Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
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Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
I have been tasked with trying to improve our work flow for scanning jobs, mainly elevation and internal surveys. Currently we scan on site with a Faro Focus 3D and run it through Scene 5.3, Recap (to generate RCP/RCS) and in to CAD. In CAD we trace over the thin slices of point cloud by freehand. We have custom tools for extracting levels like floor and ceiling. This method involves many slices to get the detail on an internal for example walls, beams, ceiling, floor etc. This methodology also seems to be very time consuming and can be a bit hit and miss.
I am looking to upgrade to Scene 2019.2 as that is proving to be quicker and at getting direct to CAD and seems much improved. The workflow seems a little disjointed but I will keep learning how to use it.
The key here is what are people using to draw or extract or assist in producing floor plans, elevations and sections from scan data?
I have and will continue to play with SCC but it generates lots of small lines along the walls do you then have to trace over this, in which case not sure it solves anything?
Faro As-Built Modeller is also on my list but I am struggling to get anything out of it, but this still seems to be based on tracing.
Any assistance would be welcomed.
Regards Richard
I am looking to upgrade to Scene 2019.2 as that is proving to be quicker and at getting direct to CAD and seems much improved. The workflow seems a little disjointed but I will keep learning how to use it.
The key here is what are people using to draw or extract or assist in producing floor plans, elevations and sections from scan data?
I have and will continue to play with SCC but it generates lots of small lines along the walls do you then have to trace over this, in which case not sure it solves anything?
Faro As-Built Modeller is also on my list but I am struggling to get anything out of it, but this still seems to be based on tracing.
Any assistance would be welcomed.
Regards Richard
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
pointcab. sections to cad or directly in revit
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Faro As Built for AutoCAD. If your deliverables are 2D vector drawing and I suggest to make it a try. I guess Farò As Built Modeler is for 3D workflow. But I’ve never use Modeler (waiting for the as built suite license fix 
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Hi Richard,Richard.d-SSL wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 9:49 amI have and will continue to play with SCC but it generates lots of small lines along the walls do you then have to trace over this, in which case not sure it solves anything?
The number of line segments SCC will generate is a function of parameters used. If you have a look at the video below and skip to about 1:05 you'll see a good example of this in action. The video also covers automatic classification and noise removal where the quality of the automatically extracted vector data depends very much on how clean the base data is and running some classification tools prior to extraction can dramatically improve this.
youtu.be/VHKv7zNiX80
To be fair, there are quite a few parameters to deal with to get the best out of these tools and hence a bit of a learning curve. Creating a more intuitive user interface with preview is high on my to do list. Let me know if you'd like to go through this in a bit more detail online,
Shane
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
For building structures, I use CloudCompare RANSAC tools to separate all of the planar parts of the pointcloud as different entities, then export the whole group of separate clouds as a single E.57.
I import that into Rhino 3D, they come in as separate clouds with unique single colours per cloud.
Then I use Rhinos Pointcloud tools and surface fitting tools to create NURBs planes. ( no plugins)
It's not foolproof, but it's quick
Regards,
Mike.
I import that into Rhino 3D, they come in as separate clouds with unique single colours per cloud.
Then I use Rhinos Pointcloud tools and surface fitting tools to create NURBs planes. ( no plugins)
It's not foolproof, but it's quick

Regards,
Mike.
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Hi!
I know I am a bit late to the post, but if you are looking for a software to quickly create a floor plan, we have the software for you!
It is called Edgewise.
We recently had a webinar showing off our automated wall extraction from a point cloud.
We can quickly create an as built floor plan and export to any major CAD software.
Email or call me if you would like to discuss.
Thanks!
Cris
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I know I am a bit late to the post, but if you are looking for a software to quickly create a floor plan, we have the software for you!
It is called Edgewise.
We recently had a webinar showing off our automated wall extraction from a point cloud.
We can quickly create an as built floor plan and export to any major CAD software.
Email or call me if you would like to discuss.
Thanks!
Cris
[email protected]
+1 (540) 692-3529
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Thank you everyone I will review all posts as time allows.
I have also been told via PM about Undet does anyone have experience of this softwaare?
I have also been told via PM about Undet does anyone have experience of this softwaare?
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Hi we did this simply workflow video how to draw complete building elevation drawing from point clouds. Maybe you will find some useful info.Richard.d-SSL wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 9:49 amI have been tasked with trying to improve our work flow for scanning jobs, mainly elevation and internal surveys. Currently we scan on site with a Faro Focus 3D and run it through Scene 5.3, Recap (to generate RCP/RCS) and in to CAD. In CAD we trace over the thin slices of point cloud by freehand. We have custom tools for extracting levels like floor and ceiling. This method involves many slices to get the detail on an internal for example walls, beams, ceiling, floor etc. This methodology also seems to be very time consuming and can be a bit hit and miss.
I am looking to upgrade to Scene 2019.2 as that is proving to be quicker and at getting direct to CAD and seems much improved. The workflow seems a little disjointed but I will keep learning how to use it.
The key here is what are people using to draw or extract or assist in producing floor plans, elevations and sections from scan data?
youtu.be/RftPM1IKoLA
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
I have always used Cloudworx for AutoCAD, similar to what you say, tracing over the lines. Then there is Revit as well. I just don't fully trust automated extraction programs, especially on highly ornate or old buildings that cathedrals etc as you have to do a lot of QA. They are handy for nice square rooms though.
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Re: Scanning field to AutoCAD workflow
Yes, you are right you can't fully trust automated extraction programs, are they speeding up their work? Only after trying will be clearstutosney wrote: ↑Fri Nov 29, 2019 2:04 amI have always used Cloudworx for AutoCAD, similar to what you say, tracing over the lines. Then there is Revit as well. I just don't fully trust automated extraction programs, especially on highly ornate or old buildings that cathedrals etc as you have to do a lot of QA. They are handy for nice square rooms though.

It is hard to provide a detailed explanation in a short video, we tried to show that with an easily moving clipping box you can get a clear visible outline of windows, walls, openings. And that I always recommend is use coloring by plane with fixed step (2cm-2mm), it depends what you want to see. Also, it is very good for fast quality assurance.
Continuing this topic, here is workflow video, how to draw floorplans.
youtu.be/BxWeAv5rr5Q