Knowledge Base

Resource for Laser Scanning & BIM Documentation
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What is BIM?

Building information modeling

Building information modeling (BIM) is a process supported by various tools, technologies, and contracts involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

Building information models (BIMs) are computer files (often but not always in proprietary formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a built asset. The process for scanning and modeling is largely the same regardless of the size of the project.

2D exterior elevation to 3D building information model of Rough Point Museum.
2D exterior elevation to 3D building information model of Rough Point Museum.

Who Uses BIM?

BIM software is commonly utilized in a number of industries and by individuals, businesses and government agencies. It's used for planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of not only buildings, but other diverse infrastructures including water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges, ports, and tunnels.

Standards and Adoption of BIM

BIM has been in development since the 1970s, but beginning in the early 2000s, it has become a more widely agreed upon term. BIM standards and adoption has progressed at different rates around the world. The standards developed in the UK beginning in 2007 have formed the basis of international standard ISO 19650, launched in January 2019.

3D point cloud to 3D BIM model of Rough Point Museum.
3D point cloud to 3D BIM model of Rough Point Museum.

An Infinite Database

BIM has an infinite database that is part of the 3D model and items can be adjusted in 2D CAD plan, section, elevation or in schedules and it updates the rest of the model accordingly. Conveniently, this means a full scan gives you the ability to add additional scope to the deliverables without additional site visits.

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