BIM (Building Modeling)

Menu: BIM / Building Modeling

The Building Modeling module in VisionLidar provides a structured and intuitive approach to modeling buildings from point clouds, following the hierarchical structure of an IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). This enables users to generate a 3D model that can be exported to Autodesk ReCap or IFC format, ensuring seamless integration with BIM software.

1. Setting Up the Bounding Box

To begin modeling your building, you must first define the Bounding Box, which isolates the area of interest within the point cloud.

Bounding Box Controls:

✔ Modify – Move and resize the bounding box by interacting with its axis bars.
✔ Position – Choose a method to place the bounding box:

• Pick Center – Select a center point in the point cloud.

• Pick 2 Points – Define a bounding box by selecting two points.

• Pick 3 Points – Create a bounding box using three reference points.
  ✔ Show – Display the bounding box on screen.
  ✔ Hide Out – Hide or display points outside the bounding box.

2. Defining Default Parameters

After defining the bounding box, you need to set the default parameters for the BIM modeling process.

✔ Force Opening Wall – Automatically creates an opening when inserting an object (e.g., doors/windows) of the same dimensions.
✔ Height of Level – Automatically determined when creating levels; no manual preset needed.
✔ Draw Solid Objects – Enables solid rendering (similar to wireframe mode in View settings).
✔ Sections Opacity & Solid Opacity – Adjust the transparency level of sections and solid objects.

3. BIM Modeling Tools (Right-Click Menu)

The Building Modeling module provides an extensive set of tools for creating, modifying, and managing BIM elements.

✔ Sections & Levels

• Sections (Vertical) – Creates vertical sections for improved visibility of each level.

• Levels – Adds new levels to your 3D model.

• Level – Allows duplication of levels and provides options for adding objects.

✔ Walls & Openings

• Walls – Create multiple walls, merge two walls, or delete walls.

• Wall – Contextual menu for inserting objects into walls or changing/inverting their direction.

• Door/Window – Allows flipping the direction of selected objects.

  • Batch delete is available for multiple doors/windows.

✔ Structural Elements

• Slabs – Create floors or ceilings for each level.

  • When creating a floor first, the software prompts to automatically generate walls from it.

• Columns – Add column objects to the model.

✔ Opening Groups & Object Positioning

• Opening Groups – Predefine object dimensions (doors, windows, openings) for automatic insertion.

• Pick Inside / Outside – Determines whether the thickness of an object is drawn inside or outside.

• Object Properties – Displays a detailed list of attributes for selected objects.

4. Saving, Exporting & Importing BIM Models

✔ Save & Load BIM Files

• Load – Load a previously saved BIM project (.JSON format).

• Save – Save the current BIM model as a .JSON file.

✔ Exporting BIM Models

• Export to ReCap – Save and share the model cut in Autodesk ReCap format.

• Export to IFC – Export the model as an IFC file for use in BIM software.

✔ Importing IFC Files

• From IFC – Import an existing IFC model into VisionLidar.

  • This can automatically populate the “Opening Groups”, eliminating the need to manually recreate them for every project.

5. Additional Tools & Display Options

Delete All Objects – Clears all BIM elements, including levels.
Identify Selected Objects in the Point Cloud – Highlights the selected object in the point cloud.
Toggle Wall Visibility – Controls the display of points within up to 8 walls.