The aim of this video is to introduce the novice to the use of Recap and laser scans to create model elements in Revit 2026. To those who are already familiar with the process before 2026, note that the process has somewhat changed in that Recap can now identify elements for classification and that these classifications for meshing can be mapped onto Rivet elements. It is quite possible that this will improve your experience with point clouds and record modeling in Revit.
For some, not having a point cloud might be an impediment to taking the first step in learning this process. I will demonstrate how you can use the sample scan, save it on to a folder on your hard drive to which you have read and write access, and then publish this to your Autodesk construction cloud project. Following this, we proceed to classify the point cloud for further mesh processing and processing in Revit. We do not consider cloud meshing because we are not looking to isolate part of the point cloud. Rather we use local mesh processing for classification. We show how you can create your own groups and layers and set the visibility for these layers within Recap that will aid you in the classification process. We then export the mesh for processing in Revit.
In the last part of the video, we import the mesh into Revit and replace the layers with Revit objects. While many people still want the modelling of objects to be automatic from within point clouds to the modeling software, (in most cases) this is not yet possible. We can even create families from the mesh and host connectors to the families.
It is my opinion that having accurate laser scans for interior spaces and exterior shapes for buildings and infrastructure is critical for the successful modelling of existing or as-built conditions. There is still some resistance to the initial cost incurred for procuring the laser scans. However, when you consider the costs incurred by rending people out to site to measure up time and time again, and the delays and incorrect planning, I believe the savings justify the expense. If you have the ability, why not give it a try? You might just find that everybody prefers this method. Is it tiresome measuring up an existing structure? So, it is much easier to fly a drone and to get an accuracy of about 0.01m on a 30m span. Also, the ability to measure the cloud after the fact is a big plus. Forget to measure something? Just measure it afterwards.
If you need help adopting the AEC Collection or the Autodesk Construction Cloud in your practice or if you are looking to invest in hardware, please contact Micrographics so that we may be of assistance.
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