If you are working in the construction industry, you have probably come across the term "Scan to BIM’" or "Field to BIM" at some point. Or, you may have noticed your construction partners using a 3D laser scanner on the building site. But what is Scan to BIM exactly — and how does it work?
Let’s start with the part you are probably already familiar with: BIM. Building Information Modeling is a highly collaborative process that allows multiple stakeholders to collaborate on the planning, design and construction of a building within one 3D model.
To create accurate models successfully, having precise measurements to work from is key. With 3D laser scans, the accuracy of measurements and 3D model content in BIM-projects reaches new levels. Scan to BIM enables a data-rich, connected and constructible workflow.
So, what is Scan to BIM?
In a Scan to BIM process, a laser scanner is used to capture an accurate 3D scan of the real world conditions on a project. The scan data is then imported into a 3D modeling environment to create either accurate as-built models or to inform the design with the real world conditions. As defined by The B1M, Scan to BIM is:
The process of 3D laser scanning a physical space or site to create an accurate digital representation of it. This representation can then be used for designing, assessing progress or evaluating option.
