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
NavVis VLX
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.