Investigation of Data Formats for the Integration of 3D Sensed and 3D CAD data for Improved Equipment Operation Safety

Use of automation in construction is increasing at a rapid pace because it provides ways of dealing with skilled labour shortages, and of improving safety, quality and productivity. Much of this automation revolves around a control loop in which planned and designed assets are compared with what is currently in place. Comparing sensed and designed spatial data will be part of this broader process of comparison. This paper explores this issue by analyzing the characteristics of 3D sensed and CAD data, and investigating data formats that could be used for their integration. The focus is on the particular context of efficient 3D modeling for improved equipment operation safety. Results of an algorithm developed for converting 3D CAD data into point clouds are presented as a solution to one part of the challenge.