Case Studies

GPRS Leak Detection Keeps Families Safe at Thornhill Elementary School

Pinpointing the leak and locating previously undiscovered valves helped Thornhill Elementary map its underground infrastructure and restore a safer student drop-off area.
Locate the source of a water leak surfacing in the student drop-off area at Thornhill Elementary School
GPRS Leak Detection and Utility Locating Services helped Thornhill Elementary map its underground infrastructure and restore a safer student drop-off area.
GPRS Leak Detection Keeps Families Safe at Thornhill Elementary School Highlights THE BOTTOM LINE Pinpointing the leak and locating previously undiscovered valves helped Thornhill Elementary map its underground infrastructure and restore a safer student drop-off area. Industry Education Service Leak Detection, Utility Locating & Mapping Location Oakland, California Deliverables Field Markings, SiteMap®, Job Services Report PROJECT APPLICATION GPRS Leak Detection at Elementary School Task Locate the source of a water leak surfacing in the student drop-off area at Thornhill Elementary School PROBLEM Water was surfacing in the school’s main drop-off and entrance area, a high-traffic zone where students arrive each morning Algae growth created a slip, trip, and fall hazard for children running in and out of the entrance The building was approximately 100 years old, with a water system that had been expanded over the years, making it difficult to identify which shutoff valve controlled the affected line Thick layers of asphalt concealed the piping and buried water valves, complicating access The school could not suspend operations, so GPRS had to ensure a safe working environment for themselves, the parents, and the students ‍ Solution Acoustic leak inspection was utilized at the point of the surfaced water, providing a faint, widespread leak signal The Project Manager then located and mapped multiple water lines and utilities to find the pressurized pipe running through the affected zone With the pipe path confirmed, the Project Manager drilled access holes through the thick asphalt so he could insert a ground probe and listen closer to the pipe, bringing the acoustic signal within range of his microphone The combination of utility locating and targeted acoustic detection allowed the Project Manager to pinpoint the leak location despite the noise, depth, and site congestion Previously unknown buried water valves discovered during the process were documented, giving the district new insight into their own aging infrastructure ‍ Benefits The leak was precisely located, allowing the Oakland School District to move forward with repairs and eliminate the slip-and-fall hazard at the school entrance By pairing leak detection with utility locating, GPRS delivered a complete picture of the water system. They not only identified where the leak was, but how the piping was routed and where unknown valves were buried SiteMap® documentation gave the district a lasting digital record of their subsurface infrastructure, reducing guesswork on future repairs GPRS’ established relationship with the Oakland School District meant the team arrived prepared, worked efficiently, and completed the job with minimal disruption to the school day GPRS’ ongoing collaboration with the Oakland School District enabled the team to arrive prepared, work efficiently, and complete the job with minimal dis-ruption to the school day
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3D Laser Scanning Water Treatment Plant for Major Infrastructure Upgrade

GPRS helped an engineering firm replace outdated, fragmented as-builts with 20 discipline-specific LOD 350 Revit models, giving them accurate, design-ready existing conditions to plan major process upgrades at a Water Treatment Plant.
GPRS 3D laser scanned a water treatment facility and created LOD 350 Revit models for architectural, structural, MEP, electrical, and HVAC systems. All models were built to integrate seamlessly with the client’s existing Revit families and delivered via Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
GPRS 3D laser scanned an 80 MGD Water Treatment Plant to deliver 20 discipline-specific LOD 350 Revit models, giving the engineering firm accurate existing conditions for major facility upgrades and long-term asset management.
Highlights THE BOTTOM LINE GPRS helped an engineering firm replace outdated, fragmented as-builts with 20 discipline-specific LOD 350 Revit models, giving them accurate, design ready existing conditions to plan major process upgrades at a Colorado Water Treatment Plant. Industry Water Treatment Facility Service 3D Laser Scanning, CADD/BIM Deliverables Registered 3D Point Cloud Files (Autodesk Recap Files, .RCP), LOD 350 3D Revit Model (.RVT), Site Plan, Leica TruView Files (.LGS) PROJECT APPLICATION 3D Laser Scanning and BIM Modeling a Water Treatment Facility Task GPRS 3D laser scanned a water treatment facility and created LOD 350 Revit models for architectural, structural, MEP, electrical, and HVAC systems. All models were built to integrate seamlessly with the client’s existing Revit families and delivered via Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). PROBLEM An 80 MGD facility and one of the Denver metro area’s largest water producers, needed reliable existing conditions data to support a conversion from direct filtration to a conventional treatment process. Challenges included: Outdated, inconsistent as-builts stored across multiple formats No unified reference for engineering, operations, or maintenance Strict scanning requirements: Night/weekend fieldwork ½ inch accuracy Extensive scan coverage of complex structures Alignment with previous GPRS datasets Custom Revit families and naming conventions Collaboration through ACC Without accurate geometry, the design team couldn’t confidently evaluate current assets or plan process upgrades. Solution GPRS performed a complete 3D reality capture and produced custom deliverables: Key actions: Scanned all major facility areas, including admin building, raw water control, flocculation basins, CP chamber, generators, substation, pump stations, recovery basins, and chemical rooms Registered and aligned new data with previous GPRS models Delivered a registered point cloud, TruView 360° imagery, and 3D virtual tour. Enabled engineering teams to calculate distances, areas, and volumes directly within the point cloud Provided a detailed site plan showing buildings, fences, gates, and topography for easy model integration Produced 20 LOD 350 Revit models, including architectural, structural, MEP, electrical, and HVAC systems This consolidated all facility data into a design ready BIM environment. Benefits Models adhered to the client's Revit family structure and naming conventions, no cleanup or reformatting required ACC collaboration ensured the client automatically received updates to all linked Revit files High accuracy 3D geometry minimized clashes, errors, and change orders Project engineers can access asset data in the field, reducing verification time and simplifying maintenance documentation Unified BIM supports O&M planning, CIP decisions, and overall infrastructure management
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GPRS 3D Laser Scans 30 Rockefeller Plaza to Support Lease Fit-Out

For the 54th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, GPRS delivered CADD plans, a BIM model, and REBNY compliant measurements so the architecture and design firm can obtain precise measurement of rentable square footage, accelerate design planning, and execute a tenant buildout with confidence.
An architecture and design firm required up-to-date existing conditions of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and comprehensive reality capture deliverables to customize and build out 33,000 s.f. on the 54th floor for a new global law firm tenant lease.
For the 54th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, GPRS delivered CAD plans, a BIM model, and REBNY compliant measurements so the architecture and design firm can obtain precise measurement of rentable square footage, accelerate design planning, and execute a tenant buildout with confidence.
GPRS 3D Laser Scans 30 Rockefeller Plaza to Support Lease Fit-Out Highlights THE BOTTOM LINE For the 54th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, GPRS delivered CAD plans, a BIM model, and REBNY compliant measurements so the architecture and design firm can obtain precise measurement of rentable square footage, accelerate design planning, and execute a tenant buildout with confidence. Industry Commercial Office Service Reality Capture: 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, CAD, BIM, BOMA/REBNY Analysis Location New York, New York Deliverables Colorized point cloud, 2D CAD drawings, floor contours, 3D Revit model, BOMA/REBNY analysis, 3D virtual tour PROJECT APPLICATION Reality Capture Office Space for Lease Task An architecture and design firm required up-to-date existing conditions of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and comprehensive reality capture deliverables to customize and build out 33,000 sq. ft. on the 54th floor for a new global law firm tenant lease. PROBLEM Building management requires accurate, up-to-date documentation for all floor layouts. The architecture and design firm needed detailed as-built information to customize the layout, interior finishes, and MEP requirements to meet the new tenant’s high-end specifications. ‍ Solution A GPRS Project Manager captured the space using a commercial grade 3D laser scanner and photogrammetry, then delivered a complete reality capture package: Colorized point cloud 2D floor plans & reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) Floor contour deformation maps 3D Revit model REBNY compliant area analysis & BOMA calculations 3D virtual tour ‍ Benefits The firm received accurate 2D plans, a 3D BIM model, and a virtual tour to support renovations, layout adjustments, and system installations. Floor contour maps revealed the real “topography” of interior floor surfaces, delivering precise elevations for correct alignment. A color coded MEP model made it easy to differentiate systems, identify clashes before construction, and prevent costly change orders. The REBNY analysis ensured the space was measured according to New York City’s commercial real estate standards, giving the client accurate square footage for planning and leasing.
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Floor Plan Creation
3D Laser Scanning
Virtual Tours
Mapping & Modeling
As-Built Creation

3D Laser Scanning and BIM Modeling for Pittock Block Data Center

GPRS used 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling to support Whiting-Turner’s renovation of one of the most critical telecom hubs on the West Coast.
GPRS partnered with Whiting-Turner to 3D laser scan 200,000 square feet of the Pittock Block Internet Exchange in Portland, Oregon, an eight story, 302,262 square foot carrier hotel, data center, and office space. Built in 1914, the historic building was adaptively reused from an electric substation into a modern data center that now hosts one of the highest densities of telecom networks and carriers on the West Coast. Whiting-Turner planned renovations to tenant and common areas on the ground, mezzanine, fourth, and eighth floors, including new entry vestibules, infrastructure upgrades, support rooms, and façade modifications. To support this work, GPRS captured as-built data of the building to generate a point cloud, CAD drawings, and Autodesk Revit Model.
GPRS partnered with Whiting-Turner to 3D laser scan 200,000 square feet of Pittock Block Internet Exchange in Portland, Oregon, an eight‑story, 302,262 s.f. carrier hotel, data center, and office space. Built in 1914, this historic building underwent adaptive reuse, evolving from an electric substation distribution location into a modern data center that now houses the second greatest density of telecom networks and carriers on the West Coast. Whiting-Turner was planning a renovation of tenant and common areas on the ground floor, mezzanine level, fourth floor, and eighth floor, including the construction of new entry vestibules, infrastructure and equipment upgrades, and support rooms as well as modifications to ground-floor facades. To support the renovation, GPRS reality captured as-built data of the building to generate a point cloud, CAD drawings, and an Autodesk Revit Model.
Highlights THE BOTTOM LINE GPRS used 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling to support Whiting-Turner’s renovation of one of the most critical telecom hubs on the West Coast. INDUSTRY Data Center SERVICE 3D Laser Scanning, Mapping & Modeling LOCATION Portland, Oregon GPRS Insight "This property spanned an entire city block and featured a central lightwell. My 3D scanning training and experience helped me to accurately tie in data from the lightwell to the rest of the building. The roof also contained an extensive cooling system to ensure that hot air generated by the data center is expelled to prevent damage to the servers." Daniel Jones, GPRS Project Manager Deliverables Point Cloud, 2D CAD Drawings, Autodesk Revit 3D BIM Model PROJECT APPLICATION GPRS delivers precise as‑built documentation to support data center construction, retrofits, and facility management. Through 3D laser scanning, CAD, and BIM modeling, we provide accurate data that empowers owners, contractors, and design teams to confidently design, build, operate, and maintain their facilities. Task GPRS partnered with Whiting-Turner to 3D laser scan 200,000 square feet of the Pittock Block Internet Exchange in Portland, Oregon, an eight story, 302,262 square foot carrier hotel, data center, and office space. Built in 1914, the historic building was adaptively reused from an electric substation into a modern data center that now hosts one of the highest densities of telecom networks and carriers on the West Coast. Whiting-Turner planned renovations to tenant and common areas on the ground, mezzanine, fourth, and eighth floors, including new entry vestibules, infrastructure upgrades, support rooms, and façade modifications. To support this work, GPRS captured as-built data of the building to generate a point cloud, CAD drawings, and Autodesk Revit Model. PROBLEM Renovations and infrastructure upgrades needed to be completed without disrupting ongoing tenant operations or critical systems. The facility could not experience downtime, as it housed 16 fiber optic carriers, 179 service providers, and seven subsea cables critical to its role as a global grade Internet Exchange. Renovations across multiple levels, including the ground, mezzanine, fourth, and eighth floors, had to modernize shared spaces, infrastructure, and systems while maintaining uptime. Entry vestibules needed to be updated in a way that enhanced security, yet preserved smooth tenant and visitor flow. Specialized rooms had to be designed and constructed to support IT infrastructure and facility operations while meeting strict technical requirements. Ground floor facades required modification while preserving the building’s historic character. Infrastructure and systems essential to data center operations had to be upgraded to ensure reliability, scalability, and compliance with industry standards. Scheduling challenges had to be addressed when certain areas were unavailable for scanning or construction due to demolition or phased work. ‍ Solution GPRS’ Project Manager captured 200,000 square feet of space with the Leica RTC360 scanner at 2-4mm accuracy, completing 504 individual laser scans. Two mobilizations were conducted to ensure complete coverage of the basement, levels 1–4, level 8, and the roof. All architectural, structural, and MEP systems, including data closets and cooling systems, were documented in a colorized point cloud, capturing walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, roof infrastructure, exposed columns, beams, stairs, piping, conduit, and ducts. An Autodesk Revit 3D BIM model was generated to provide precise details of the data center’s spatial relationships, geometry, structure, and systems. From the BIM model, 2D CAD drawings were produced to support pre-construction planning, enabling teams to quickly understand the project scope before advancing into detailed 3D modeling. ‍ Benefits 3D laser scanning delivered a comprehensive, real time digital view of the data center, capturing precise structural and MEP layouts that seamlessly integrated with CAD and BIM for accurate planning, clash detection, and efficient construction sequencing. Deliverables were shared via SiteMap, GPRS’ secure, cloud based platform and mobile app, which centralized point cloud data, CAD files, and BIM models into an interactive tool for easy access and collaboration. With accurate facility as-builts, errors, change orders, delays, and costs were reduced during renovation. Cooling system upgrades were enhanced through precise modeling of roof infrastructure. Whiting-Turner successfully delivered turnkey data center renovations to meet tenant needs.
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As-Built Creation
Mapping & Modeling
3D Laser Scanning

Reality Capture and Infrastructure Mapping at a Historic Courthouse

GPRS delivered comprehensive digital as-built documentation of a complex, historic courthouse to equip the architect with precise data to plan renovations, prevent costly construction errors, and comply with preservation regulations.
GPRS partnered with NM Building Enclosure Architecture to support renovations at the historic Lea County Courthouse. Through utility locating, concrete scanning, and reality capture, GPRS delivered comprehensive as-built data and generated CAD and BIM models that mapped underground utilities, concrete reinforcement, and all structural, architectural, and MEP systems, providing the architectural team with the insights needed to plan renovations with confidence.
GPRS partnered with NM Building Enclosure Architecture to support renovations at the historic Lea County Courthouse, delivering point cloud data, digital and PDF utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, TruViews, and a virtual tour, all accessible through SiteMap®, GPRS’ cloud-based GIS software platform.
Highlights THE BOTTOM LINE GPRS delivered comprehensive digital as-built documentation of a complex, historic courthouse to equip the architect with precise data to plan renovations, prevent costly construction errors, and comply with preservation regulations. INDUSTRY Historical Renovation SERVICE Utility Locating, Concrete Scanning, 3D Laser Scanning, Mapping & Modeling LOCATION Lovington, New Mexico PM Insight “Accurate as-built data empowered the architect to make informed decisions and plan long-term infrastructure improvements, all easily accessed through SiteMap, GPRS’ cloud-based GIS platform.” Emily Crego, GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team Deliverables Point Cloud, Digital and PDF Utility Maps, 2D CAD Drawings, 3D BIM Models, TruView, Virtual Tour, SiteMap® Task GPRS partnered with NM Building Enclosure Architecture to support renovations at the historic Lea County Courthouse. Through utility locating, concrete scanning, and reality capture, GPRS delivered comprehensive as-built data and generated CAD and BIM models that mapped underground utilities, concrete reinforcement, and all structural, architectural, and MEP systems, providing the architectural team with the insights needed to plan renovations with confidence. PROBLEM Built in 1936 and last updated in 1957, the courthouse is a designated historic property that required state approval for renovation under New Mexico’s preservation laws Renovations were needed to expand office space and upgrade public-facing facilities to meet departmental growth The architect needed to document the aging infrastructure, including boiler room, plumbing, electrical panels, and elevators in need of replacement The building footprint was complex, spanning 5 floors and 70,000 square feet, including a basement and three roof sections There were no up-to-date records of the building’s layout and infrastructure, which complicated design coordination and increased construction conflicts ‍ Solution GPRS scanned the block surrounding the courthouse using ground penetrating radar to locate & map underground utilities, including electric, communication, gas, water, sewer, irrigation, and unidentified lines Four 4'x4' concrete areas in front of elevators in the building were GPR scanned to assess slab conditions and detect embedded features such as rebar and conduit Full-color 3D laser scans documented the courthouse’s interior, exterior, and roof structures, capturing all architectural, structural, and MEP components, as well as field markings from utility locating and concrete scans Scan data was converted into detailed 2D CAD drawings and Architectural/Structural & MEP 3D Revit models All maps, drawings, and models were securely uploaded to SiteMap®, GPRS’ cloud-based GIS software platform ‍ Benefits The architect received accurate records of the building’s layout and infrastructure, minimizing guesswork and reducing construction risk Utility markings and concrete scan data helped to prevent costly strikes, structural damage, and delays during future work Captured data facilitated upgrades, space planning, and maintenance across all five floors The comprehensive above and below-ground documentation available 24/7 in SiteMap, guided safe renovations, streamlined maintenance, and will inform planning for the life of the historic building
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As-Built Creation
Concrete Scanning
Floor Plan Creation
Mapping & Modeling
Utility Locating