3D Laser Scanning
Smoother Projects & Better Designs
Rogue Visual Design is proud to be one of very few companies that focus solely on providing laser scanning and support services. Our single-focus allows us to develop expertise in utilizing the best of rapidly changing technologies paired with the most efficient procedures for your projects. Our team is led and staffed by engineers and designers with years of industry experience and bring a data-driven mind-set to every project.
Featured Projects
BNSF – Alliance, NE
An operational train repair facility of over 300,000 sq. ft. needed a Revit model to assist with designing a new fire suppression system.
View ProjectBNSF - Alliance, NE
Over the past 170 years, nearly 400 railroads merged or were acquired to form the BNSF Railway. When it is time for maintenance, many diesel locomotives and coal cars operating on BNSF railroads today will pass through a repair facility in Alliance, Nebraska. A visit to the facility reveals that the Alliance shop performs brake replacement, oil changes, wheel replacement, and heavy diesel maintenance.
The task at hand for Rogue Visual Design might seem daunting for the inexperienced. We were charged with laser scanning more than 300,000 square feet of parts storage, numerous office spaces, repair shops, and maintenance bays with massive locomotives and rail cars moving through. Not content to stop there, the team flew a drone over roughly 60 acres of property surrounding the facility, collecting vast amounts of data. The flight combined with LiDAR scans of the structure provided the modelling team the information needed to create a detailed Revit model of the building's architectural, structural, and fire sprinkler systems. Given the immense size of the building and the numerous spaces within it, this may seem like a monumental task, but it is a typical day's work for Rogue's skilled BIM team.
Through our partnership, BNSF will benefit from the installation of a new fire suppression system. The integration of spatial data collected by our reality capture specialists into the Revit model, offers a robust foundation for analysis. Engineers can identify potential obstructions, locate optimal system placement, and determine the most effective routing of pipes. The data also ensures systems are designed to meet safety regulations and address specific project requirements. This process identifies conflicts between fire suppression components and other building systems, such as electrical, HVAC, or structural elements. By resolving clashes during the design phase, costly and time-consuming modifications during construction can be avoided, leading to a more efficient and streamlined process.
The amalgamation of Revit models, LiDAR scans, and Drone technology provides a wealth of information that can be harnessed for performance optimization. This data-driven approach empowers engineers to fine-tune their projects. The blend of tools presents an unparalleled opportunity for the construction and engineering industry. By leveraging these powerful technologies, professionals can save valuable time and money throughout the project lifecycle. The benefits are significant, from accurate site documentation to streamlined design processes and improved construction site management. By embracing this innovative technology, construction and engineering professionals can deliver projects with unparalleled efficiency, unrivaled accuracy, and reduced costs. Moreover, the data collected can be leveraged for future projects further maximizing its value and utility.
Pitt @ 1902 Broadway – Pittsburgh, KS
A 45,000 sq. ft. occupied apartment building with no floor plan needing a Revit model for renovation.
View ProjectPitt @ 1902 Broadway - Pittsburgh, KS
Pitt @ 1902 Broadway Building D is one of several apartment buildings across the street from the campus of Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. The 45,000-square-foot, three-story brick edifice, built around a central courtyard, was set to undergo significant remodeling by the property owner. The architectural firm engaged for this renovation needed accurate floor plans as none existed for the building. To remedy this, the architect reached out to Rogue Visual Design to document the interior and exterior of the apartment building.
Apartment buildings, by their very nature, pose a detailed task due to the multitude of scans required for thorough interior documentation. Building D, composed of 57 distinct apartment units, each housing a variety of smaller spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, was no exception. Additionally, the hallways, stairwells, laundry, and a variety of other rooms also required scanning. Despite the building being 75-80% occupied by residents, our experienced team efficiently completed over 1,000 separate laser scans to accurately represent these myriad spaces.
With the LiDAR scans collected and registered, our BIM team developed and delivered the LOD 300 Revit model to the architect within a matter of days. This 3D model provided the owner and the architect with the most up-to-date as-built conditions of the building.
Rogue Visual Design holds immense pride in the unmatched accuracy and meticulous detail captured by our state-of-the-art 3D Laser Scanners and our highly skilled team. The completion of over 1,000 scans within an apartment complex is an affirmation of our proficiency, a testament to our adaptability. Our wide-ranging experience, documenting millions of square feet, instills in us the confidence that we can scan and deliver high-quality models for any project, irrespective of the building's size.
At Rogue Visual Design, we consistently bring a robust blend of experience, efficiency, and reliability to each task. We stand ready to apply this same meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving approach to future projects, delivering results that consistently exceed expectations. We look forward to bringing this same approach to your next project.
Central Plains Cement Company – Alternative Fuel Pipe Reconfiguration
Using LiDAR scan measurements to assist with reconfiguring fuel pipes to a 2,640℉ kiln without shutdowns.
View ProjectCentral Plains Cement Company – Alternative Fuel Pipe Reconfiguration
For well over a century, Central Plains Cement Company has been supplying Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal concrete projects throughout the Midwest. Staying at the forefront of the cement industry, Central Plains has been pioneering the use of alternative fuel sources (ground solid waste) to fire their cement kilns. This innovative approach has not only reduced dependence on traditional fossil fuels but has also led to significant reductions in production costs.
The kiln, being the primary source of CO2 emissions in the cement production process, is a crucial area of focus for both Central Plains and the wider industry. Central Plains sought to reconfigure the alternative fuel pipe to a new inlet spout, aiming for a more efficient burn and greater heat recovery. In response to this need, the experts at Rogue Visual Design were called upon to employ our precision 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) to aid in the design of this new configuration. The challenge at hand involved obtaining precise location, alignment, and bolt orientation of both the existing flange connection and the new spout.
Documenting the pipe and spout configuration around a kiln, which can reach temperatures exceeding 1450 degrees Celsius (2640 degrees Fahrenheit), is a complex and potentially hazardous task. However, our highly skilled LiDAR scanning team was able to meticulously capture the entire pipe, spout configuration, and the intricate surrounding area without compromising on safety. The ability of our scanners to collect this data from a safe distance meant that the kiln did not need to be shut down, ensuring uninterrupted operations for Central Plains.
The detailed data acquired allowed Central Plains to minimize the kiln's downtime by prefabricating possible pipe configurations. This empowered them to try out different designs configurations until they identified one that perfectly suited their needs. With the pipe geometry meeting their expectations, Central Plains requested our team's expertise once again to scan the temporary pipe. The abrasive nature of the material being transported necessitated a robust material choice for the permanent alternative fuel line. Using the new LiDAR data, our team delivered a second registered point cloud and a 3D AutoCAD model of the approved pipe. The plant was then able to fabricate a new pipe using more durable material based on our detailed model.
Central Plains Cement Company recognizes the value our experienced LiDAR scanning teams and advanced equipment bring to projects with challenging conditions, such as this one. We have demonstrated the ability to accurately, efficiently, and safely document existing conditions for complex projects, often within a matter of hours. We do this while maintaining a safe working distance, minimizing or even eliminating operational downtime. If you have a complex project that requires precise measurements without equipment downtime, consider going Rogue. We deliver results fast, safely, and with unparalleled precision. Let Rogue Visual Design be your partner for your next challenging project.
A&M Manufacturing
LiDAR scanning enables safe and efficient MEP upgrades for A&M manufacturing.
View ProjectA&M Manufacturing
Many of our clients specialize in Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) projects. One such client was selected by A&M Manufacturing, in Spring Hill, Kansas, to design upgrades to plants electrical equipment. This would require connecting the newly installed equipment with the transformer and other electrical equipment outside of the building. The proposed upgrade included adding a Master Control Center (MCC) room within the manufacturing facility which would increase their production capacity. A&M Manufacturing, a subsidiary of The Clorox Co., is a major supplier of Fresh Step and Scoop Away Kitty Litter for the central United States. As with many of our projects, the existing documentation for the building either did not exist, or lacked enough detailed information to plan the electrical upgrades. To remedy this lack of crucial information on the building layout, the electrical engineer contacted Rogue Visual Design to collect 3D laser scans (LiDAR) of the building and the surrounding environment. More specifically, the Rogue scanning team was tasked with documenting two optional paths for the electrical connections between the equipment inside and outside of the building. When we assessed the site conditions prior to scanning, we discovered ice and snow-covered portions of the roof. These extremely slippery conditions presented a safety challenge to our original plans for documenting the rooftop route. However, our flexible and experienced scanning team devised a way to scan the roof from safe vantage points without setting foot on it. We then meticulously pieced together the roof scans with those taken at ground level and the building interior. A 3D Revit model of the area was then developed from LiDAR data set and delivered to the MEP engineering team. They were able to effectively evaluate both optional routes and design the most efficient build for the electrical connections. Assignments such as this are typical of MEP projects. Our clients need to know the true existing “as-built” conditions to design the most efficient way to complete the needed upgrade. Let the Rogue Visual Design Team help you with your next MEP project. We will deliver an industry leading Revit model that will meet or exceed your design expectations.
Central Plains Cement Company – Barge Loadout
Utilizing our UAV / drones and scanners to create a CAD model of a barge loadout facility along a steep riverbank, inaccessible from the water side.
View ProjectCentral Plains Cement Company - Barge Loadout
For well over a century, Central Plains Cement Company has provided Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal projects throughout the Midwest. To deliver the cement, Central Plains makes use of its location on the Missouri River to load barges destined for midwestern markets. Their Kansas City barge loadout facility had been in operation for decades and needed to be replaced. To prepare for the engineering and construction required to install the new barge loadout, Central Plains called on the trusted reality capture professionals at Rogue Visual Design. Central Plains asked us to document the aging loadout structure, all its associated equipment, and the adjacent topography along the riverbank. As always, our expert team was up to the task. The challenge for this project was that a large portion of the structure, sheet piles, and fender piles were only visible from the water side of the loadout. With a deep and fast-moving channel and steep riverbanks, the Missouri River did not provide stable footing for our LiDAR Scanners; however, it is perfect for our UAS/drone. As such, we brought in our UAS/drone to document the components that would simply not have been possible with a stationary laser scanner. Our team then went to work. We deployed our 3D LiDAR scanner to document the facility from the land side of the loadout and our UAS/drone to document the water side. The major elements of the barge loadout included 2 side-by-side piers that jutted out over the river and were supported by steel columns driven into the river channel and dry bank. Vertically placed steel sheet piles and fender piles surrounded the piers and protected them from the barges while they were being loaded. Two mooring winches helped guide and secure the barges into place for loading. We relied on our years of experience and advanced equipment to carefully document this entire facility including several acres of the surrounding topography (both on and off shore). Back at the office, our talented BIM team processed the drone and scan data and created a Revit model of the existing loadout and surrounding area. The model documented the as-built conditions of the structure, and the mechanical systems used to load the cement onto the barges below. We also provided a 3D contour drawing of the area surrounding the loadout structure. The information we delivered proved to be immediately useful in not only designing the needed upgrades but also in helping to troubleshoot during the construction. While installing new piles, an old tieback failed causing the sheet piles to shift. To assess the extent of movement, the engineers brought the Rogue Visual Design Team back to document the construction area and compare it with our original scans. With the additional information, the engineers were able to assess the situation, correct for the tieback failure, and proceed with construction. Once the new barge loadout was complete, Central Plains called us back out to document the newly installed facility. Central Plains wanted to ensure they had a baseline model for the newly built structure so they would be more prepared to make for any future improvements in the future. Documenting a large cement loading facility suspended over an unpredictable river certainly presents its own challenges. However, our years of experience, expert reality capture and BIM specialists, and extensive tool chest allows us to successfully tackle complex projects. However, nothing is too difficult for our expert reality capture team and BIM specialists. We are honored our work is so highly valued by our partners at Central Plains Cement Company. We look forward to working with you on your next long-term documentation project regardless of the challenges it may present.
Central Plains Cement Company – Raw Mill Duct
Using UAV / Drone photogrammetry and LiDAR / Laser Scans to verify critical connection ensuring a seamless installation of new160ft duct.
View ProjectCentral Plains Cement Company - Raw Mill Duct
Since 1905, Central Plains Cement Company has provided Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal concrete projects throughout the Midwest. To create the cement that has provided the foundation for much of our midwestern infrastructure, Central Plains extracts a local source of raw limestone and mixes it with additional elements. One step in this limestone extraction process involves blowing the chunks of crushed limestone through a massive duct that is roughly 160’ long and 7’-9” in diameter. This duct is mounted between three towers and runs at a 63-degree angle. Although the duct is made of resilient material, the over 20-year-old duct had reached the end of its design life and it needed to be replaced. For the new duct, Central Plains wanted to install one with a larger diameter. However, the expanded diameter of the proposed duct would require changes to its supports, transitions, and connection to the mill at its base on the lower tower. The new one would be fabricated off site and the crew had a limited window to complete the installation during the plant’s scheduled maintenance shutdown. Before the plant went through the arduous task of removing the old duct and lifting this immense new one into place, the engineering team needed to confirm it would fit. Without this duct, the plant does not operate. The configuration of the existing duct was based on CAD drawings created in 1999. Central Plains wanted to be sure that the original drawings matched the current “as built” conditions of the duct as it existed over 20 years after its initial fabrication and installation. Knowing the current condition and configuration of the duct would allow them to ensure that the new one, which was already being fabricated, would fit on the new supports and connections. Having the new duct fit precisely would eliminate any additional down time for the plant. Knowing the value of our work from several previous projects, Central Plains hired the Rogue Visual Design team to document the existing duct. Using a combination of our stationary laser scanner and UAS/drone, we were able to capture the exterior of the entire duct and its connections while the duct was still in operation. Our Leica scanner is an incredible machine with good range and impressive accuracy; however, this project pushed its limits. Considerable shaking caused by two 50 ton rolling mills at the base of the duct, and nearly 110’ vertical distance between two of the platforms presented significant challenges. As always, the Rogue team was up to the task. Using our years of experience and diverse tool set, we were able to complete the scans and flight within a few hours. Once the drone and scan data sets were processed back at the office, our talented BIM team created an updated Revit model of the existing duct. This new model incorporated the original design from the .pdf with the existing as-built conditions. The 3D model we created provided Central Plains the specific dimension information needed to determine if the new duct would fit properly prior to installation. The engineering team was able to ensure the new duct was fabricated to fit. The installation at the plant went smoothly and was completed during the short maintenance shutdown.
North Kansas City Hospital
A time-sensitive LiDAR / Laser Scan and Revit model enabled electrical contractor to methodically coordinate the replacement of hospital back-up generators.
View ProjectNorth Kansas City Hospital
Preparing for a potential power outage is critical for all hospitals and health care facilities. When the regular electrical grid fails, hospitals rely on emergency generators to provide critical power for patient care systems. Eventually, these back-up generators need to be updated or replaced. Given that power outages can happen suddenly and without warning, the replacement process must be carefully planned to avoid putting the hospital at risk of a catastrophic power failure. Rogue Visual Design’s rapid LiDAR scanning and CAD modeling process is significantly more efficient, more accurate, and less expensive than traditional documentation methods for capturing as-built layouts. Our work at North Kansas City Hospital demonstrates how our LiDAR scanning process expedites the documentation and design process for electrical contractors working on time-sensitive projects. In 2021, an electrical engineering and construction company hired Rogue Visual Design to scan four rooms that housed the hospital's three emergency generators, electrical panels, and equipment. These generators ensured an uninterrupted source of power at North Kansas City’s Main Hospital which included their operating and emergency rooms. Once the final registration of the scans was complete, our proficient BIM team aligned the scans to existing Revit Models supplied and created from .pdf drawings by our client. Walls were adjusted to reflect the true as-built conditions. Additional components such as switchgear, conduit, cable tray, and generators documented in the scans were added to create the most complete and accurate picture of the generator equipment and rooms. This highly accurate scan-based replica model was then delivered to our client. With the updated models provided by Rogue Visual Design, the electrical contractor had all the information needed to develop the effective design and procedures to complete the new generator improvements. At Rogue Visual Design, we are proud our work saves our clients time and money. It also allows them to complete complex designs and installations for critical projects such as this. Our clients were able to complete this project on a very tight schedule with no downtime for the power generating equipment.
Advantages of 3D Laser Scanning
There are many reasons to consider laser scanning for your next restoration project. Consider that laser scanning is:
Safer Non-Contact Technologies
Laser scanning is safer for employees, the survey teams, and for your structure. Avoid heights, scaffolding, and damaging delicate historic data.
Learn MoreSafer Non-Contact Technologies
You and your people are more valuable than any project. 3D laser scanning eliminates the need for hours of straining necks and backs or being precariously perched on scaffolding. Historic restoration can be a delicate process; by using LiDAR to measure every detail, the only thing touching that hand-carved mantle or delicate wallpaper is invisible light. Rather than putting the weight of a human on those century-old boards, just let our 3D laser scanner measure the slope of the floor. Current technology does not even need targets – today there is even less contact than in the previous iteration of scanning. Not only will Rogue Visual Design complete all the measuring for you, but we also won’t need to put ourselves in precarious positions. The scanner limits the need to place people in harmful environments for extended amounts of time and limits the possibility of damaging historic sites. Work at heights, heavy mold, or other hazardous exposures are no longer necessary evils for your projects. The Rogue Visual Design team can set up the scanner, leave the environment, and control the scanning from an adjacent location.
FASTER
The scanner measures up to two million points per second. Let that sink in. Two million measurements per second. Rogue Visual Design takes care of performing the on-site surveys and inspections, in less time than conventional methods. With surveys completed quicker, there is also a rapid turnaround of those great 3D models every client likes. Thus, your project planning kicks into high gear at a faster rate, due to accurate as-build records.
MORE ACCURATE
Laser Scanning quickly, safely, and accurately captures tremendous amounts of visual information
Learn MoreMORE ACCURATE
- Faster is not always better, but in this case, it is. If you have drawings of the current structure, do you trust those drawings? Are they completely up to date? Even if they are up to date, how much information is included? Laser scanning can create millimeter accurate measurements of every surface detail scanned.
- With traditional methods, it’s not uncommon for your team to have to plan for an error of 6” to 12”. What a waste of time and effort! Now your whole team will breathe a sigh of relief as they fly through the design process because they can trust the superior accuracy that comes with 3D scanning.
- This information also enables you to create more accurate off-site fabrication, ensuring first-time fit installations of every pipe, conduit, or custom furniture piece.
- You can get more detailed measurements of what seem to be naturally flat surfaces, such as floors and walls
Fewer personnel on site
Your team doesn't need to spend days on site. Rogue's experienced LiDAR specialists can capture substantially more information in less time.
Learn MoreFewer personnel on site
A non-intrusive one or two-person team of LiDAR specialists from Rogue Visual Design can capture more information in a fraction of the time than a whole crew of people using traditional methods. Your team can to stay in the office and focus on the next step in your project. Your organization completes more projects in less time!
Virtual site visits 24/7
Reduce return trips to the field with created virtual site visits
Learn MoreVirtual site visits 24/7
With a professionally scanned site, you can work on your project at any time of the day or night, without the headache of another physical walk-through. Your team can open the point cloud and do a virtual site visit to confirm the pipe configuration, window location, or steel framing. You can confidently confirm, measure, and see all the current site conditions and locations, all from the comfort of your computer.
FEWER SITE VISITS
Because laser scanning is more accurate, it reduces work order changes and the need for repeated site visits.
Learn MoreFEWER SITE VISITS
Did you forget to measure the exact location of the cluster of large conduits in the back? Which dimension down that hall is correct? Did the project scope change and your team lacks critical information? Don’t worry about it! The huge amount of comprehensive data Rogue Visual Design collected in the laser scan of the site means you won’t have to return for that additional information – the scanner already captured it. You will also be able to reduce overall schedule upsets when needing to rework any details.