Midwestern Consulting

3D laser scan data can now be easily imported into Revit

One of the most exciting developments in our industry in the past year has been the release of Imaginit’s “Scan to BIM” software that allows digital point clouds to be imported into Autodesk Revit. In 2010, Midwestern Consulting was selected as a beta tester for “Scan to BIM” and now have several projects under our belt using this revolutionary software.

As more and more AEC firms have moved to Autodesk Revit, we started becoming concerned about our ability to deliver files in our clients’ native format.  Midwestern Consulting had been using standard work-arounds such as Navisworks or 3D AutoCAD and then redrafting the information into Autodesk Revit. This costs the client two valuable things: time and money. In general, we have seen up to a 40% reduction in time spent managing the data point cloud and a roughly 40% reduction in project costs.  This is big news and should encourage AEC project managers to utilize the new tool.

According to the Imaginit website, “The Scan to BIM™ software add-on takes the ordeal out of the process of getting 3D laser scanning data into Revit. It enables you to import point clouds directly into Revit, visualize them directly in Revit, and interact directly in Revit with automated recognition and placement of walls and openings, as well as pipes and ducts.”

The user will “eliminate time spent working with point clouds outside of Revit – eliminate the ordeal of scanning to BIM. Work faster and more accurately, gain new revenue streams, and stay on top of client demands. The Scan to BIM software add-in for Revit actually makes scanning directly to BIM a reality.”

Brandon Walker, PE is a senior project manager at Midwestern Consulting, Ann Arbor, Michigan (734.995.0200).  Let Brandon know how he can help you save money on your next existing conditions modeling project.

“ZORO” is the City of Ann Arbor project to “clarify and reorganize the Zoning Ordinance and development-related Ordinances.”

After 40 years, the ordinances are riddled with revisions and overlapping and contradictory provisions.  Unclear ordinance definitions are often controversial and are subject to interpretation by the Planning Commission, Council, or the public. Departmental “policy” may substitute for clear and enforceable standards.  Recent site plan projects, for example, included major battles over the definition of “building height”, the definition of a multifamily unit, and the requirements for open space versus usable open space.

“ZORO” began with the consolidation of four area master plans into one.

The second phase is to:

-  make each chapter comprehensive and not rely on references to other chapters

-  provide clear, consistent standards, and definitions and formats

-  make chapters usable by laymen and professionals

-  make requirements enforceable and legally defensible

-  provide a structure that is easy to amend in the future

Major revisions so far:

• Chapter 55, Zoning, and Chapter 59, Off-Street Parking: these were revised in January 2011 when revised Area, Height and Placement Amendments were adopted. Approved Area Height and Placement Revisions
• Chapter 62, Landscaping and Screening: draft revisions are currently under review. Primary amendments impact conflicting land use buffer requirements and interior parking lot landscape design and function.  Draft Landscape Revisions

Ann Arbor developers hope these crucial revisions will foster a better understanding of the business and community benefits of their proposed real estate development projects.

To find out more about how new Ann Arbor ordinances can help your development project, please contact Earl Ophoff, Associate and Senior Project Manager at Midwestern Consulting, Ann Arbor, Michigan (734.995.0200).