BLK 360 LIDAR SCANS
Remodeling & LiDAR Scanning with Photo Mosaics
The old way of measuring an existing project was with a tape or laser measuring tool, graph paper, an engineering ruler, or a laptop with AutoCAD, spending hours collecting detailed measurements at the project site. Then, I took tons of photos and video footage of the project site.
Now, we use something much faster and more accurate called the Leica BLK360. This innovative device and the Matterport software we use to collect a very dense laser measurement point cloud allow us to take accurate measurements up to 1/4". The software also stitches together a photo collage of the interior and exterior of the house. We can then use this data to create a trustworthy and highly accurate as-built interior and exterior to create a digital twin of the home. The digital twin, translated into a Chief Architect Premier 2D and 3D drawing, is the foundation for our remodel designs.
This is the starting point for all of our remodel projects, saves us time, and allows us to return to the project site virtually to revisit areas we are remodeling without a return site visit.
BLK360 LiDAR Scan Point Cloud
aerial imagery and lidar data for as-builts
High Resolution Imagery
We can reconstruct your project area remotely by using high-resolution imagery and elevation data along with property boundaries in the form of a survey or just using the appraisal district boundary data. Pictometry is a paid service that allows us to remotely determine a house's exterior measurements. Supplemental project photos, videos, and concept sketches are usually enough to allow us to create an exterior remodel plan such as for this project currently being worked on by Coastal Breeze Pools.
Aerial Imagery, LiDAR, and CAD
Designing the project area using correctly scaled aerial imagery and other site information allows us to create to-scale as-builts for an existing space. Once completed, we have a great base map to develop custom-designed renovation plans. These plans are then complimented with 3D visualizations and video walk-throughs so that the customer and contractor have the same vision to work towards. This helps for better estimates and project scope communication between the project owner and their contractor.
tree locations
LiDAR Filtered for Tree Height
In the example image above, we needed to locate the house inside the setbacks shown on the survey. Then, we needed to consider the trees, which ones to keep, and which ones we had to clear. Using LiDAR elevation points, we filtered the elevation points to show us only the upper and understory trees. The red dots show high tree canopy leaves, while the green dots are leaves lower to the ground. We valued the taller trees and chose this location based on trees, proximity to the road entry, and setback requirements.
Accurate 3D Renderings with LiDAR
LiDAR-based elevation data is a foundational part of most of our projects. Accurate site elevations allow us to understand what a home foundation will look like in a specific location based on the area's slope. If the lot is big enough, sometimes there will be a few options on siting the house location and we can help you determine the optimal location for your home. The image above shows a pool design from afar for an existing home with a slope dramatically falling away from the house. We thought this image was a great example of how LiDAR can help bring our 3Ds to life and allow customers to see how their site would look at their chosen location.