From Site Scan to BIM Integration
1. Introduction
This guide describes the complete workflow for creating, processing, and integrating a point cloud into a Revit project — from hiring the scanning equipment to producing a Revit-ready .RCP file.
It is written for typical residential and small commercial projects and assumes the use of Leica BLK devices and Cyclone Register software.
A point cloud provides a highly accurate digital record of existing conditions, allowing the design team to work from verified geometry rather than manual measurements.
2. Preparation and Equipment Hire
2.1 Hiring the Equipment
At present, Arcanary hires scanning equipment rather than owning it.
We typically use a Leica BLK2GO or equivalent LiDAR scanner.
- Booking: Reserve 48–72 hours in advance.
- Delivery or Collection: The unit can be delivered to the office or collected (≈ 1 hour drive from Sydney).
- Hire Window: Collect Friday and return before 9 a.m. Monday → charged as 1 day.
- Weekend hire outside this window → charged × 4 days.
2.2 Base Price Structure
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| Base Package – AUD 1,800 | Equipment hire, on-site scanning, post-processing, registered point cloud (.e57 / .rcp / .rcs), and 360 tour |
| Extra Day | + AUD 600 / day |
| Alignment to Survey Coordinates | + AUD 300 |
| Revit Setup with Point Cloud | + AUD 250 |
| 360 Viewer Hosting | + AUD 200 / year |
2.3 Client Communication
Our Point Cloud & 360° Survey package provides a precise digital capture of the existing site using LiDAR scanning technology. Deliverables include a registered point cloud suitable for Revit integration and an interactive 360° tour. The base package is AUD 1,800 including hire, scanning, post-production, and delivery.
Typical turnaround → 4–5 working days from confirmation to delivery.
3. Field Operations
3.1 Time Estimation
Each scan setup takes ≈ 2 minutes (including positioning and capture).
- Small rooms: 1 setup • Large rooms: 2–3 setups • Corridors: every 5–6 m.
Typical houses → 40–60 setups ≈ 2–3 hours on site.
3.2 Site Setup and Safety
- Establish a secure base area for equipment.
- Wear full PPE (hi-vis, hard hat, boots).
- Keep the scanner clear of tradespeople or moving doors.
Start scanning from a central point, moving clockwise or counter-clockwise, ensuring each scan overlaps the previous.
3.3 Spatial Awareness
- Visualize the space from the scanner head.
- Maintain overlap between scans so that Cyclone can auto-register.
- Avoid reflective or bright–dark transitions.
- Ensure clear line-of-sight between setups.
3.4 Power Management
- Monitor both scanner & iPad batteries.
- Complete one full job (≈ one level or exterior) per charge cycle.
- Never swap batteries mid-job → prevents broken bundles.
- Recharge fully before the next job.
4. Data Transfer and Organization
4.1 Connecting the Scanner
- Prefer USB-C 2.0+ connection; Wi-Fi is slower.
- When connected, all jobs (bundles) appear for import.
4.2 Software Licensing
- Cyclone Register processes and registers scans.
- CLM (Client License Manager) activates the license (1-week minimum hire).
- Activate only after all data is ready → maximizes the license window.
4.3 Folder Structure
Cyclone creates an encrypted system folder; never modify it manually.
Exports are stored separately:
YYMMDD - PROJECT NAME
- [SUBJECT FOLDER (Type of import)]
4.4 Import Procedure
- Open Cyclone Register → Import > Device > BLK Scanner.
- Import all jobs.
- Confirm every job appears in Project Navigator.
- Backup raw files immediately.
5. Processing in Cyclone Register
5.1 Projects → Bundles → Setups
- Project: overall container.
- Bundle: group of linked setups (e.g. Ground Floor).
- Setup: single scan position (also called Target or 3D Scan).
5.2 Aligning Bundles
- Find common points between bundles.
- Right-click → Align (auto or manual).
- Use Sitemap View to understand spatial layout and align distant levels.
- Run Global Optimization → aim for ≤ 10 mm RMS error.
5.3 Orientation
- Group exteriors and interiors separately.
- Hold Shift + drag to rotate model until main facade aligns with X/Y axes.
- Aligning orthogonally simplifies clipping and Revit import.
5.4 Finalizing and Publishing
- Run Finalize Bundle → check report.
- Green = acceptable accuracy.
- Click Publish → Cyclone cleans and compresses data.
- Save the final registration report (PDF) in
/04_QA_REPORTS/. - Export to:
.E57(for archive).RCP / .RCS(for Revit & Navisworks).LGS(for TruView)
5.5 Export Location
Save the RCP to the shared server:
/3D_SCAN_SERVER/03_POINTCLOUD_EXPORTS/[ProjectCode]/02_REGISTERED_RCP_RCS/
.RCP is our official deliverable.
Other formats (.LGS, .LAF) that include 360° imagery are covered in separate tutorials.
6. Working with the Point Cloud in Revit
6.1 Linking the RCP
- Insert → Link Point Cloud → select
.RCP. - Origin to Origin or By Shared Coordinates as appropriate.
- Point clouds remain links → not embedded in the model.
All Arcanary view templates keep point clouds off by default to preserve performance.
Use a 3D Working View to enable visibility and navigate with section boxes.
6.2 Working Views & View Ranges
- Confirm placement in a 3D view with levels and survey visible.
- Create plan views named
GF_PLAN – Point Cloud,FF_PLAN – Point Cloud. - Adjust View Range to cut through relevant geometry (e.g. 1100 mm for walls).
- Use orthogonal sections or elevations for vertical checking.
6.3 Accuracy & Reference Hierarchy
- Buildings are never perfectly square or plumb, nor is the cloud.
- Distinguish construction variance from scan error.
- Survey data prevails for dimensional control.
- Align the point cloud to the survey outline and coordinate system.
7. Final Notes and Best Practices
7.1 Immediate Data Transfer
Transfer scans to the computer as soon as possible and back up immediately.
7.2 Verify Integrity
Check all jobs and bundles before processing. Confirm color maps and levels are intact.
7.3 Typical Issues
- Level misalignment
- Broken links
- Corrupted bundles
If issues appear, pause processing and diagnose before export.
7.4 Extending Hire Period
When re-scanning is needed, request a hire extension immediately to avoid extra cycles.
7.5 Preventive Checklist
| Task | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer data | Avoid corruption | Same day as site return |
| Verify bundles | Confirm completeness | Before registration |
| Backup raw data | Protect source | Immediately |
| Check RCP in Recap | Validate export | After publishing |
| Document issues | QA records | If re-scan needed |
7.6 Equipment Care and Responsibility
A Leica scanner costs as much as a good car. Handle it with extreme care.
Upon receipt:
- Record a video of the equipment’s condition (serial numbers, accessories, delivery state).
- Save video to
/EQUIPMENT_RECEIPT/folder in the project directory.
During use: Protect from dust, moisture, and impacts.
Upon return: Record a second video showing its state before packing.
🎥 Treat the scanner as if it were your own. It takes years of work to repay damage or loss.
8 Exporting Panorama images and creating a 360 Tour
✅ Closing Note
A point cloud is a precise and powerful representation of reality — but its reliability depends entirely on the discipline of the people handling it.
Respect the data, the process, and the tools. Precision is not automatic; it comes from care, verification, and professionalism.