IMAGINiT Technologies on Thursday released a new version of its Scan to BIM software, allowing users to create a 3D building information model (BIM) in Autodesk’s Revit building design software from point cloud data, on a rental basis for the first time. Based in Framingham, Mass., IMAGINiT is a division of IT and engineering design firm, Rand Worldwide, and is one of the world’s largest integrators of Autodesk 3D design and engineering software.
Autodesk’s Revit software is specifically developed for BIM and is only available as part of the Autodesk Building Design Suite 2014 Premium and Ultimate editions.Revit includes features for architectural design, MEP and structural engineering, and construction. Autodesk ReCap, the point cloud engine for Revit, combines point cloud and photogrammetry, allowing designers to visualize and use larger datasets.
IMAGINiT said the Scan to BIM 2014.1 plug-in for Revit 2012, 2013 or 2014, allows users to work inside Revit to create and validate a model from a point cloud with automated recognition and placement of native Revit geometry and architectural elements such as walls and columns, as well as MEP elements such as pipes, linework, ducts, and conduits.“Working with 3D laser scanning data is a critical part of our workflow. Using the Scan to BIM software allows us to work more efficiently by leveraging that data in Revit to generate elements directly,” said Kelly Cone, innovations director, The Beck Group. “We knew that the as-built information was developed directly from the point cloud data, and it provided us with the confidence to move forward.”
Scan to BIM for rental
In the new release, IMAGINiT developed a rental option that allows small firms and infrequent users of point clouds - mechanical engineers, architects, scanning providers and plant designers - to increase productivity and profitability by using Scan to BIM 2014.1 without paying for a traditional perpetual license. “Our customers enjoy the business benefits of Scan to BIM, but several firms mentioned that they only needed Scan to BIM for certain projects,” said Tim Johnson, IMAGINiT senior vice president.