As construction and property consultancy specialists Summers-Inman ensure that the latest technology is used to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget and with the lowest environmental impact possible. We talk to Dan Green & Gavin Waldron, from the Building Surveying team based at the Leicester office, about the use of REVIT and 3D drawing within Building Surveying.
What is REVIT?
Revit is a software package that enables production of 3D models of buildings and structures. It can produce more photo realistic renders. It can also incorporate building information into the modelling (BIM) to enable management and coordination of information between parties.
What is 3D modelling?
3D modelling is the creation of a 1:1 3D representation of a building or structure in a specialist programme for the purpose of record or future work/alteration.
During a survey/scan the laser scanner measures the building by firing a laser millions of times per minute. The scanner uses these measurements to determine where points are in relation to itself and builds up a 3D point cloud representation of the building.
HDS Laser Scanners we typically use:
Software for processing point cloud data:
Why do you use the software?
The software offers a time saving and paperless alternative to the old style of mapping buildings. These older methods are typically using tape measure and laser disto.
A laser scanner can measure and record a room completely within a few minutes including the setting up of the scanner on a tripod, etc. whereas a surveyor using a disto would take quite a bit longer to capture basic room dimensions with window and doors positions, etc. Additionally, the scanner will pick up all fixtures and fittings at the same time as it collects the room dimensions.
It allows multiple stakeholders to view and have input on the plans. It also allows the client to see how the finished project will look, which adds reassurance and understanding to the process, and ultimately a smoother sign off process.
What are the benefits to Summers-Inman?
The use of 3D modelling within Building Surveying is a relatively new process, but its introduction has bought about many cost saving benefits to Summers-Inman, and clients alike. Collecting all possible data quickly and efficiently decreases costs and reduces the need for additional site visits. Data is more accurate and better results come faster with more detail.
This in turn improves productivity, presents a smoother sign off process and ultimately improves value per project due to the time saved.
What are the benefits to our clients?
The benefits to our clients are significant. Not only are detailed plans produced quickly and accurately, but the finished drawing also allows the client to clearly visualise the finished project. This keeps costs lower and makes the sign off process smoother.
How does using this software help towards our environmental and sustainability commitments
We recognise that all activities have an influence on the environment, and we take our responsibility in this respect very seriously. We seek to continually improve on any environmental impact we may have and engage with our people daily to learn and understand how we can better provide our services whilst lessening any effect on the environment. 3D modelling fits with our ethos as it is a paperless system, it is also time saving and therefore adds value to our services offered to our clients.
If you would like to know more about the use of REVIT and 3D modelling within Building Surveying, then contact our team at info@summers-inman.co.uk
