3D Scanning of Basilica – Norfolk

Client:
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, VA is faced with an aging building in need of a plan to preserve its historical significance. Architect and church member, William Bissell, began to work with the church to produce a Historic Structure Report (HSR). The purpose of an HSR is to provide documentary, graphic, and physical information about a property’s history and existing condition. The HSR outlines a scope of recommended work or repair and serves as an important guide for all changes made to a historic property.

Project:
Built in 1858, The Basilica has stood the test of time. Like many older buildings, existing documentation of the site was outdated, incomplete, inaccurate, and difficult to obtain. The Laser Design team utilized the latest in long-range laser scanning technology to collect colorized 3D data (Point Cloud) of the church interior, exterior, and site. A traditional surveying workflow ensures the data is collected accurately and is registered to a singular coordinate system. The scan dimensionally captures as-built architectural, structural, and mechanical features of the building. The 3D point cloud is used to produce a 3D CAD (Revit) model on the same coordinates as the scan. Advanced modeling techniques gave Laser Design the edge to produce a highly detailed deliverable that was both efficient and budget friendly.

Results:
With 3D scanning, Laser Design gave the church a massive head-start towards producing an HSR by documenting the building in the latest 3D CAD format with confidence and minimal field measurement. Providing the project architect with “a snapshot in time”, the scan brought this historic structure into the 21st Century.