Use of 3D Laser Scanning for Capture of Buildings - Building Information Modeling (BIM)

During the past few years, terrestrial 3D laser scanning has gained general acceptance as a measuring procedure for geometric capture of buildings and deriving as-built plans. In the field of architecture and heritage protection, the quick and integral survey of object surfaces opens up new dimensions. The paper shows the potential of this technology for use in the field of "Building Information Modeling" (BIM). Besides the operations involved in local surveying, the transfer of laser data to a BIM-suited 3D model, as well as work on models in planning and facility management are treated. Compared to Anglo-American and Scandinavian countries, the application of BIM in Germany is still in its infancy. The reasons for this are presented along with a "Workflow" for application of 3D laser scanning adapted to the German market. In connection with BIM, object-oriented modeling clearly has priority. Where formerly simple geometric shapes, like planes or cylinders were used to describe objects in their geometric shape, complete elements of the structure are virtually rebuilt in case of BIM. Every object is additionally provided with intelligence in the form of parameters, like materials, wall structure or paneling. On the basis of this information, it is quite easy to prepare component lists or to calculate areas and volumes and to use them for facility management. The advantages of a three-dimensional BIM model as against 2D planning documents or the former simple 3D models are the focus of the paper.