific opening, thus reducing any change orders for windows that did not fit perfectly the first time they were placed.

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3D Laser Scanning

ClearEdge3D Edgewise software was used to process piping and quickly create a 3D MEP BIM model for the client.

GPRS 3D laser scanned 40,000 square feet of office space on the 6th floor of a building in Cincinnati, Ohio. The area was recently renovated, and the objective was to capture MEP features to create an accurate as-built survey for the client. GPRS’ Project Manager used a Leica P40 ScanStation to capture 3D point cloud data for the GPRS’ Mapping and Modeling team to create a 3D BIM model.

GPRS 3D laser scanned 40,000 square feet of office space on the 6th floor of a building in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Meta Title: Construction Laser Scan of Office Building Meta Description: GPRS 3D laser scanned 40,000 square feet of office space on the 6th floor of a building in Cincinnati, Ohio. Header: A GPRS Case Study: Laser Scan Office Building to Capture MEP Features Images: Link: https://www.gp-radar.com/services/3d-laser-scanning Alt Tag: A 3D laser scanner in an under-construction office space. Caption: GPRS 3D laser scanned 40,000 square feet of office space. Link: https://www.gp-radar.com/services/3d-laser-scanning Alt Tag: 3D laser scan data of an office space. Caption: The objective was to capture MEP features to create an accurate as-built for the client. Link: https://www.gp-radar.com/services/3d-laser-scanning Alt Tag: Autodesk Recap plan view of office building. Caption: Autodesk Recap Plan View of the office building. Link: https://www.gp-radar.com/services/3d-laser-scanning Alt Tag: Autodesk Recap Real View of office’s HVAC equipment. Caption: Autodesk Recap Real View of HVAC equipment. Link: https://www.gp-radar.com/services/3d-laser-scanning Alt Tag: Autodesk Recap Real View of office hallway. Caption: Autodesk Recap Real View of the hallway. Location: Cincinnati, OH Task: GPRS 3D laser scanned 40,000 square feet of office space on the 6th floor of a building in Cincinnati. The area was recently renovated, and the objective was to capture MEP features to create an accurate as-built survey for the client. GPRS’ Project Manager used a Leica P40 ScanStation to capture 3D point cloud data and GPRS’ in-house engineers created a 3D CAD model. Challenge: The client wanted to complete the laser scan after the space had been framed in, but before the ceiling grid and tiles were installed. This gave the client a very limited window of time to capture the above ceiling piping. They wanted to quickly and accurately capture all MEP components and pipes, so they could install the ceiling and begin to populate the space. Solutions: GPRS maintained constant communication with the client to schedule the scanning just before ceiling grid was installed. With just a few days’ notice, the Project Manager mobilized to the site. GPRS’ experienced technician could ensure that 3D laser scan technology would completely and accurately capture the as-built site conditions. Laser scanning was completed while other contractors continued their work, and complex areas were scheduled during the hours when contractors were off-site. Deliverables: GPRS provided the client with Autodesk Recap files and Black and White Leica TruViews. Also, using preliminary EdgeWise extraction, GPRS engineers provided an AutoCAD .dwg file to the client. Added Value: The scan technician worked during off-peak times, which expedited GPRS’ time on site. Additionally, GPRS’ engineers are trained and experienced in numerous software applications and can create custom deliverables for each client quickly. In this case, ClearEdge 3D Edgewise software was used to process piping and quickly create a 3D model.

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3D Laser Scanning