PhD Study : Solidification of point cloud data for irregular shapes

Summary

Three dimensional (3D) point cloud models produced by laser scanning or close range photogrammetry can be exported into proprietary software that can generate surfaces.  Typically this is based on interpolation of the point cloud using a mesh-based algorithm. However, Revit and other BIM software requires a parametric representation of the geometry with the intelligent data attached rather than a static shape only. Barazzetti et al (2015) initially set out a procedure to create parametric Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects from point clouds for complex architectural features such as arched roofs. The work of Barazzetti et al. was for objects with a clearly defined surface using a mesh-based algorithm to generate the roofs and redrew the basic shapes such as windows and walls etc.in BIM.  Redrawing the basic shapes resulted in a loss of the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) data from the cloud. This project will develop a process that solidifies point clouds of irregular shapes such as walls from point cloud data. Chiabrando et al. (2017) used the PointSense plugin for Revit that allows partial point import into the Revit Family Editor (RFE).  Model Level of Detail (MLD) and intelligent information sequencing automation needed further automation. Macher et al. (2017) indicate how the transfer to Industry Foundation Class (IFC) models can take place. However, this needs a further step to ensure that the intelligent data is imported and recorded.

This project seeks to solidify irregular shapes such as stone walls through machine learning and mathematical algorithms to automate the process of point cloud import into Revit. This project is aligned with the Ulster Digital Futures vision.

Background publications:

Barazzetti L., Banfi F. Brumana R. and Previtali M.  (2015) Creation of Parametric BIM Objects from Point Clouds using NURBS, The Photogrammetric Record 30(152): 339–362 (December 2015) DOI: 10.1111/phor.12122

Chiabrando F. Lo Turco M. , and Santagatib C. (2017) Digital Invasions: From Point Clouds to Historical Building Object Modelling (H-BOM) of a UNESCO WHL Site, The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W3, 2017 3D Virtual Reconstruction and Visualization of Complex Architectures, 1–3 March 2017,

Nafplio, Greece Macher, H. Landes T. and Grussenmeyer P. (2017) From Point Clouds to Building Information Models: 3D Semi-Automatic Reconstruction of Indoors of Existing Buildings, Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(10), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7101030

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living