Reality Capture: Q&A

Rory, Interior Designer and Reality Capture lead, shares his career experience and answers our questions on how Fresh has applied advanced technology to optimise design processes, manage construction projects, and create Digital Twins…

My journey into the world of Reality Capture and creating Digital Twin networks started with a background in interior design and technical drawing. I became first interested in the field when I began experimenting with newer data capture technology to enhance technical drawings and the more traditional processes that we were using to create work at the time.

Reality Capture and Digital Twin creation are emerging as new advancements in surveying and 3D modelling, and both are quickly becoming a new industry standard and proving to be fundamental tools. As with all new technologies, I believe there is much unexplored potential for the use of Digital Twins and their users.

1. So, what exactly is Reality Capture?

Reality Capture is the process of digitalising a built environment. The process involves using modern data capture technology, such as laser scanners and drones, to collect accurate 3D data to form digital models of a building and its surrounding environment.

2. When would businesses need to use Reality Capture?

Many companies choose to invest in Reality Capture because, it can immensely improve the efficiency of a project.

A company may be looking to expand, optimise, or modernise their business. Reality Capture will ensure they have access to digital models of the highest specification to assist their goals.

For expansion, it can be a valuable design tool that allows accurate re-purposing and simulations of potential new premises.

For optimisation, various operations can be simulated in the virtual space before being undertaken. This makes it very attractive to businesses looking to optimise operations and measure the efficiency of their existing premises. For example, rearranging or creating new factory lines or workflows in order to test future operations.

For modernisation, a business might also be looking at creating a Digital Twin for its entire network. The process can assist all those employed at the company, from facility managers and business leaders to architects and project managers.

3. What does Fresh offer to those businesses looking to use Reality Capture?

As an industry leader, Fresh is on hand to guide first-time users through the process of digitalising their network.

We usually deliver this process in three steps:

Consult, Collect and Create

Consult: during our consultation phase, we help determine exactly what you want, need, and require from your Digital Twin to roll out plan.

Collect: we use various data capture methods to record the as-built environment. Different technology can be employed at this stage, from laser scanners to drones.

Create: our industry experts use the gathered information to produce Revit models to the exact level of detail you require, we can determine this in an ongoing consultation process as we continuously understand the requirements of adjustments to your business.

4. What stages are involved in the process?

Harvesting the data, collating the point clouds, and utilising these point clouds to create a Building Information Model (BIM/ Digital Twin).

5. What are point clouds? Can you describe the process and what it is used for?

A point cloud is a set of data points plotted in X, Y and Z axes.

Once millions of points have been collected using 3D laser scanning technology, we can create a ‘cloud’ of points that contain all the real-world measurements of the surveyed building. The technology captures even the most complicated details of the building. This data can then be used in 3D modelling software to create a BIM model (Digital Twin) of the site, providing a likeness that is much more reliable than standard as-built drawings. This is known as a scan to BIM workflow.

6. Is the modelling process automated?

No, not really. It takes a skilled professional to interpret the data into a model. Our specialists are skilled in Digital Modelling Techniques and have advanced construction and architectural detailing knowledge. At Fresh our team have vast knowledge and expertise in BIM creation.

7. What is a BIM/ Digital Twin, and what are the benefits of creating one for a design project?

A BIM (Building Information Model) or a Digital Twin is a digital version of a building or infrastructure project that includes data about its physical and functional characteristics. You can use a BIM model for many reasons: schematic design, design development, facility management, monitoring the lifecycle of the building, creating operating and maintenance manuals, and simulation.

*Colorised Point Cloud

*BIM model of the same building created in Revit

8. How do you create a 4K virtual tour, and what are the benefits?

When people see me with the equipment, they say that I am a human-robot version of Google Street View, and there is some truth in that...

During the initial survey, we collect high-definition panoramic images of your project and from these we collate a 4K virtual tour. This enables you to view the premises online without the need to visit the site and allows you to assess options. If, for example, you are considering multiple sites or if your team is based in various locations.

A virtual tour also allows you to save money and time, as travel to the site for viewings is not required.

9. How many times do you capture the site?

The frequency depends on the purpose required by the client.

We typically conduct up to three visits; once at property acquisition, once at the dilapidation stage, and finally once the construction has been completed.

The initial scan collects existing data, which is useful for due diligence and creating a 4K tour of the building. After property acquisition, if dilapidation occurs or the structure undergoes stripping to the shell and core, a second scan is beneficial to provide a solid foundation for the design process. A third scan may occur post-construction to document the site’s final state post-design implementation.

Additionally, periodic scans of premises may be conducted throughout its lifecycle. These scans serve to analyse building efficiency, record its condition, and track new elements that may have been added. This practice is especially beneficial in factory environments with frequently changing layouts.

10. What is next? What is the emerging technology in Reality Capture?

We are seeing a trend in ‘Scan to Mesh’ technology. Put simply, this involves transforming point clouds into a ‘mesh’ to generate a solid surface. After this, AI can identify and categorise various elements of a building. While this technology is advancing rapidly, it does still have some way to go. We are actively exploring how to integrate these processes into our current workflows to stay on trend with the ongoing progression of technology.

11. How does a business benefit commercially from Reality Capture services?

Commercially, having a digital network is advantageous because it provides constant access to a comprehensive ‘tool kit’ for facility management. This tool kit includes functions for planning, research, ongoing property maintenance and as-build building documentation.

One of the greatest benefits that our clients have experienced is having the resource immediately available, saving them invaluable time when it comes to completing their project.

Having an accurate Digital Twin can also potentially save a company millions in lost funds if it is realised during a digital design simulation that the desired premises is actually unsuitable for their needs.

A complete Digital Twin network allows design teams to work even years in advance, facilitating the creation of phased plans.

12. Why hire Fresh?

Here at Fresh, we have over five years of experience in scan to BIM workflow and have scanned over 500,000 sqm in 20 countries across the EMEA region.

We have a collective wealth of building and project management knowledge and continue to deliver high-quality results.

13. How exactly can Fresh help me in my next project?

The best way to determine how your business can benefit from our services is to get in touch with us and discuss options that would work best for your project.

Our experience and portfolio are extensive, having delivered global projects for many well-known brands, such as Harley-Davidson, and an American automotive company best known for its production of EVs.

We are industry leaders and aim to streamline design processes. Our knowledge of Reality Capture technology enables us to ensure that all our clients' design visions are realised to the highest standard possible.