Plant 3D Practical Knowledge
From laser scan to model in AutoCAD Plant 3D
Converting or extending an existing plant, and the documents are no longer correct? With a 3D laser scan you capture the existing plant as built. The point cloud becomes as-built documentation – and in AutoCAD Plant 3D you continue designing directly against the existing plant.
With us you will find solutions for your tasks.
The task: designing in existing plants
Existing plants are modified over the years. Drawings and models often no longer show what is really there. Anyone planning a new line, a piece of equipment or an extension needs reliable dimensions – otherwise it will not fit on site.
- Conversion, extension or replacement of equipment in an operating plant
- Existing plant without up-to-date drawings or without a 3D model
- Tight plant rooms with many lines, valves and steel structures
- As-built documentation after the conversion
The workflow: from scan to model in AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Scanning on siteThe laser scanner captures the plant from many positions. Each scan is a point cloud with millions of measured points, in color if required.
- Register in ReCapAutodesk ReCap Pro combines the individual scans into one point cloud. The registration report shows how well the scans overlap.
- Align and set the originThe point cloud is aligned to the plan and given an origin, for example a grid axis from the floor plan. You set this origin once and do not change it afterwards.
- Recognize pipes and steel structuresEdgeWise recognizes pipes, steel sections and other components in the point cloud and transfers them to AutoCAD Plant 3D.
- Continue designing in AutoCAD Plant 3DThe point cloud and the recognized existing plant are in the Plant 3D project. You design new lines according to the piping spec directly against the existing plant; isometrics and orthos are generated from the model.
Recognition with EdgeWise is shown step by step in the online manual EdgeWise.
What matters
From our questions from practice on ReCap, point clouds and Navisworks.
- Only the scan file imported – every scan has a folder with structure and images – always import the complete scan folder. Go to the question
- Registration not checked – read the registration report and additionally check from above whether walls and edges coincide. Go to the question
- Separate origin for each sub-project – the sub-projects then no longer fit together – set the origin once in the overall project. Go to the question
- Point cloud inserted in the wrong place – if the point cloud is aligned in ReCap, it is usually attached at 0,0,0 in AutoCAD Plant 3D. Go to the question
- Computer too slow – import, registration and indexing need processor power, plenty of RAM and a local SSD. Go to the question
- Navisworks becomes sluggish with the point cloud – only reference the point cloud and load areas exported in ReCap instead of all individual scans. Go to the question
Basics of as-built capture: Infobase chapter Laser scanning. All questions from training and support: Questions from practice in the Infobase.
Estimate the effort in advance
How many scan positions, how many days on site, how long do registration and modeling take? The scan project estimator gives a guide value and summarizes your details for a specific quote.
How we support you
3D laser scanning
We scan your plant, register the point cloud and model in AutoCAD Plant 3D on request – all from one source.
ReCap Pro training
Live with a trainer, online or in Frankfurt: import, register and align scans and prepare them for AutoCAD Plant 3D.
Online manual EdgeWise
Recognize pipes from the point cloud and transfer them to AutoCAD Plant 3D – step by step.
Support
Question about ReCap, EdgeWise or point clouds in Plant 3D? Via Teams, billed by actual time.
Have your plant surveyed?
Self-test exercises
For studies, vocational training and induction – with a solution to expand.
Exercise 1 Put the steps in the right order: register, scan, continue designing in AutoCAD Plant 3D, recognize pipes, align.
Show solution
Scan → register (ReCap) → align and set the origin → recognize pipes and steel structures (EdgeWise) → continue designing in AutoCAD Plant 3D.
Exercise 2 Why do you set the origin of the point cloud only once?
Show solution
Because otherwise sub-projects, models and point cloud no longer fit together. The origin is set once in the overall project and not changed afterwards.
More exercises and a guide to the modules in your studies: For teaching and education.
Frequently asked questions
What is a point cloud?
A point cloud is the result of a 3D laser scan: millions of measured points with position and often also color. It shows the existing plant as built and serves as the dimensional basis for design, conversion and documentation.
What do as-built documentation and Scan to BIM mean?
As-built documentation means documents that show the condition as actually built. Scan to BIMBIM – Building Information Modeling Planning, building and operating with a digital model that contains not only the geometry but also the properties of the components. Background and sources › is the path from laser scan to model – in plant design, from the point cloud via ReCap and EdgeWise to the AutoCAD Plant 3D model with isometrics.
Can I use the point cloud directly in AutoCAD Plant 3D?
Yes. You attach the point cloud registered in ReCap in AutoCAD Plant 3D and continue designing against it. For individual lines this is often sufficient; for larger existing plants it pays to have pipes and steel structures recognized with EdgeWise.
Before you go …
Don't miss any training dates, C³ invitations and news on AutoCAD Plant 3D and P&IDR&I – Piping and instrumentation diagram Flow diagram showing all pipes, valves, equipment and instrumentation of a plant (P&ID, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram). Background and sources ›.
Our newsletter only arrives when there's something important – concise and with tips from practice.
Terms, background and sources 2 terms on this page
Brief explanations for reference. They do not replace the standard or code itself.
- BIM – Building Information Modeling
Planning, building and operating with a digital model that contains not only the geometry but also the properties of the components.
- R&I – Piping and instrumentation diagram
Flow diagram showing all pipes, valves, equipment and instrumentation of a plant (P&ID, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram).
Symbols and drawing rules: DIN EN ISO 10628-1 and -2. Identification letters for instrumentation: DIN EN 62424 or ISA-5.1.