Laser Scanning's Impact On Surveying

How Laser Scanning Has Revolutionized Surveying

Lidar

Laser scanning provides more detailed and more accurate data than information obtained through manual measurements, incomplete or obsolete as-built drawings and/or maps.

The accuracy of models prepared using laser scanning technology translates directly into reduced project cost due to the reduction of construction reworks and delays. 3D models also facilitate cost reduction through the accurate development of prefabricated construction components and materials.

Prevents schedule delays by reducing time required to collect data from as-built structures 

Safer data collection- information can be obtained from the ground without the need for harnesses and other safety equipment. Data can be collected in areas that are too dangerous or unstable for people to safely work

Laser Scan of Plaza at SJ History Park
Nventum, LLC.

Eliminates costly return visits to project sites to verify measurements

Unobtrusive data collection technology reduces field construction time and facility down time.

Data captured by the laser scan can be translated in accurate 2D or 3D AutoCAD drawings to be used for 3D visual walk-throughs and 2D or 3D design. The data could ultimately be rendered into a complete 3D Building Information Model. 

How Laser Scanning Is Revolutionizing Museums and Public Venues
The 3D Model is the ideal database for storing and accessing information about the entire life-cycle of a facility. 

History San Jose

Building Information Modeling contains building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components and materials.

Data contained in the BIM allows for real-time energy audits, acoustical simulations, maintenance and monitoring of air contaminants/pollutants and development and implementation of various RFI technologies and solutions.

The marriage of BIM and GIS technology will provide unique marketing/sales opportunities resulting in new revenue streams for facility owner/operators.

Historic Pasetta House
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum LLC.

The concept of Virtual Museums is no longer confined to a collection of high definition photographs.

3D model is an excellent marketing tool; allowing a client, exhibitor, guest or visitor to see the facility without actually being there.

BIM is a useful tool in the reduction, monitoring and maintenance of a facility's carbon footprint.

BIM software applications allow building operators to monitor and adjust the building's electrical, environmental, mechanical and security systems remotely via SMART phones, tablets or laptops.


Read about America's Smithsonian's exploration of 3D laser scanning technology at
http://www.surveyequipment.com/news/article/smithsonian-exploring-3d-laser-scanning-of-museum-collections-181859.html
...or
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-02/smithsonian-3-d-printer-please-give-me-friendship-7-call-my-own
...or
http://smithsonianscience.org/2012/06/specialists-are-using-3-d-laser-scanning-to-unravel-ancient-mysteries-in-the-smithsonian-collections/

Silicon Valley's BIM Leaders

Though Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been around for some time now, many contractors have yet to fully adopt the technology.  When BIM was still in its infancy, the high cost of equipment and training, plus the lack of demand were understandable reasons for contractors to be hesitant to buy into the technology. 
Today, the cost of equipment has come down significantly, there are new training programs available for professionals and the applications for the technology continue to expand.
The Silicon Valley is home to some of the finest construction firms in the world. These firms continue to raise the bar when it comes to BIM Projects, VD&C and sustainable construction. Here are a few of the Bay Areas top BIM/VD&C contractors:
BLACH CONSTRUCTION
"An early leader in BIM, Blach Construction employs a wide variety of modeling tools including ArchiCAD, Revit, NavisWorks, 3Ds Max Design and Google Sketch-up. Among other benefits, BIM enables the coordination of building systems designs and installation, analysis of building efficiency and life-cycle cost and serves as a powerful constructability and estimating tool"...from Blach Construction's webpage
http://www.blach.com/

HATHAWAY and DINWIDDIE
"We build technology- Hathaway and Dinwiddie is a leader in the use of Building Information Modeling. We use BIM, a computer based, 3D modeling and visualization process in every phase of our project delivery life-cycle. In pre-construction, Hathaway and Dinwiddie is an innovator in advancing BIM capabilities that vastly improve the project estimating and planning processes. We add value in the coordination process through our use of 3D detailing and coordination in a virtual environment, addressing clashes and mitigating conflicts before breaking ground. As we integrate BIM into the construction site, we see increases in productivity and advancement in prefabrication that have profound impacts on cost, schedule and sustainability.
Through continued development of advance construction techniques, Hathaway and Dinwiddie remains California's builder of choice and an industry leader in BIM integration technology...from the Hathaway and Dinwiddie webpage
http://www.hdcco.com/contact/Default.aspx?tab=0#tab0

SWINERTON INCORPORATED
Adding Value Through Technology- Swinerton gains a tremendous amount of knowledge about the project by first building it virtually. Not only are unclear design intent issues and design errors discovered before construction but RFI and Submittal communications become more clear with the design team through the use of Virtual Design & Construction (VD&C) models.
Communications among the various building trades become more collaborative, risk is reduce for everyone and cost become more transparent. Schedules become more attainable as "what must be done, when" becomes clear to the whole construction team.
...Since that start of our VD&C initiative in 2007, Swinerton has applied VD&C technologies on 162 projects totaling 49.9 million square feet and a combined construction value of over $11 Billion."...from the Swinerton Incorporated webpage
http://www.swinerton.com/web/do/content/contactUs

TURNER CONSTRUCTION
"Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of constructing a 3D digital model in conjunction with or before embarking on a real-world construction project. BIM means building twice; first on the computer and then in the field. BIM has many new applications in the construction industry but its primary uses are as a means of visualization and a tool for trade coordination."...from Turner Construction webpage
http://www.turnerconstruction.com/office-network/san-jose

WALTERS and WOLF
"Walters and Wolf is well versed in Building Information Modeling (BIM). As an early Revit adopter (2002( and a registered member of the Autodesk Developer network, we have been producing 3D fabrication tickets and CNC programming for the last 10 years. The idea of a model-to-shop-floor solution is not possible with most current software so Walters and Wolf built proprietary programs to convert digital information from shop drawings to full 3D extrusions.
Walters and Wolf has the software and personnel to participate in the Building Information Models that are used to not only detect potential design conflicts but also build project schedules and product installation sequencing."...from the Walters and Wolf webpage.
http://www.waltersandwolf.com/

Visit our online journal focusing on the historic and iconic architecture of Silicon Valley: www.virtualdesignanalysissiliconvalley.blogspot.com

Academic Leadership and the Evolution of Construction

"Digitally preserving cultural heritage sites through collecting, archiving and providing open access to data created by laser scanning, digital modeling and other state-of-the-art technologies."...CyArk Mission Statement

Printing Office at San Jose History Park
Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

Historic Documentation

Low Resolution Laser Scan of Print Office at SJ History Park
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC

BIM Development

Laser Scan of Printing Office w/Photo Overlay
Laser Scan w/Texture Map by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Facility Documentation

Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.
(Low Resolution)

As-Built Construction Documentation

Low Resolution Scan of Printing Office
Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Academic Leaders in Modern Construction
"The Center for Advance Spatial Technologies (CAST) is dedicated to research and applications in geospatial analysis and modeling, enterprise spatial databases, remote sensing, digital photogrammetry and geospatial interoperability and has been selected as a Center of Excellence by Intergraph Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Trimble Navigation LTD., Sun Microsystems, Skyline Software, Definiens Imaging Software, PCI Geomatics, Safe Software, IONIC Software and eSpatial Systems."...Mission Statement for Center for Advance Spatial Technologies at University of Arkansas.

"The CIFE mission is to be the world's premier academic research center for Virtual Design and Construction of Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry projects...to support exceptionally reliable engineering and management practices to plan, design, construct and operate sustainable facilities."...Mission statement for the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering- CIFE at Stanford University

"a digital representation of physical and functional charateristics. A BIM is a shared knowledge resources for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition."...Penn State University's Computer Integrated Construction Resource Program

Notable University BIM/VDC Programs

Carnegie Mellon University  

Texas A&M- BIM at UTexas

UTexas at Austin- UTexas Field Systems and Construction Automation Laboratory (FSCAL)

Georgia Institute of Technology- Construction Information Technology Laboratory (CITL)

Virginia Tech- Real-time and Automated Monitoring and Control (RAAMAC) laboratory

 Massachusetts Institute of Technology-  Feniosky Pena-Mora Research Group
Penn State University- Computer Integrated Construction Research Program

Notable BIM Certificate Programs

http://www.cadteacher.com/cad400.htm

University of San Diego Extension Program

http://www.evc.edu/bat/bim.pdf

Evergreen Valley College BIM/VDC Program

http://www.cadmasters.com/training1.asp?title=training&gclid=CJa__tnR07ACFQhahwod51WP3Q

CAD Masters, Inc.- AutoDesk Authorized Training Centers

http://au.autodesk.com/

Autodesk University Online

http://www.scps.nyu.edu/areas-of-study/real-estate/professional-certificates/aec-certificates/building-information-modeling-using-revit.html

New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies

http://construction.org/

The Construction Institute- (University of Hartford, CT.)

http://www.turnerconstruction.com/turner-university
Turner University- Turner Construction

Laser Scanning and the GSA

Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

...From the United States General Services Administration, Office of the Chief Architect's webpage

GSA's Office of the Chief Architect (OCA) is currently encouraging, documenting, and evaluating 3D laser scanning technologies on a project-by-project need basis. 3D laser scanning has become a prominent vehicle for acquiring building spatial data in three dimensions with high fidelity and low processing time. The rapid collection of 3D information serves several purposes across GSA business lines, including:

• Historic Documentation
• Facility Documentation
• BIM Development
• Construction as-Built Development    

Using funding awarded by the Public Buildings Services Office of the Chief Information Officer's Venture Capital program, OCA is partnering with other agencies and organizations, such as NIBS, NIST, ASTM, FIATECH, and SPAR Point to develop best practices and standards for 3D laser scanning.   OCA is currently conducting pilot projects in Brooklyn, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; and Miami, Florida and will be including laser scanning best practices in Series 03 of the BIM Guide Series.

Laser Scan of Pasetta House
by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

GSA Contact:

Matta, CharlesDirector, Federal Bldgs & Modernizations
1800 F Street NW Suite 3300
Washington DC 20405-0001Phone:            (202) 219-2355      
Email: charles.matta@gsa.gov

The Evolution of the Construction Industry

Tradition

 “Construction is a team sport, and BIM is dramatically reshaping the way project teams work together to increase productivity and improve outcomes for all. This is driving the most transformative evolution the construction industry has ever experienced.”…McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report, Design and Construction Intelligence, National Institute of Building Sciences

If you look at the construction and operation of facilities you can't help but realize that the techniques used today are virtually the same techniques that have been in use for centuries. Blueprints, floor plans and schematics have been the technology of choice for building homes, public facilities, schools and churches since the recording of history. Whether you are designing a home, selecting a hotel room, renting office space or building an addition to your current facility, the process begins with a basic 2D floor plan drawn on a piece of paper. Of course, innovations like CAD have made life easier but the basic format for designing or illustrating the dimensions, layout and design of a residential or public facility have remained unchanged.
While this process has been in use for centuries all over the world, it is not without it's problems. The construction field is synonymous with cost overruns, last minute changes in design and financial hurdles. Much of the cost are due to fragmentation during the construction phase. If you look at the construction process from start to finish, the gaps in the flow of information are obvious. Even so, there has been little effort to change the inefficiency has become embedded in the construction process. A typical construction project can have dozens of blueprints; each with different information specifically designed for different person/department. This fragmentation translates into cost that are eventually passed on to building owners. With these types of issues, why is the industry so slow to change?

"FIATECH" is an international community of passionate stakeholders working together to lead global development and adoption of innovative practices and technologies to realize the highest business value throughout the life cycle of capital assets...from the FIATECH website, www.fiatech.org

SJ City Hall

When our city leaders decided to build the new City Hall, the original cost estimates were approximately $214 million. Soon after, the cost estimate went to over $340 million; the final cost was approximately $382 million for the 55,000 square foot facility. The cost overruns can be attributed to several sources however a major factor in the increase in cost is labor; labor required to re-design, re-engineer, remove, re-deliver or re-order  parts or equipment that had to be changed at the construction site due to insufficient information. The electrician's blueprints don't have the plumber's schematic, notes or information. The plumber's blueprints don't have the HVAC plans. The carpenter's blueprints don't include the electrician's plans and so there are breaks in communication; the fragmentation within the process continues.
 Here's a typical example of what sometimes happens at construction sites; the HVAC contractor arrives at the construction site of a new office building to install a section of conduit on the third floor. Once on site, the HVAC contractor realizes there is an electrical tray in the path where the conduit was supposed to be installed. The HVAC contractor doesn't have this tray on his/her blueprints, so works stops while the contractor calls the office. After an hour of discussion(s), the contractor takes the pre-fab conduit back to the warehouse and the contractor re-designs the conduit to compensate for the electrical tray that was not included on their plans. Meanwhile, the HVAC installer, through no fault of their own, didn't accomplish the task scheduled for that day. The process of re-designing the HVAC system could set them back several days. Of course, the building owner is absorbing the cost for the entire process. This is just part of the business. There is nothing "shady" or unethical about this. No one is out to purposely run up the cost for owners and certainly no one wants to alienate a client. These things happen when you have several sub-contractors who each have a singular focus.

"The global capital projects industry, despite years of effort, is not achieving a level of interoperability exchanging models and data, or in process systems and tools that captures near the value opportunity to the industry stakeholders. Fiatech’s Vision Paper presents an overview of current industry activities for advancing interoperability, and puts forward building blocks with calls for action to accelerate advancement of interoperability to achieve step change value gains in the industry."...Comments on Interoperability From FIATECH website.

 However, it's not only the contractor and sub-contractors that contribute to the information gap. Owners and architects will sometimes make changes during project that require subcontractors re-design or re-work a given assignment. This creates more delays in work flow, which creates higher cost, which are passed on to the building owner.
 So, what can be done to correct these types of costly delays? Could a shared platform, accessible on a database or server, that provides all parties with real-time information, time-lines and updates be the answer? This is the role of the 3D model in the design and construction of buildings. 
 While I've written about the merits of this technology, the need for workforce development in the field(s) of BIM and VDC, the merging of BIM and GIS technology and so on, I am not the only person shouting about the importance of this technology nor am I the leading authority on these topics. This is not science fiction or a planned concept for the near future.This is today's technology. Some of the leading organizations and scholars and institutions of higher learning are deeply involved in 3D, BIM Technology and Virtual Design Construction.

Stanford University

Center For Integrated Facility Engineering- Stanford, CA.
The CIFE mission is to be the world's premier academic research center for Virtual Design and Construction of Architecture - Engineering - Construction (AEC) industry projects ... to support exceptionally reliable engineering and management practices to plan, design, construct and operate sustainable facilities...from the Stanford University CIFE website

 The question is, if this technology is such a major step in the evolution of construction, facility maintenance and operations, why aren't more industry leaders jumping on the bandwagon for 3D Modeling and BIM? The answer to that question isn't as easy as one might think. 

 The first thing that comes to mind today is the poor economic climate. This is always the quick and easy answer but in this case it doesn't apply. Apple Computer has recently began designing a $500 million campus. Apple  purchased an additional 98 acres in Cupertino for $300 million that used to be the old HP campus. A local hospital recently paid over $100 million dollars to create a 3D Model of their facility expansion. There is a new stadium under construction in Santa Clara. There are plans being made for an $800 million dollar stadium on the SF waterfront for the Warriors. There are many more large projects underway in and around Silicon Valley. Money is a problem for some but certainly not all and not among the big general contractors and architectural firms.

Green Building of the future

 Given the various projects underway in this region, why aren't more projects incorporating this cutting edge technology in the construction, maintenance and operations plan? I can tell you from our experience at NVentum, the challenges with introducing this particular technology has been a difficult but very interesting process. The real question we keep asking ourselves is, who will drive the need for BIM and 3D technology?

"The buildingSMART alliance™ is a unique organization helping to make the North American real property industry more efficient by leading the creation of tools and standards that allow projects to be built electronically before they are built physically using Building Information Modeling."..from the Building Smart Alliance website, a council of the National institute of Building Sciences.

 Many of the architects we've met and worked with have an interest in 3D modeling and BIM technology. Most use VDC to create models for their presentations. However, the creating a 3D model of an as-built facility or of a facility under construction is something done in the field. Though there is tremendous benefit to have a 3D model of a facility, this is not something architects do. This makes it unlikely that architects would be the driving force behind this new technology.

From my perspective, labor unions were the obvious answer to this question; who better to drive this new technology? Unions are responsible for keeping their members informed and educated in the latest skills and techniques in their area of expertise. Training their members would assist in insuring future employment for the coming economic wave. This is a no-brainer, right? Not so fast, we spent years trying to get local unions to look into this technology and create training curriculum and opportunities for members. In most cases, senior membership struggled with the concept of moving away from techniques they've been practicing their entire careers. One long-time union member said it best, "I'm retiring in three years. Why would I want to relearn how to do my job now?" This wasn't the sentiment of all unions, however. Others were supportive of the concept but reluctant to spend money on expensive equipment and training cost when union dues are down due to the economy. It is unlikely that a push for new technology in the construction field(s) will come from labor unions.

Centuries Old Technique

 Many of the big general contractors are fully aware of the technology and the various applications. Several have BIM coordinators/managers on staff or under contract for specific projects. However, general contractors are in the business of providing bids for jobs. Anything is not deemed critical yet adds to the cost of a bid is a liability. While most Bay Area cities have green building ordinances, none require 3D/BIM technology Most green building codes refer to LEED standards and none address as-built building unless the facility(s) being re-modeled. It is unlikely that general contractors will become the driving force behind this push for technology.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, CO2 emissions from commercial buildings are predicted to grow at about 1.8 percent annually through 2030, faster than any other sector of the economy. If 50% of new commercial buildings are built to use 50% less energy, more than 6 million metric tons of C)2 would be saved annually for the life of the facility, 50 to 100 years.

 Though the cost of construction can be very high, it is the cost of maintaining and operating a facility through it's life cycle that is most costly. The cost of power, water, maintenance and upkeep is where the majority of the owner's investment lays. Having the ability to monitor and adjust energy consumption, reduce maintenance cost through prevention and scheduling,  to reduce the carbon footprint of the facility, increase employee health and productivity by monitoring and correcting air quality and contaminant, increase overall productivity by reducing response and repair times by contractors; these are the real benefits to 3D/BIM technology. The real key to the widespread implementation of these innovative technologies is the education of building owners. It is the building owners who will set the demand for this new technology. The building owners who will begin the revolution in workforce development and set in motion the evolution of the construction industry. When building owners start to require 3D Models and BIM technology in the bid process, that's when you will see architects, contractors and unions rushing to recruit people with BIM experience and  looking for training opportunities for employees and members. It all starts with the building owners, the people who bare the cost and therefore have the most at stake. 

"Proper Building Information Management (BIM) technology can have a major impact on the health and productivity of our community. Existing SMART technologies and procedures can improve Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in a manner that significantly increases employee productivity and health According to an August 2000 report from the Environmental Energy Technologies Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the estimated potential savings and productivity gains in the U.S. alone are $6 Billion to $14 Billion from reduced respiratory disease, $2 to $4 billion from reduced allergies and $20 to $160 Billion from direct improvement in worker performance related to health."...http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/index.html

Today's "Blueprints"
Laser Scan of HSJ Trolley Barn
by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Making The Case For Historic Documentation

"Historic preservation can -and should- be an important component of any effort to promote sustainable development. The conservation and improvement of our existing built resources, including re-use of historic and older buildings, greening the existing building stock and re-investment in older historic communities is crucial to combating climate change..." Preservation Nation.org

SAN JOSE'S RICH HISTORY
California's First Civilian Settlement- November 29, 1777
California's First State Capital- 1849-1852
California's First Incorporated City- March 27, 1850

San Jose is the third largest city in California and the tenth largest city in the country. Founded in November 1777, El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe was the first civilian town in the Spanish territory of Nueva California. The settlement served as a farming community to support military installations at Monterey and San Francisco, CA. Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by creating a strong sense of identity; understanding our heritage, connecting the stories of past generations to the experiences of today. 

Old Chinatown
(East side of Market Street, from San Fernando to San Carlos Streets)From 1872 to 1887 a large Chinese population lived and prospered in this area. By the late 1800's, downtown businesses were expanding and many of the business leaders wanted to relocate Chinatown. In 1887, after several unsuccessful attempts at relocation, a mysterious fire tore through Chinatown's wooden and brick structures. Within a matter of hours, the entire community was wiped off the map. This historic marker is the last reminder of the community and the people of old Chinatown.

Rare Photo of Old Chinatown
cir.1880/View From Market Street

The Donner-Houghton House
The Donner-Houghton House was built by Sherman Otis Houghton, a well known attorney and politician and in 1881. A former mayor f San Jose, Deputy Clerk of the California Supreme Court and Commissioner of the US Mint at San Francisco, in 1859, Mr. Houghton married Mary Martha Donner a survivor of the Donner Party. 

Donner-Houghton Mansion 2006

The Donner-Houghton home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Plans were being made to move the home to the San Jose History Park.
On the morning of July 9, 2007, the home was almost completely destroyed  by fire.

Donner-Houghton Mansion- July 2007

The Kelley House

Original Kelley House Elevation

at San Jose's Kelley Park
The 5600 Square Foot Kelley House was built in 1912 and was the last historical structure associated with the Kelley Family. The property was once owned by Louise Kelley who inherited it from her father, former San Jose mayor, Lawrence Archer.The 160 acre property was originally named "Lone Oak" was purchased in 1861. The original house burned to the ground in 
1909. The new home was built in the same location in 1910. In 1951, Louise Archer Flavin Kelley sold the house and 63 acres to the City of San Jose for use as a public park, on the condition she be allowed to live in the family home for the rest of her life. She died six months later in February 1952 at the age of 89. 

Kelley Fire 

Kelley House Fire
February 2012
In February 2012, the Kelley House was destroyed by fire. Estimates to restore the home to historic conditions are from $6 to $8 million.

IBM Building #25

IBM Building 25

When IBM erected the Advance Research Building number 25 in 1957, it was the symbol of Silicon Valley innovation. The building was developed to house IBM's top data-storage, who made history with the development of the flying head disc drive. The data technology allowed for online transaction processing, which companies like American Airlines used for real-time reservation systems. In 1958, Factory-Maintenance and management named the building "Plant of The Year" out of 900 sites. The Historic Landmarks Commission named this site is "one of the finest examples of Modern Industrial architecture in Santa Clara County". 

IBM's Historic Building #25
Destroyed by Fire March 2008

The documentation of historic architecture provides insight into the artistry, craftsmanship, culture and technology of our forefathers. Understanding the techniques and technology of the past helps pave the way for the innovations of today and tomorrow. Modern cutting edge sustainable construction technology, the efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of capital facilities and the emergence of LEED technology have their roots in the study of our historic architecture.

For more information on iconic Silicon Valley Architecture, 

Visit our Silicon Valley Blog at www.virtualdesignanalysissiliconvalley.blogspot.com

Clarifying BIM

What is BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING?

 The National Institute of Building Sciences defines BIM as

 Building Information Modeling (BIM) utilizes cutting edge digital technology to establish a computable representation of all the physical and functional characteristics of a facility and its related project/life-cycle information, and it is intended to be a repository of information for the facility owner/operator to use and maintain throughout the life-cycle of a facility.

In simple English, BIM technology uses a 3D model as a data base for information about the building and all operating systems; environmental, security, MEP, etc.. The diagram below, courtesy of AEC Infosystems Inc., gives an excellent example of BIM technology. As you can see, the image of the door and door frame have pop-up categories with room for myriad information about the door, the frame and hardware. The information can be retrieved for use at any time and can be altered, changed or edited by the administrator/primary user(s) as necessary.

Detailed examination of the diagram provides insight into the type of information that can be stored and retrieved from a 3D model. The information from the model can be used for operations, planning,  construction, facility retrofits and as-built documentation.
Facility owners can conduct a variety of simulations utilizing the information stored within the 3D model. For example, the diagram above contains a significant amount of information about the construction of the door. In addition to the dimensions of the door, the diagram includes the door's fire rating, acoustical rating, glass inserts, heat transfer rate, etc. This vital information can be used to create a variety of simulations that can help a facility owner decide what types of changes, retrofits or upgrades would provide the best results for the long term operation of a facility. Acoustical simulations, energy simulations, heat transfer simulations can all be conducted within the 3D model. The facility owner/operator can exchange the door in the virtual world, replacing it with a door that has different fire rating, heat transfer rating, different type of glass inserts and conduct simulations for sound, air flow and energy usage. Simulations like these can help facility owner/operators develop strategies to reduce operational cost.
Air contaminants are a critical concern for museums. The quality of the air, the flow, moisture and circulation can have a major impact on exhibits, especially historic items. The ability to test the quality of the air and its impact on the museum environment is crucial to the long term survival of historic artifacts. BIM technology holds the answers to the problems that all museums struggle to address.
Given the detailed information included in the diagram above, imagine what type of information can be included in an entire building that incorporates BIM technology. Windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, landscaping, there is no  aspect of a building that cannot benefit from the inclusion of BIM technology.

Documenting Historic Sites

Laser scanning is not an untested technology when it comes to the documentation of archaeological sites. There are currently dozens and dozens of preservation projects underway around world utilizing laser scanning technology to capture and store data. Organizations like the Center For Advance Spatial Technologies, CyARK and Universities from all over the world are working with lasers and 3D models to document and preserve historic structures and sites for future generations.

Here are just some of the historic preservation projects currently underway around the world:

CAST Projects
(Center For Advance Spatial Technologies)

Project: Laser scanning of Machu Picchu, Peru. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies w/University of California Los Angeles' Cotson Institute for Archaeology. "Computer Modeling of Heritage Resources Field Program" 

Project: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Historic Civil War Site
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies- University
of Arkansas Honors College

Project: "Visualizing The Roman City: Ostia Antica"
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies w/ University
of Arkansas Honors College




CyARK Preservation Projects

Church of Sao Francisco

Church of Sao Francisco- Bahia Brazil, 1538
Mt. Rushmore- South Dakota
Medieval Bridge at Regensburg Germany
The Presidio of San Francisco
The Cathedral of Beauvais, Beauvais France
Ruins at Chichen Itza, Mexico
The Ramesseum at Ancient Thebes, Egypt
Deadwood, South Dakota
Temple at Angkor, Cambodia

The Ruins at Pompeii

Mesa Verde Ruins

Roman Baths, Weibenburg, Bavaria

Rapa Nui- Easter Island Monolith

Qal' at al-Bahrain- (14th Century Portuguese Fort)
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado...(in collaboration w/Texas Tech University, UC Berkeley and National Park Service)

Chichen Itza-
 Mayan Ruins

Chichen Laser Scan

These are just some of the historic preservation projects currently underway around the world that are utilizing laser scanning technology for documentation purposes. Given the number and the extent of the historic documentation projects listed above, what makes "Capturing History" such a unique project? What is History San Jose, NVentum LLC. and Evergreen Valley College doing that sets this project apart from all others?

Pasetta House
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

The Difference is BIM
Capturing History utilizes laser technology as the foundation of our project in the same manner as other documentation projects. Laser scanning provides fast accurate documentation for condition monitoring, preservation, clash detection and virtual reconstruction. However, this is just scratching the surface of what this technology can be used for. As mentioned in many of my previous post, one of the major objectives of this project is to create a BIM model of the historic buildings and the History Park' s 14 acre campus.

Blacksmith's Shed and Trolley Barn
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC

A complete BIM model of the HSJ campus and facilities will provide a shared platform for the day to day maintenance, management and operations of the museum.
Operations staff will use the 3D model for virtual expansion of the park grounds, to monitor mechanical systems, plan/install sustainable energy upgrades, conduct facility performance simulations, or to schedule maintenance and repairs.
Administrative staff will use the 3D model as a project calendar and to schedule events
Marketing staff will use the model as a sales tool, a data base and/or online exhibit.

Pasetta House
Scan by Ken Hanna

Safety/Security staff will use the 3D model to monitor the museum's assets, emergency planning, traffic control, fire inspection/permits, seismic monitoring/retrofits, etc.

The Capturing History project answers the question, "what now?... Now that I have this 3D model, what can I do with it?"

Pasetta House

Pasetta Porch/Entrance