[3D Surround View Applications] How to use digital avatars and BIM to accelerate team productivity

[3D Surround View Applications] How to use digital avatars and BIM to accelerate team productivity

For decades, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been an essential part of the documentation process for architecture and design teams. A 3D model is a digital representation of physical space. While superficially similar, BIM models and digital avatars have some key differences. These two complementary technologies can assist architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams throughout the entire building lifecycle, from initial planning to quality control and facility maintenance within the AEC. Digital avatars are also making significant strides in manufacturing. Matterport is already reshaping the world of smart buildings by integrating its branded BIM processes and digital avatars.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a holistic process for creating and managing information for building assets, from schematic design to operation. At the heart of the BIM process is the use of 3D models represented by core disciplines such as architecture, structure, civil engineering, infrastructure, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. These models, derived from software like Revit, Navisworks, and Tekla, are widely used across various industries and have numerous application cases, but are particularly important for architectural, engineering, and construction workflows.

Software like Revit can create dimensionally precise details that can be aligned with project coordinates, providing stakeholders with a core source of facts throughout the building's lifecycle. This makes project management practices more structured and streamlined, from the design phase to construction and operation.

Although 3D modeling software has been around since the mid-2000s, the technology continues to evolve. The latest versions of the software utilize artificial intelligence to automatically create more functional models that can connect with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to achieve a wider range of application opportunities.

What is digital clone technology?
Digital avatars are virtual replicas of real-world physical assets. They offer immersive, realistic 3D spatial exploration, enabling collaboration among different stakeholders. This data allows teams to monitor and manage assets, make better decisions in real time, and create more efficient workflows.

With numerous case studies, digital avatars are driving digital transformation across many industries, including construction, manufacturing, real estate, and retail. They are even powering smart cities and helping teams solve pressing supply chain challenges. As machine learning and automation continue to strengthen digital models, this powerful technology will help even more teams navigate the project lifecycle in the future.

What is the difference between digital clones and BIM?
Both digital avatars and BIM 150ls are digital representations of physical space. The main difference between the two is that BIM uses three-dimensional models for visualizing asset design and construction, while digital avatars allow for virtual interaction.
Here are the main differences:

BIM models created in software such as Revit are architectural design drawings. These visual files contain physical features and dependencies. The 3D models that are interconnected with the BIM process are not automatically tracked and do not change as the process progresses.

Digital avatars provide realistic virtual renderings of physical spaces and can be rescanned over time to track changes in those spaces. This helps teams gain a deeper understanding of the project lifecycle by tracking milestones.

Digital twins are integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and other digital solutions. When using these technologies to access real-time data on building systems, the digital twin acts as a visual replica, accurately capturing the physical characteristics of the system.

Simply put, BIM modeling software can design and build a building, while a digital avatar can maintain and operate that building. For example, you might use BIM modeling software to plan where you will place a building's heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Once built, a digital avatar can be used to monitor the HVAC system's functionality throughout the building's lifecycle.

Using digital clones and BIM throughout the project lifecycle
When architecture, engineering, and construction teams are working on major projects, they need a deep understanding of the built environment. Here's how teams can use digital avatars and BIM software to make better decisions and collaborate throughout the project lifecycle:
Using BIM for architecture and design. Planning: During the planning phase of a project, concept design software provides the team with a virtual space to brainstorm, sketch out initial drafts, and share concepts with the team.
• Design: If a building's structure or dimensions need to be changed, the BIM 3D model can be edited to design the building and solve important engineering problems, making difficult issues easier.
• Execution: Once construction begins on a new building, the BIM 3D model allows the team to have a general understanding of the construction direction. This 3D model is a very convenient resource when preliminary work is being done to transform the virtual model into a real building.

Managing and operating with digital clones
• Model: During the construction process, the digital avatar can continuously update the model. As more basic construction is completed, the digital avatar updates information through repeated scanning of the space, digital notes, tags, etc., enabling the team to have a deep understanding of the project.
Simulation : Whether you're using a professional-grade camera or a smartphone, the digital avatar provides realistic rendering of physical space. This avatar can be shared with stakeholders to simulate movement within that space.
Management : With a clear understanding of the building, digital avatars can easily keep up with and manage its maintenance. Immersive BIM 3D models allow for virtual and remote visits to a space, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming on-site inspections.

Benefits of combining digital clones and BIM
Even when used individually, digital technologies and 3D design software are powerful tools for designing and managing physical spaces. However, combining the two provides robust point-to-point control throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Reduce the time spent collecting measurement data and allocating resources .
Quickly integrate digital scanning into the company's existing software.
Operating from a central source of information can improve productivity, consistency, and collaboration .
Reduce the cost and downtime of frequent site visits .
It's not just about visualizing your building during the planning phase, but throughout its entire lifecycle.

Integrate BIM and digital clones with Matterport :
Smart buildings require technologies that incorporate real-time, dynamic insights. Digital avatars can serve as the link for your BIM to deliver real-time data—helping you work faster and smarter. Here are a few examples of how Matterport integrates digital avatars with commonly used 3D design software:

Integration with Autodesk BIM 360: San Francisco-based architecture firm Swinerton integrated their BIM 360 software with Matterport 's digital avatar, giving clients the opportunity to virtually tour buildings under construction. During the tour, clients can mark areas that need to be revisited or add annotations as needed. These virtual tours improve collaboration and minimize travel costs.

Leveraging the power of Matterport BIM files: Canadian engineering firm HH Angus used Matterport BIM files to provide their team with a shared collaborative space for a complex mechanical engineering project. They used digital clones for measurements, annotations, and sharing progress with the client.

Directly integrate Matterport 3D models into Autodesk Recap and Revit: London-based architecture firm Arup accelerated project planning by combining Matterport BIM files with their existing Revit software. This seamless integration allowed teams to skip lengthy data collection processes and create a 3D model with the click of a button.

Importing Models Directly from Matterport to AutoCAD: KUOP Design needed a way to easily visualize complex multi-story building projects. Client David Kuoppomaki imported his digital avatar into AutoCAD to speed up the drafting process. With detailed and dimensionally accurate digital models, site visits were reduced during the project's drafting phase.