Creating 3D Models From 2D Floor Plans: Part 3

In previous posts, I started to outline a workflow that eased the process of taking an existing AutoCAD floor plan to a 3D model, the workflow was also using 3D scans as an error check.  The final installment is where all the work pays off and we can validate our model with the 3D scan data.

In the last post, I had connected the Revit and ReCap models, with the help of Navisworks.  Using the Real View function in ReCap, we are able to see both models as an overlay.  We are then able to take measurements from the model to determine corrections that should be made.  It is important to understand, that we could potentially take real life measurements too.  

Once we know what corrections or additions need to be made, you return to the CAD models, in their native applications and use standard editing and modeling techniques to make the corrections.  In the case of AutoCAD and Revit, you have to decide if you want to maintain the Revit model, AutoCAD floor plan, or both.  Personally, I would maintain the Revit model and designate the AutoCAD floor plan as an obsolete file.

Once the CAD models are changed, it will be important to incorporate those changes in the Navisworks model, especially if you want to see them in the combined ReCap and Revit view, in ReCap.  The trick here is that the NDW file, that is attached to the ReCap point cloud, will not live update and will need to be re-exported.  So the proper workflow is to open the Navisworks NWF file, which does maintain a live link to the CAD models represented.  I recommend using Save As to create the NWD file and overwrite the previously created NWD file.  The reason for this, is that we can reload, or refresh, the attached Navisworks project in ReCap.  If you generate a new NWD, you will have to delete the attached model and attach the new one.

If you find that you have a significant amount of changes to make to your Revit model, it might be easier to insert the ReCap model into the Revit model in Revit.  There are tools that will allow you to snap to the point cloud when moving and inserting objects.

Here is a YouTube video that demonstrates this portion of the workflow.

Who Can Use Factory Design Utilites? (Hint: Probably You!)

In March, I hosted MESA Inc's webinar entitled "Who Can Use Factory Design Utilites?  (Hint: Probably You).  In the webinar, I demonstrate how the Factory Design Utilities workflow can be applied to non-factory facilities.  There are plenty of ways these tools can be applied to factory and non-factory facilities.  If you want to see how these tools work, you can watch a recording of the webinar here.