UNDET Point cloud plugin for Autodesk® Revit®: Enhancing the SCAN2BIM Process

Introduction

The use of point cloud data in the architectural and construction industry has become increasingly popular. It allows for accurate representations of existing structures and aids in the creation of building information models (BIM). However, the process of transforming point cloud data into BIM models can be time-consuming and tedious. That's where the UNDET Point cloud plugin for Autodesk® Revit® comes in.

UNDET empowers Revit users with a set of tools that streamline the SCAN2BIM process, significantly increasing productivity and accuracy. This plugin eliminates the need to load bulky RCP (Recap) files in Revit, which can slow down the software. With UNDET, users can quickly and efficiently digitize point clouds in Revit, saving valuable time and effort.

Features for Faster Modeling

The UNDET plugin offers several features that enhance the modeling process in Revit:

1. Fit Wall Tool: This tool allows users to quickly model walls by selecting three points in a point cloud slice. It creates fixed pitch wall types, enabling efficient wall modeling.
2. Topo Creation Tools: UNDET provides intuitive tools for projecting or creating topographic surfaces on a point cloud. This feature simplifies the creation of accurate topography in Revit.
3. Batch Processing: With the Batch Processing feature, users can create multiple raster images in multiple views with just one click. This eliminates the need to manually create point cloud slices in each Revit view, saving time and effort.
4. Instance Parameters to Type Parameters Tool: This tool allows for faster modeling by utilizing instance parameters. Users can later convert selected Windows and Doors objects to Type Parameters objects as required in BIM models.
5. Spot Annotation Tool: The spot annotation tool enables quick understanding of point cloud changes in height. For example, users can easily determine ceiling heights and their differences without creating new sections while working on a plan view.
6. Call Browser Function: The Call Browser function provides a panoramic view of the scan position, allowing users to quickly understand a point cloud slice. The Undet Browser Translate View Section tool enables easy shifting of the point cloud slice to view specific details.

Features for Better Deliverables

In addition to enhancing the modeling process, UNDET offers features that improve the quality of deliverables:

1. View Sync 3D Model View: This feature synchronizes the Undet Browser with a Revit 3D model, enabling users to view the identical view simultaneously from the same camera position. This aids in accurate visualization and coordination.
2. Model Inspection QC Tools: UNDET provides QC tools to generate reports based on 360-degree scan station images in the Undet Browser. This allows users to ensure the accuracy of the 3D model and identify any missing parts.
3. Elements Analysis Tool: The Elements Analysis tool allows users to set a "Modelling Tolerance" parameter for each BIM element, reflecting its reliability against the point cloud. This feature helps identify elements that are inaccurately or unreliably modeled.
4. Surface Analysis Tools: UNDET offers surface analysis tools to compare the 3D model with the point cloud, ensuring accuracy during the modeling process. This feature helps identify any discrepancies and aids in maintaining a precise BIM model.
5. Quick Access to Point Cloud Viewer: The plugin provides easy access to a point cloud viewer, allowing users to view and analyze their 3D reality data as if they were live on-site. This aids in better understanding and visualization of the point cloud data.
6. Point Cloud Coloring Rendering Mode: UNDET offers a point cloud coloring rendering mode by reference plane in fixed intervals. This feature enables users to quickly understand changes in geometry and identify missing lines or objects.

Other Features

The UNDET Point cloud plugin for Autodesk® Revit® also includes additional features that enhance the overall user experience:

1. Easy Point Cloud Data Import: The plugin supports importing point cloud data from various sources, including 3D laser scanners, UAVs, and photogrammetry software. It supports multiple point cloud formats, making it compatible with a wide range of data sources.
2. Multiple Color Modes: UNDET provides multiple color modes for point cloud visualization, including by source (RGB), intensity, plane, height (Z), scan stations, and additional transparency mode. This allows users to customize the visualization based on their specific requirements.
3. Optimized Performance: The software is optimized to maintain high performance even when working with large amounts of point cloud datasets. Users can efficiently handle hundreds or even thousands of scan stations/files without experiencing significant slowdowns.
4. Intuitive Point Cloud Viewer Integration: UNDET seamlessly integrates with the point cloud viewer, providing an intuitive interface to understand and visualize the point cloud data accurately.
5. Coordinates System Manager: The plugin offers a coordinates system manager, allowing users to quickly align scan data to the 3D model or adjust the coordinate system from the georeferenced point cloud. It also supports reading coordinates from attached Recap files, simplifying the alignment process.
6. Quick Access to Hide/Show Loaded 3D Point Cloud: UNDET provides easy toggling of loaded 3D point clouds, allowing users to hide or show them based on their requirements. Additionally, users can change the coloring mode to further customize the visualization.
7. 3D Point Cloud Slicing Tool: The plugin includes a 3D point cloud slicing tool that allows users to slice the point cloud using irregular polygons. This feature aids in extracting specific areas of interest from the point cloud data.

Conclusion

The UNDET Point cloud plugin for Autodesk® Revit® is a powerful tool that significantly enhances the SCAN2BIM process. With its wide range of features for faster modeling and better deliverables, it empowers Revit users to increase productivity and accuracy. The plugin's seamless integration with Revit and intuitive interface make it a valuable asset for professionals working with point cloud data. Whether you're an architect, engineer, or construction professional, the UNDET plugin is a must-try for streamlining your point cloud to BIM workflow.