Initial data through various measuring and scanning methods 

The initial data for a renovation plan and inventory modelling can be obtained through various measuring and scanning methods. We will select the most suitable method based on the client’s needs. Scanning the exterior spaces will be quick using a drone, while the interior spaces can be scanned with a Matterport 3D camera. Exact measurements from indoor and outdoor spaces are achieved through laser scanning. Point clouds created through various methods can be combined so that we can use the best parts of each of them. 

Drone records exterior surfaces rapidly

When renovating facades and other exterior surfaces, recording them with a drone (UAV, unmanned aerial vehicle) is a rapid way of acquiring the initial data required. Based on the photos taken by the drone, a 3D surface model that illustrates the condition of the roof, the facade cladding or the foundation, within a few centimetres, is created. 

Besides surface models, drone recording is also suitable for regional planning. The overflight model produces sufficiently accurate initial data about the repair needs of the roofs in the property or the potential for infill construction in a specific area. 

Both the surface model and the overflight model can be used to create an illustrative 3D model that can easily be viewed in a web browser. The materials can also be used as photographs. The same materials can even be used to create a point cloud and as initial data for inventory modelling. 

Matterport 3D capturing indoors

When a rotating 3D visual of a site’s interior spaces is required, the Matterport Pro 2 camera is a cost-efficient option. The materials do not need to be post-processed, and they result in an impressive 3D model in colour with an accuracy of about 5 centimetres. 

Matterport capturing also involves the benefit that the rotating model runs lightly on an ordinary web browser on a computer or smartphone. In the model, you can move from one room to another, which is very similar to being physically on-site. The rotating model shows the site’s basic information to both the designers and users of the facilities. Labels and comments can also be added to the model. 

The Matterport capturing is designed for interior spaces that are less than 9 meters high, but it is not suitable for high and vast halls or for recording footage of dark or outdoor spaces. The facilities also need to be empty at the time of recording since people may obstruct it. The method is also not recommended for sites with data security concerns, since all footage is saved to Matterport’s cloud service. 

Often, Matterport footage is used as initial data for the project materials on modernisation sites and to illustrate the current status and initial data of the site for the designers. From Matterport materials, which can be run on a web browser, a point cloud can also be created. In turn, it can be used as initial data for inventory models and design. 

Highly accurate measurements with laser scanning

Laser scanning is the best choice when a renovation or demolition project requires more detailed measurements of a building’s interior and exterior spaces than what drone or infrared recording can provide. The laser scanning produces a point cloud with an accuracy of 1–2 millimetres. Based on the materials, highly accurate measurements can be achieved on the locations of visible structures and the relations between them. 

Laser scanning is often slower than recording via Matterport or a drone. The laser-scanned materials always require post-processing, and file sizes are often large. Compared to drone recording, reviewing laser-scanned materials requires a faster internet connection, dedicated software and more time for post-processing. 

The advantage of laser scanning is that it can be carried out both indoors and outdoors, even in the dark, in which case the materials will be black-and-white. A point cloud generated through laser scanning can be effortlessly connected to various types of design software, and it also makes good initial data for inventory modelling.