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SCANIT Definitions

Core Terms

SCANIT

A comprehensive digitization service that captures point clouds with the ultimate goal of producing BIMIT models. SCANIT is mobilized within 3 days and includes BIMIT as part of the service.

Layer One

The accurate spatial information of existing conditions in the built environment that answers “what is.”

Point Cloud

A collection of data points in space, typically produced by 3D scanning technologies, representing the external surface of objects and environments.

LiDAR

Light Detection and Ranging - a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges to objects.

Photogrammetry

The science of making measurements from photographs to recover the exact positions of surface points.

Hardware Terms

A mobile mapping system that combines LiDAR sensors with cameras to capture indoor environments efficiently.

Matterport

A 3D camera technology that creates immersive virtual tours and 3D models using photogrammetry.

UAV LiDAR

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle equipped with LiDAR sensors for capturing data from above.

Total Station

A surveying instrument that measures both horizontal and vertical angles and distances electronically.

File Formats

.RCS

Autodesk ReCap’s file format - a structured point cloud file format.

.E57

An open standard file format for storing point clouds, images, and metadata.

.NVD

NavVis data format for raw scan data.

.XYZ

A simple text format containing point coordinates (X, Y, Z values).

Matterpak

Matterport’s proprietary file format containing 3D model data and virtual tour information.

Accuracy Terms

LOA (Level of Accuracy)

A standardized measurement of scanning precision. LOA 20 is the standard benchmark for SCANIT.

Scan Tolerance

The acceptable distance variance from measured points to the true surface of objects (± 1/2 inch to 1 inch for SCANIT).

Scan Drift

The cumulative error that can occur during scanning over distance (1/2 to 2 inch per 100 feet for SCANIT).

Loop Closures

A scanning pattern technique that helps minimize drift by returning to previously scanned areas.

Scope Definitions

Interior Architecture

Existing conditions of interior building elements including walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows.

Furniture

Fixed and loose furniture, equipment, and furnishings within or outside a building.

MEPF

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire protection systems.

Complex MEPF

Sophisticated MEPF systems requiring additional time and detail to capture due to complexity.

Site

Above-ground site conditions including topography, hardscaping, and street furniture.

Service Classifications

In-Network

Projects located within a 150-mile radius of a SCANIT base location.

Out-of-Network

Projects located more than 150 miles from a SCANIT base location.

Standard

Services included in the base SCANIT offering.

Add-On

Additional services available for an extra fee.

As Needed

Services provided based on specific project requirements.

Quality Control Terms

QAQC

Quality Assurance and Quality Control - the verification process for point cloud data.

Point Cloud Verification

Assessment of point clouds for alignment, clarity, visibility, and overall quality for BIMIT compatibility.

Registration

The process of aligning multiple scan positions into a single coordinate system.

Stitching

Combining multiple scan datasets into a unified point cloud model.

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