3D Laser Scanning Services in Connecticut

Architects and mechanical contractors could plan both the demolition of the existing systems and the implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing the Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple's aesthetics and spatial design.

To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

GPRS laser scanned the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple to produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

Location: Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois Task: To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation. Challenge: The challenge in this case was to be able to thoroughly document the 1909 Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—in order to prepare for a multi-million dollar building restoration—without compromising the building’s historical identity or disrupting ongoing tourism and church activities within Unity Temple. Solutions: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a major practice within the AEC industry, specifically for new construction, adaptive reuse, or buildout projects. But how does this practice of “build twice” translate to restoring an early 19th century architectural marvel? By means of High Definition Surveying (HDS). HDS is a non-contact measuring tool that collects visible information of existing conditions in a fast, precise way while, at the same time, reducing damage risks and time associated with traditional measuring methods. Visible information is captured in 360 degrees, generating a 3D point cloud with accuracy up to 2 to 4mm. These point clouds ultimately become 3D virtual worlds of the building, making the method a fast and cost effective way to generate as-built documentation (both 2D and 3D) for project analysis and coordination. In the case of Unity Temple, TruePoint was hired for its expertise in historical preservation by means of laser scanning and BIM modeling. TruePoint’s team of architects and engineers performed a comprehensive laser scan of the building’s interior (temple, offices, mechanical basement, classrooms, etc.), exterior, roof, and skylights in order to capture explicit detail of Unity Temple’s current condition. TruePoint then created a 3D Revit model from the point cloud data so that the construction management firm and subcontractors (mechanical contractors, concrete restoration, architects, etc.) could investigate the building’s existing state and accurately assess their project designs for restoring Unity Temple. Deliverables: Deliverables included a 3D Revit model of the building’s interior, exterior, roof, and skylights; a colorized point cloud in Autodesk Recap file formats (.rcp/.rcs) to be used directly in Autodesk Software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc.); and TruView photographs. Added Value: The colorized point cloud generated from laser scanning gave explicit detailed information that would be otherwise nearly impossible or extremely difficult to document without risking damage to the fragile building elements. Examples of two key architectural features are the intricate window panes (e.g., clerestories, skylights) and the wood trim throughout Unity Temple. Both of these features were collected in the point cloud data in congruence with other building information (structure, mechanical systems, etc.). Additionally, TruePoint trained the client on how to create 2D elevations, sections, and a Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) directly from the point cloud data within AutoCAD. These AutoCAD sheets contained precise measurements and photographs, making it quick and easy for the client to identify the exact piece and location of each element for its removal, restoration, and re-implementation. TruePoint also provided the client with TruViews. The TruView utilizes a free plug-in for Internet Explorer in order to view each scan location from the scanner’s perspective. This offers a quick, easy way to take rudimentary measurements, make hyperlink notes, and perform project collaboration, thereby reducing the hassle, time, and cost associated with on-site visits. Another added bonus of producing a comprehensive point cloud and BIM model of Unity Temple was documenting the existing mechanical room and tunnel in relation to the entire structure. Mechanical contractors and architects could then plan both demolition of the existing systems and implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing Frank Lloyd Wright’s aesthetic and spatial design.

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3D Laser Scanning

GPRS provided 3D laser scanning services for six parking lot structures at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, ranging from 500 to 2,500 square feet in plan area. The client wanted accurate dimensional information to prefabricate replacement canopies for each of the structures.

GPRS provided 3D laser scanning services for six parking lot structures at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, ranging from 500 to 2,500 square feet in plan area

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport – DFW Airport, Texas Prefabrication of Canopies for Parking Lot Structures ‍ TASK: GPRS provided 3D laser scanning services for six parking lot structures at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, ranging from 500 to 2,500 square feet in plan area. The client wanted accurate dimensional information to prefabricate replacement canopies for each of the structures. ‍ CHALLENGE: The client needed accurate information to design replacement fabric panels, including the location of the attachment plates and fasteners. They requested a quick turnaround on this project, GPRS expedited deliverables within 15 working days of the purchase order. ‍ SOLUTION: Dimensions were quickly verified in these high traffic areas of the airport with a Leica laser scanner. GPRS’ Mapping & Modeling Team created an LOD 200 Revit 3D model including basic structural elements, such as exposed structural columns and joists, grade and canopy. With the 3D model, the following details could be used to expedite prefabrication and installation - elevations, plan dimensions, radii of rolled elements, plus locations and dimensions of all attachment hardware.

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3D Laser Scanning

GPRS’ accurate measurements allowed the client to order dimensionally-correct windows for each specific opening, thus reducing any change orders for this project. The client can review the 6-story building and its openings in 3 separate deliverables: the point cloud, the 2D drawings, and the TruViews.

To capture the dimensions of all the window openings on the building.

GPRS captured the accurate dimensions of the window openings safely from the ground.

Location: Detroit, Michigan Task: To capture the dimensions of all the window openings on the building. Challenge: The building was a 6-story building with windows on all four sides. The height alone of a 6-story building can create enough challenges when obtaining accurate measurements of window dimensions. This project, however, presented additional challenges. For example, the exterior of the building was not easily accessible by lift or scaffolding due to its being located along a busy road with minimal right of way. Additionally, the other sides of the building also had obstacles which further limited access to the windows. Solutions: By utilizing laser scanning, a non-contact measurement tool, GPRS was able to capture the accurate dimensions of the window openings safely from the ground, as well as from other safe locations. Windowsills can sometimes be difficult to capture when scanning from the ground, but our scan technicians were able to set up on and scan from surrounding buildings and rooftops to ensure enough elevation to capture these features accurately for our client. And since laser scanning is not only safe and accurate, but also is extremely fast, the field work was limited to one day. Deliverable: GPRS provided our client with 2D elevations in AutoCAD, which included the dimensions of the edge of existing rough openings dictated by the limestone cladding. Additionally, we supplied our client with TruViews – 3D photographs overlaid on top of the point cloud, allowing for rudimentary measurements directly from the photos. The client can now view the building and its openings in 3 separate deliverables: the point cloud, the 2D drawings, and the TruViews. Added Value: Many times, in field measuring, there is an assumption made, after measuring several similar units, that others will likely be of the same dimensions. With laser scanning we can easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each opening individually. As is common with many older buildings, many of the openings of this building appeared to be the same size but, in fact, varied enough to cause potential problems. GPRS’ accurate measurements allowed the client to order dimensionally-correct windows for each specific opening, thus reducing any change orders for windows that did not fit perfectly the first time they were placed.

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3D Laser Scanning