SITE MEASUREMENT
A construction project is more than just pouring concrete and hammering nails. It involves meticulous planning, coordination and execution.
For the pre-construction stage, Architects use land surveys to gather important data about the property to prepare their designs and planning approvals. These surveys give architects insights into the subject property’s current conditions, orientation, topography, adjoining buildings and other key factors.
At YCM, we use state-of-the-art survey and reality capture technologies to help AEC professionals conduct quick and accurate site-measure and as-built surveys. Our team uses equipment like 360 cameras, drones, laser levelers and 3D laser scanners to measure existing conditions, survey large land areas, assess building and bridge conditions and much more.
What is a site measure-up or as-built survey?
Site measure-up or as-built surveys include capturing precise site measurements and converting into into usable and accessible formats such as plans and drawings, 3D Revit models or Architectural renders. Previously, sites were measured manually using a tape measure or disto’s (distance measuring tools), or where a land surveyor would physically measure the dimensions using a total station to manually record site measurements.
Today, 3D laser scanners make the job faster and easier. 3D laser scanning captures millions of 3D data points in all directions (360 degrees) in a format known as a point cloud. We can then use this point cloud to create plans and drawings, 3D models and architectural renders.
Point cloud data can also be converted to 3D sitemaps, presentations and animations.
These 3D maps and models are used to create design concepts, proposals and site walk-through tours, site assessments and presentations.
A site measure-up can also be conducted on large land areas or bare earth before construction. This is known as a site assessment, feasibility study or feature and levels survey and is conducted in the pre-construction phase of a project. Site engineers and designers use these to gauge the topography, terrain features, vegetation and even soil quality of the site to design and plan, before the construction begins.
Tools used for site measure-up survey
Let us look at some tools that a land surveyor uses when conducting these types of surveys.
We use a combination of scanners, cameras and precision surveying equipment to improve efficiency, and accuracy and capture more data while on location in a shorter amount of time.
Here are some of the equipment we deploy to conduct these types of as-built surveys.
- Notebook computer
- Survey Total Station
- 3D Laser Scanner
- Enterprise RTK enabled Drone
- RTK GPS Rover
- Professional 360 camera
- Laser Leveler
Site measure-up or as-built surveys using drones
Using a combination of 3D laser scanners and drones we also capture point cloud data from both ground and aerial perspectives, thus giving our team the ability to capture the entire building (inside and out) including the roof assets and surrounding buildings.
Using a drone to map the site area helps architects evaluate the subject site’s topography and the surrounding properties including roads, powerlines and utilities. It provides insights into elevations, drainage, trees, roads, utilities, and more.
3D laser scanners are both faster and gather more data than using surveying methods only and combined with the right workflows capture precise site information in much less time. 3D laser scanning allows architects and engineers to obtain more site data even in complex environments. Plus, the benefit of the point cloud is having a digital twin of the site conditions for future reference. Therefore, it is a crucial aspect of the building design process.
AEC professionals use 3D laser scan data to generate 3D maps and models and scan to BIM models.
Using scan-to-plan and scan-to-BIM models, architects can compare the designs with the building or structure to identify issues, defects and deviations and address them before or during the construction process rather than repair them afterward. This saves a lot of time, money and resources throughout the project. Plus, unnecessary and costly delays can be avoided when a problem is identified rather than when its too late.
Benefits of site measure-up survey
Site measure-up surveys are an essential part of AEC projects. The survey is one of the first steps taken by the project team to assess the existing conditions and get updated drawings or site information to then plan the next steps. Here are some benefits of as-built and site measurement surveys that helps architects, designers, project managers and engineers:
1- Site measurements can be validated and assumptions can be confirmed or disproved. Plus, non-existant or existing as-built drawings can be completed. This allows architects to have confidence in the building dimensions and start the design and planning process. This is essential to ensure that designs are precise and tailored to the existing conditions.
2- Site measurements and site conditions are recorded in the form of a digital twin. This is a digital replica of the site conditions in a point cloud. If missing information is required, there is no longer a need to revisit the site to get additional measurements, it’s available in the digital twin.
3- Architects and Engineers avoid lengthy time onsite conducting a site measure up. Plus, site revisits and errors can be avoided causing further site visits and delays. Only one visit is required to gather the site data and much more!
4- It helps to identify any terrain features like overlooking buildings, site elevations, poles, wires and drainage that need to be created. Rather than trying to imagine the site from a drawing, you can walk through the site in 3D.
5- It helps project managers and engineers identify any damages, defects or issues before it is too late.
6- Site safety compliance and design modifications can be assessed quickly and easily with photo evidence and updated site information via point cloud or 3D photo-realistic models.
7- It provides insights into the building, surrounds, site terrain, vegetation, site access and other critical site context information.
8- Site assessments help project managers and architects plan contractors, site access, track project progress and create progress updates for clients and stakeholders.
9- Data collected from a site laser scan is used to create drawings, site maps, 3D models, renders and visualizations.