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This manual takes the user through the construction of a typical project, from commencement to delivery.
Topics covered include: survey techniques, scan conversion, scan registration, quality assurance checks,
model hierarchy, adding plans & photographs, and saving the final project.
This guide contains a series of tutorials, which are intended to highlight common LFM Modeller features and
use.
This Quick Start Guide is not intended to cover every aspect of this package, but should provide designers
with CAD backgrounds with a quick introduction to common features, and typical project requirements.
It is presented in a list format, which should allow the user to follow with their own project data.
Please look at the following LFM function reference sections of the help system for detailed information
regarding the use of the LFM software.
Modelling functions may be accessed from the various desktop icons which are displayed based on which
task is currently active.
This guide covers the exportation of completed LFM models to other CAD packages. Models created in LFM
Modeller can be exported as geometric models (layered primitives), or as fully intelligent models*. These
models will be recognised as 'native' to the supported CAD package.
* Current supported formats are Bentley AutoPLANT [pxf], COADE CadWorx [pcf & stp] and Intergraph
SmartPlant3D [stp].
LFM windows & window control are described in this guide. General functions accessed via the main toolbar
are also described in detail, including the object manipulation functionality & the project modelling control
panel*.
* used for layering the modelled components. Additionally, copying, cloning, colouring, display preferences
etc., are all controlled through this feature.
This help resource is presented as a series of interlinked Adobe Acrobat PDF files, which are configured for
double sided colour printing.
Please select the appropriate guide from the list, and it will launch in the same Acrobat Reader window.
All the help documentation has a bookmarked navigation system incorporated, please display these by
selecting the Bookmarks tab at the top/left of the window.
Please also configure the Acrobat Reader to show the navigation tools. Select: View - Toolbars - Navigation
to view the page stepping pallette. (Illustrated above)
Notes:
If the user wishes to switch back to view previously displayed documents, please press Alt - Shift - Left
Arrow. Return using: Alt - Shift - Right Arrow.
Additionally, each section heading in all documents has a hyper-linked index; this allows quick navigation
to the relevant passage in the section.
There is an index system that covers all the LFM Modeller documentation.
When viewing related LFM documents, the user may jump back to this document at any time by clicking on
the LFM Home button.
The approach used in the model building process enables an operator to construct a 3D model in an
incremental, intuitive and interactive way. The operator can rapidly produce a ground-up CAD model of a
specific region of interest or to validate-update existing 3D CAD models.
Modelling of small and large structures alike dictates that significant numbers of scan images need to be
taken from a number of different viewpoints. Consequently, building a 3D CAD model can quickly become a
very complex undertaking. LFM provides seamless support to the operator to allow rapid registration of
multiple images from multiple viewpoints in order to compose the 3D CAD model.
Modelling a section of 3D space into a 3D CAD representation is a task which requires extremely good
support in: 3D fly through, 3D points editing, inter image registration (i.e. positioning of multiple models within
a whole), and the ability to view and manipulate multiple 3D and 2D images in the same workspace
simultaneously. These facilities, and much more, are provided by LFM to aid the user through the modelling
process.
At the core of LFM is embodied the high performance ACIS 3D CAD modelling kernel. Because there is such
a bewildering choice of CAD systems on the market today, cross compatibility between CAD systems is a
serious issue. By using the popular ACIS kernel however, LFM can provide the user with the ability to export
to and import from virtually any CAD package, either directly using the SAT file format or indirectly through
the use of optional off the shelf translators.
Extensive CAD manipulation and editing facilities are provided by LFM to augment the model quality after the
Applicability
Laser mapping consists of many different scans taken at differing locations around the site. LFM Modeller is
able to consolidate these into a combined geo-referenced set of pointclouds, which are accessible in the 3D
environment via an intuitive graphical user interface.
The BubbleView eliminates these issues by providing a dynamic but much narrower field of view at any one
time, thereby reducing the perspective distortion. The BubbleView allows the designer to place themselves at
any scan location and to perform a virtual fly through in the laser scan. Real time zooming and panning give
the user the sensation of actually flying around the scanned environment. Comprehensive measurement
facilities are also available within the bubble environment
Connectors bring the user many advantages. Each connection is 'keyed' so that it can only connect to
objects of the correct type. Where a flange has been placed onto a pipe, only other flanged objects, such as
a valve, will then be presented to the user for downstream connection. This feature makes selection of
components a simple process.
In addition, a logical layer provides intelligent component instantiation from the library. For example, where a
user has a 600psi flange, then only 600psi matching elements will be presented as possible matches.
Connectors also allow valves, tees and elbows to be rapidly slid along piping or rotated to any orientation.
They also provide logical linking of individual components into long flows. This means that entire branches
can be quickly modelled, adjusted, duplicated or moved around within the modelling session.
During the creation of the structural components, the user can opt to create the structural elements
into an aligned NSEW frame. This feature facilitates the smooth transition into target CAD systems
which can only accept structure in an orthogonal NSEW frame.
Structural
Standard Name Description Library
ASTM-A6 AISC Equal Angles Angle
Channels Channel
S-Sections Beam
Unequal Angles Angle
W-Sections Column
EN10056-BS4 BSCA Equal Angles Angle
Parallel Flange Channel Channel
Universal Beams Beam
Universal Columns Column
Unequal Angles Angle
EN10056 EURO Equal Angles Angle
Unequal Angles Angle
DIN 1026-1 EURO Channels Channel
EURONORM 53-62 EURO Heavy Beams Column
EURONORM 19-57 EURO Lighter I-Beams Beam
DIN-1025-1 EURO Lighter I-Beams Beam
EN10210 Circular Hollow Sections Hollow_Section
Square Hollow Sections Hollow_Section
Rectangular Hollow Sections Hollow_Section
Piping
ANSI-16.5 ANSI-16.5 Raised Face Flanges Flange
Raised Face Valves Valve
Ring Joint Flanges Flange
Ring Joint Valves Valve
Actuators Actuator
Flanged Elbows Elbow
Nozzles Nozzle
ANSI-B16.9 ANSI-B16.9 Elbow Elbow
Tees Equal Tee
Tees Reducing Tee
Reducer Concentric Reducer
Reducer Eccentric Reducer
End Caps Endcap
90 Olet Olet
45 Olet Olet
ANSI-B36.10/19 ANSI-B36.10/19 Pipes Pipe
2.12 Plinths
Plinths holding pumps or structural steelwork can form an important part of a plant model. Fast and flexible
creation of plinths has been added which allows them to be rapidly created, moved and rotated into position.
This functionality enables users to quickly create volumetric blocks. These can be used extensively when it is
appropriate to model items in simple terms, e.g. equipment control cabinets & storage boxes. Plinths may
also be used to contain complex components; the resulting block would show the volume is occupied.
The designer is aided in the modelling process by the ability to dynamically manipulate all objects after the
fitting process is complete. The movement options available will vary depending on object type, and how it
sits within the connection chain. For example, an elbow cannot be moved or rotated if connected to a pipe on
both ends. If it is not fully constrained however, the elbow may be translated along the connected pipes axis,
and rotated about the connection to the pipe end.
After the registration phase is completed, LFM Modeller is able to associate one or more site plans to aid
navigation. These are then saved 'into' the model file produced; the detailed 2-D floor plans help navigate
the user to an exact location of interest. Where a project covers multiple floors, a floor plan can be allocated
to each floor on a layered basis. Superimposed on the floor plan are the precise positions of the laser scans.
Once a given location has been selected, it is a simple matter to load the appropriate laser scans containing
the 3-D point information from which modelling, or precise measurements can be taken from the scene.
Intelligent Export
LFM Modeller 3.92 can export PXF, PCF & STP file formats. This allows designers to be able to see their 'as
built' models in CAD design space as native components. Currently, LFM can pass piping and structural
components into Bentley's AutoPLANT and CADWorx (COADE), piping into ISOGEN (Alias) and structure
into Intergraph's SmartPlant3D.
Geometric Export
Export of the completed CAD model can be achieved by a number of routes. The native .SAT file export
allows the model to be exported to many CAD systems. Beyond this there is:
MicroStation - A set of MicroStation CELL libraries is provided which mirror the included LFM libraries.
These can be called upon to create a MicroStation .dgn file.
PDMS - LFM Modeller can create a .mac file which exports the geometry into a PDMS project.
When a single scan is taken using the laser scanner, the measured 3D co-ordinates are in a local reference
frame and are relative to the centre of the scanner mirror. In some circumstances this may be sufficient, e.g.
when making relative measurements within a single image; but generally, it is useful to view and measure
the image in absolute 'site' co-ordinates. Prior to viewing it is first necessary to position the image into some
known co-ordinate frame, this process is called image registration.
There are many practical approaches to achieving image registration. Within LFM, image registration is most
easily achieved by placing targets at strategic points in the environment to be scanned. The targets - which
are visible to the scanner - are then surveyed to determine their exact location, and their names recorded.
Once processed, this survey data is then imported into LFM where it is used to create a reference grid of
named 3D reference points against which individual images can be registered.
Bundle adjustment is most useful when there is no survey available. There will be a number of scans which
have been registered together using targets. As an example, we can say that target K has been seen in N
images. Since all of the scans are registered, target K has N positional values each of which should be very
close to each other. The Bundle Adjustment first finds the mean value of target K from the N values (and all
other targets simultaneously) and then iteratively looks at each image and adjusts it's transform so that
Target K in that image more closely fits the mean value. In reality there may be many targets in each image
and the system is seeking to find a transform which reduces the overall distance from the all the means in
that image. Means are recalculated after each loop through all of the images until the error is minimised.
Registration reports can also be produced in the form of a .csv file showing target
positions and the distance between actual and surveyed targets. This can be opened in many popular
spreadsheet programs for printing or incorporation into customised quality assurance reports.
Annotations
Complex revamp projects normally require a significant amount of advance planning. The annotation facility
allows the designers to place permanent notes on the laser scans with explanations, instructions or warnings
to other users. Annotations can also be grouped into user defined categories for added convenience. When
used across large projects, LFM software is able to connect to SQL databases where annotations can be
stored in a secure data centre.
Tie-in Points
Quickly locating the exact position of the centrelines of pipes for tie-in purposes is often both difficult and
time consuming. With LFM software, a simple one click process is all that is needed to locate the centreline
of a pipe. Finding inter-pipe distances is a simple two-click process.
SCAN - This refers to each individual instance of the 360 scan data, taken from a particular position. The
term 'scan' is never used to refer to data taken from more than one scan position. Models are usually made
up of many scans.
MODEL - A number of scans linked together in the correct coordinate positions (using the process of
'registration'). May be opened in LFM Modeller, LFM Register and LFM Viewer. Maximum number of scans
which may be loaded/viewed simultaneously is approximately 4-6 (RAM dependent).
INTENSITY VIEW - Flattened 2D rendition of the scanned data. Available in LFM Modeller, LFM Register,
LFM Viewer & LFM ViewerLite. Flattened view can give perspective distortion.
BUBBLEVIEW - Perspective corrected 2D representation of the scan data, allowing view as though looking
from scan position. Available in all LFM packages.
PARTIAL SELECTION - Within LFM Modeller, LFM Register, LFM Viewer & LFM ViewerLite, partial
selections may be taken in the intensity and BubbleViews; these allow small selections from the scan data to
be displayed at maximum resolution in the 3D view.
REGISTRATION - The process of linking scans together using either a control survey or Inter-Cloud
registration so that multiple scans are correctly positioned in coordinate space.
MODELLING - Fitting rendered objects to point-cloud data. This can often be more intuitive to view than
point data, and also permits objects to be interrogated for positional and specification information. Standard
catalogue components may also be fitted.
SCAN LEVEL
ZFS - Raw data from the Z+F Imager 5006/5003 (Leica 6000/4500)
ZFC - A ZFS processed using LFM Scan Gateway, providing a more compact and efficient file type. Open in
LFM Modeller, LFM Register, LFM Viewer & LFM ViewerLite.
INT - Produced by LFM Scan Gateway, contains data required to draw a BubbleView.
PNG - Produced by LFM Scan Gateway; image file showing 2D intensity view. For illustrative purposes.
ZFR - Produced by LFM Scan Gateway; contains information required for the inter-cloud registration
process.
MODEL LEVEL
SAT - The main model file, contains scan position information plus modelled objects data. Open in LFM
Modeller, LFM Register, LFM Viewer & LFM ViewerLite.
LFR - Model report, created from SAT file or via LFM Scan Gateway, used to check accuracy achieved at
registration. Also used as the model file in LFM ViewerLite, and in the database creation phase for LFM
Server.
OBJ - Stores pipe and tie-point object information, for import to LFM Server.
DXF - Plan format, which permits existing floor plans of a site to be integrated into the model.
Online Support
Online support and more information about LFM should be requested via support@lfm-software.com
LFM Upgrades
Upgrades can be downloaded from the LFM website at https://www.lfm-software.com/downloads/
Note: To use the download site, it is necessary to have a Username and Password. Customers with
support can request these details by via support@lfm-software.com
Neither the author nor LFM Software Ltd, shall be liable to any person or entity for any actions, loss or
damage arising from its use or possession of any information, claims, particulars, or errors in this publication,
or incorrect use of the product, whatsoever.
Trademarks
LFM, BubbleView and Infinite Core are trademarks of LFM Software Ltd. Unauthorised use of these
trademarks and any associated logos are strictly forbidden.
LFM Software Ltd product names are trademarks registered in the UK.
The copyright, trademark rights, or other intellectual property rights in any other product, its name or logo
belongs to its respective owner.
Copyright
Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in this document and the associated Software, and all
constituent parts of it, including but not limited to: computer source code, object code, any data contained in
it, the user manual and any other additional documentation supplied, belongs to LFM Software Ltd.
All other rights are reserved to LFM Software Ltd. The information contained in this document is
commercially sensitive, and shall not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
without the prior written permission of LFM Software Ltd. Where such permission is granted, it expressly
requires that this Disclaimer and Copyright notice is prominently displayed at the beginning of every copy
that is made.
The manual and associated documentation may not be adapted, reproduced, or copied, in any material or
electronic form, without the prior written permission of LFM Software Ltd. The user may also not reverse
engineer, decompile, copy, or adapt the associated Software. Neither the whole, nor part of the product
described in this publication may be incorporated into any third-party Software, product, machine, or system
without the prior written permission of LFM Software Ltd, save as permitted by law. Any such unauthorised
action is strictly prohibited, and may give rise to civil liabilities and criminal prosecution.
The LFM Software Ltd products described in this document are to be installed and operated strictly in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective licence agreements, and in accordance with the
relevant user documentation. Unauthorised or unlicensed use of the product is strictly prohibited.
First published in 2009. This revision published in 2012
LFM Software Ltd, 5 Avocado Court, Commerce Way, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1HW.