Before a commercial project gets underway, everyone involved - that’s architects, engineers and contractors - needs to have access to the same accurate building information. The trouble is, that information might not exist.
The drawings you have might be dated, or there might be no record of the refurbishments that have taken place. Building layouts might bear little resemblance to what’s currently standing. Naturally, the problem then is that no subsequent decision will be made on factual data.
Point cloud surveys are used as a way of accurately recording a building or site, producing a detailed digital account that gives real-world, updated measurements that project teams can work from. However, despite the level of accuracy given by a point cloud survey, they aren’t actually needed for every project - so when’s it worthwhile?
What is a point cloud survey?
A point cloud survey uses laser scanning or LiDAR to capture millions of individual measurements, each representing a precise location on a building or the surrounding area. These points create an accurate, three-dimensional copy of a building when viewed together. It’s a very accurate way of measuring a property, as it captures the details exactly as they are on site. Rather than creating measurements one area at a time, it does them all simultaneously.
This data can represent floor layouts, ceilings, walls, structural elements and so much more. The survey isn’t the end product that people actually work from, rather a source of information to base drawings and digital models on.
What does the client receive?
The actual deliverables passed on to a client depends on what they need for their project. It could just be a point cloud file that contains the survey data, or it could be in the form of measured floor plans, elevation drawings, CAD drawings, 3D models, or another form that the architect, engineer or contractor asks for.
Essentially, the point cloud is - and remains - a permanent digital record of the property. If the data is captured accurately, any additional information that’s needed further on in the project can often be taken from the survey data, without needing to go back to the site.
When is a point cloud survey needed?
Whilst not all commercial properties would benefit from laser scanning, it can be an incredibly helpful tool for others.
Complex commercial buildings
Buildings that contain a lot of different structural features, floor levels and internal services like large office blocks, hospitals, industrial facilities and shopping centres could benefit from a point cloud survey. Traditional surveys - no matter how thorough - need a lot of individual measurements, but can easily miss important details. On the other hand, a point cloud survey can capture the whole thing in one dataset. This is particularly useful for designers, as it shows how different elements of the building relate to each other.
Listed buildings
Old buildings rarely come with perfectly straight walls, even floors and consistent dimensions. Some buildings might have had decades or even centuries of alterations made, which could be tricky to measure with conventional methods.
A point cloud survey can record elements that often come with listed or heritage buildings, like stonework, timber framing, vaulted ceilings or ornamental detailing. Listed buildings need to be carefully preserved, often as a conservation measure, so it’s even more important to get accurate data. Point cloud surveys need less physical contact with the building, which is ideal for more fragile and delicate buildings.
Refurbishment projects
Refurbishing an existing building can come with more challenges than a new build property, because the available drawings might look a lot different to the reality. Refurbishment for buildings like offices, warehouses, and retail premises need to be mapped accurately to identify things like structural constraints, ceiling heights and available space, to minimise the risk of having to revise the designs after work begins. After all, it’ll cost a lot more in the long run to fix problems as they occur than if they had been identified in the first place!
Buildings with hard to access areas
Some properties have areas that are hard to access and measure using standard methods. For example, commercial properties with high atriums, industrial facilities, areas above suspended ceilings and properties with restricted access. Laser scanners can be used to capture these safely, reducing how much time surveyors need to spend in potentially dangerous areas.
Projects that need design coordination
There’s never going to be just one team working on a commercial development. Architects, engineers, designers and contractors are just some of the specialists that will be getting involved, so each team needs to have access to the latest building information. Having a shared point cloud dataset means that everyone is working from the same facts, which means better coordination all round.
Projects that need accuracy
Granted, all projects need accuracy, but some need it even more than others. Projects that involve structural alterations, plant installation, mechanical equipment or lift installation, to name but a few. Even a tiny discrepancy in dimensions can mean a fabricated component doesn’t fit correctly, so a point cloud survey can reduce this risk by giving incredibly accurate data before manufacturing starts.
Benefits of point cloud surveys
Of course, the technical accuracy of point cloud surveys is the main reason that they are so popular, but they come with a lot of other commercial advantages, too. Getting accurate measured information means that design teams don’t have to waste time making assumptions about the building conditions, or estimating the dimensions - they will be able to move through the design process more confidently.
This also means a reduced chance of having to redesign or correct work. Design mistakes during construction mean forking out for extra labour, material waste and delays, plus overall increased project costs. Accurate data can significantly reduce the chances of this happening.
In the long term, having a point cloud survey means there’s a thorough record of the building to access long after the project has finished. This means that any future work, like refurbishment or maintenance, will be far easier to carry out, without the need for extra site surveys.
Do I need a point cloud survey?
Well - that depends on your project. For a commercial property project focused on a small, straightforward building that already has some solid documentation, a measured building survey can usually do the job.
For larger, more complex and technical projects, or any that will rely more heavily on accurate information, a point cloud survey could be the way to go. Whether you opt for one will be based on the scale and complexity of the project, as well as how much it might cost if things go awry.
Wondering if a point cloud survey could be the move for your next project? We’d be happy to talk you through your options.
