Automatic Creation of 3D Documentation in CAD/BIM Based on Topology

Abstract

This paper deals with reverse engineering, namely the as-built documentation of actual construction. The input is data measured in the field using geodetic methods. In addition to modern methods of surveying 3D objects, such as laser scanning, it is still necessary to use classic surveying using a total station. The bottleneck of the process is the creation of documentation of the construction, which is still created manually in the appropriate CAD/BIM software. The goal of this research was to find a method that would reduce the amount of manual work when drawing documentation in CAD/BIM to a minimum. The core of the solution is the use of a topology that interconnects the points measured in-field. The entire procedure has two parts: (1) creating a topological drawing template in a suitable CAD/GIS software (digital sketch) and (2) adding geometry to this sketch and creating a drawing using topological codes. This method was verified in practice by applying it to several specific buildings in the Czech Republic. The practical application of the method demonstrated 30% time savings and a reduction in work and error rate in the entire process.