Find answers to some of the most common questions ScanStar receives from prospective partners and clients.

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Having your project scanned ahead of the bid
process will ensure all bidders have the geophysical
information they need to produce an accurate bid.

DAN STARR - OWNER

WHAT IS A POINT CLOUD?

  1. ScanStar will use lasers and drones to scan your indoor or outdoor space. (Or both!)
  2. These tools will provide ScanStar with data points.
  3. ScanStar transcribes this data into a precisely scaled
    presentation of your facility as a 3-D image. This image is
    known as your Point Cloud A.K.A. your facility’s Digital Twin.

HOW TO USE YOUR POINT CLOUD

  • Point Cloud can be imported to AutoCAD,
    Autodesk, and Navisworks software
  • Coordinates can be set to UTM,
    Lat/Long, MGRS, etc.
  • Accuracy up to 2 millimeters
  • Web-based models available on request

WHEN DO YOU USE YOUR POINT CLOUD?

  • To measure equipment, spaces, and
    structures right from your desktop
  • Develop presentations and create plans
  • Reference during construction or modification of facilities
  • Easily share detailed information with contractors,
    earthmoving companies, surveyors, and more
  • To label and locate equipment in your facility

WHY DO YOU NEED A POINT CLOUD?

  • Improve efficiencies, optimize workflow, and
    detect potential problems before they occur
  • Lower costs and reduce change orders
  • Expedite design planning
  • Improve communication
  • Improve responsiveness to project changes
  • Schedule reduction
  • Increase worker safety by eliminating
    manual measurements
  • Improved quality control
  • 3-D visualization and spatial analysis (i.e. line-of-sight, etc.)

I have a large facility - how will a Digital Twin (A.K.A. Point Cloud) benefit me?

If you choose to scan your entire facility, you will have a full digital record down to the millimeter of your plant. This allows for seamless renovations, equipment replacement and maintenance, discovery of potential streamline opportunities, and more.

How much does it cost to have our facility scanned and receive our Point Cloud information?

Depending on the scope of the project, typical prices range from $10,000 up to $100,000. This includes the time it takes to scan your facility and translate the data into the Point Cloud.

How long does it typically take to get our Point Cloud?

Again, this depends on the scope of the project. Full indoor/outdoor facility scans can take up to 1 months to complete. Smaller projects may take a week or less.

How accurate is the Point Cloud? What will I be able to see?

Your Point Cloud data is accurate up to 2mm. You will be able to accurately measure and locate all equipment and blueprints within your facility from your desktop.

Who can use the Point Cloud?

You can share your Point Cloud data with anyone. This includes contractors, surveyors, building managers, and more.

How does this compare to a 3-D AutoCAD Drawing provided by an engineering firm?

A 3-D AutoCAD Drawing is typically focused on the individual components of a design rather than the design as a whole. For example, while an AutoCAD Drawing of a boiler may be useful for locating hookup locations, it won’t help you with placing the boiler into the boiler room.

The Point Cloud data provides you with full boiler dimensions down to the millimeter as well as your boiler room dimensions. You will be able to find the best placement for your boiler and visually locate any potential roadblocks such as catwalks and other obstacles.

If something in our plant changes, do we need to do an entirely new scan to have the most up-to-date Point Cloud?

Not at all. Stay updated by only scanning the section of your facility that was changed.

Can I use my Point Cloud to locate equipment such as failed steam traps?

Absolutely! Use your Point Cloud data to locate, label, and even save information such as manufacturer model numbers to make changes fast and easy.