Digital Precision

Understanding a site used to mean working from a handful of survey points and repeated field visits. Today, tools like point cloud scanning and shared coordinate systems are transforming how we capture, measure, and interact with existing conditions, giving teams a highly accurate, navigable digital record from the start. By integrating these tools into our firms’ workflows, we analyze complex site conditions, explore design options, and make informed decisions earlier in the process.

At Coughlin Porter Lundeen, staying ahead means adapting to evolving technologies. Using point cloud and shared coordinate data increases accuracy, reduces supplemental surveys, and streamlines collaboration, helping us deliver better outcomes while meeting the changing demands of each project.

 

 

 

Point Cloud: Transforming Existing Conditions into Actionable Data

Point cloud technology is a laser scanning method that uses tools such as FARO scanners to capture millions to billions of data points, creating a highly accurate, three-dimensional representation of existing conditions. This output allows project teams to measure elevations, slopes, and dimensions anywhere within a scanned environment, creating a fully navigable digital record of a site. As the technology becomes more common, our team has adapted quickly, incorporating these datasets into our workflows to inform design decisions with greater confidence.

Left: Point clouds enable accurate, to-scale measurements across the site, allowing more work to be completed digitally and saving time in the process.

In practice, point cloud is typically introduced and managed by the general contractor, who oversees the scanning effort and distributes the Common Data Environment (CDE) to the broader project team through cloud-based platforms. This has shifted how we engage with existing conditions, requiring us to be flexible and responsive in how we access, interpret, and apply this information. By building internal familiarity with point cloud and its associated tools, we efficiently integrate it into programs like Civil 3D and Revit and align with evolving project delivery methods.

The value of point cloud lies in its accuracy and accessibility. Instead of relying on limited survey data or repeated field verification, teams work from a comprehensive dataset that reflects real-world conditions. Supporting efficient design studies, reduces discrepancies, and improves coordination across disciplines. Our civil engineering team, in particular, benefit from a clearer understanding of complex site conditions, enabling faster, more confident decision-making.

Point Cloud in Practice: WSU Integrated Science Building (ISB)
Working with Hoffman Construction as civil and structural engineers, our team leverages point cloud scans of the building and surrounding site, including interiors, loading areas, and adjacent conditions, to contribute to a shared dataset accessible across disciplines. This enables rapid study of elements like ADA stall placement, complex building demolition, improves coordination between civil, structural, and architectural components, and reduces the need for ongoing field verification.

While point cloud scanning captures millions of data points in a single pass, creating a precise three-dimensional representation of a site, shared coordinates connects building and site models. This allows multiple disciplines to work together seamlessly in a unified environment. The two programs work in parallel to support unified project objectives.

Left: Each yellow point marks a scan location, capturing the site from every angle to build a precise 3D model of existing conditions.

Simplified Modeling to Enhance Team Dynamics

We provide our Civil 3D models using Shared Coordinates, allowing for display directly in the BIM model. This process, managed in-house, creates a connection between multiple discipline files ensuring the relationship between the building and site teams is maintained throughout the project.

With this relationship established, the site utilities, excavated topography surface, shoring walls and footing zones of influence are viewed in the same coordinate space as the building. Sections are quickly cut throughout the design process to better understand the relationship between the building and the proposed grade. On an occupied campus with tight constraints, understanding the available layback area with early utility phasing can be challenging, this visual advantage makes it much simpler and reduces back-and-forth design discussions.

This approach also provides a one-time setup, eliminating guesswork around the proposed site’s feature locations and orientation. It further supports earthwork optimization by enabling a clearer understanding of foundation excavations, particularly how required slope cuts interact with the building and site.

When everyone, designers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, can view and interact with a federated model, communication improves and design and construction changes are implemented quickly. With a single, cohesive view of both the building and site, teams easily identify potential conflicts or opportunities early in the process, making it easier to collaborate and adjust plans in real-time.

Shared Coordinates in Practice: Global Technology East Campus Refresh
Implemented on one of the region’s most expansive corporate campuses, the Shared Coordinates system linked 586 models and connected more than 1,900 project collaborators. A testament to its effectiveness, every one of the models landed onsite exactly as it should. Beyond construction, this precise geolocation provides a “Digital Twin” for facilities management, offering the owner a high-fidelity map for decades of future building maintenance.

Modern tools require a modern approach to partnership. We’re constantly evolving our workflows to bring more certainty to your site. Reach out to our team to learn how we can help you integrate point cloud and shared coordinates into your next project.