Inventory digitization

3D Point Clouds and CAD Plans:

Using state-of-the-art laser scanning and photogrammetry techniques, the buildings were meticulously surveyed. The resulting 3D point clouds serve as the basis for creating precise 2D CAD plans. These plans are invaluable for future construction projects and renovations, as they accurately represent the condition of the buildings. Unlike traditional methods, which often provide theoretical or outdated information, this approach offers an exact digital representation of the actual building states. In addition to the plans, mass lists were also created, which can be used for tenders or calculations of construction projects. These lists contain precise data on the materials and quantities used in the buildings.

Use of Drones and Thermal Imaging:

Drones were employed to capture the exterior surfaces and create thermal images. The drones flew over the building stock and collected precise data about the building envelope. This data is not only utilized for plan creation but also enables in-depth energy assessments. Complementary thermographic images reveal energy weaknesses in the building envelope. This data is essential for renovation projects aimed at energy savings and supports the planning of measures to improve energy efficiency.

Deep Learning and AI:

The collected data was analyzed using artificial intelligence. The software automatically recognized different types of building components such as windows, facades, or doors. AI supported the quantity determination, allowing for direct data generation for tenders. The automatic recognition and categorization of components significantly enhance the planning process, as manual analysis is eliminated.

Advantages and Use Cases:

Transparency and Reliable Planning Basis:

The precise digital capture of the building stock creates a consistent and reliable planning basis for WBV Coswig. Often, outdated or inaccurate plans exist in practice, especially for existing buildings. Digitalization eliminates this problem: through accurate measurements and digital capture, all relevant data is available, providing a transparent foundation for future decisions. All construction projects, modernizations, and renovations can build on this current and reliable data, reducing errors and unexpected costs.

Improvement of Energy Assessments:

The exact capture of building data enabled detailed energy analyses. Notably, the ability to conduct accurate heat demand calculations is highlighted. The real, captured data provides significantly more accurate values than conventional estimation methods based on averages. This is a crucial step in precisely assessing the energy condition of buildings and implementing targeted energy-saving measures. Additionally, window areas, facades, and component connections were integrated into the calculations to uncover thermal bridges and other energy weaknesses.

Data Foundation for 3D BIM Model:

Another advantage arises from the possibility of creating a comprehensive 3D BIM model in the future. From the data collected on-site, particularly the point cloud, floor plans have been derived as 2D models so far. However, this data provides the perfect foundation to generate a detailed 3D BIM model of the building, containing even more information and data than the 2D model. This more comprehensive model could serve as a valuable basis for renovations, modernizations, or extensions in the future, allowing planners and engineers to access precise and detailed building structures at any time and integrate them into their projects.

Outlook:

The digitalization of the building stock by WBV Coswig represents a crucial step towards a fully digital working world. The digital twin of the building will not only be used for future renovations and modernizations but also enables ongoing analysis of the energy condition. In the long term, WBV plans to extend digitalization to further properties while continuing to rely on innovative technologies such as drones, Lidar, and AI-supported evaluations. This project demonstrates how the combination of technology and strategic know-how can shape the future of the housing industry—efficiently, transparently, and with a forward-looking approach.

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