Pointfuse launches simple BIM solution for facilities management

November 21, 2019  - By
When jamming interfered with GPS signals at Newark Airport, a three-month effort determined that low-power, mobile personal-privacy devices were responsible. This article describes how they were found and outlines how the observable parameters of such devices encompass a wide variation in RF spectra and internal modulation.
Photo: Pointfuse

Photo: Pointfuse

Pointfuse has developed smart software that automates the identification and classification of objects for facilities management applications using data from mobile mapping systems like the new Leica BLK2GO.

Pointfuse software converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry into useable 3D mesh models. The unique ability to classify objects within Pointfuse, both automatically and manually, has already had a huge impact on how as-built data is used within design and construction. It can now realize real time records for space utilization and optimization projects, reducing costs and speeding workflows within facilities management.

The Leica BLK2GO. (Photo: Leica Geosystems)

The Leica BLK2GO. (Photo: Leica Geosystems)

Pointfuse Simple BIM (sBIM) leverages the core functionality of Pointfuse — the segmented mesh model; automatically converting classified mesh models into “family” groups, such as walls, floors, doors, windows, etc. for use with popular downstream BIM and FM software. Pointfuse sBIM data can then be exported as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) parametrized objects and 2D floors plans and space management reports easily derived. Pointfuse sBIM also automatically calculates quantities, areas and dimensions in an easy to read PDF report.

“This ability to convert classified objects into family place holders has a huge impact on how as-built data is used within a Scan2BIM workflow with the potential for a real return on investment for facilities and space management applications,” said Mark Senior, regional sales director at Pointfuse. “The combination of ease and speed of data capture, as offered by modern hand-held indoor mapping systems like the newly launched Leica BLK2GO, with the automation of Pointfuse processing will release the potential of laser scanning across this sector.”

Pointfuse sBIM was developed in response to a large scale client opportunity that saw the scanning of millions of square feet of facilities with the final deployment of data in Archibus facilities management software using Autodesk Revit as a bridge. Early testing identified that 3D was as quick to create as traditional 2D workflows and exported data is in the region of hundreds of Kbs compared to the Gb volumes of the original point cloud. Taking the process one step further Pointfuse provides an accurate record of the as-built scene by allowing users to create Hybrid meshes combining Pointfuse models with the sBIM IFC container.

Pointfuse will be showcasing the sBIM functionality at the Autodesk University (AU) Expo which takes place Nov. 19-21 at the Sand Expo Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada.