Drone Scan to BIM: How the Elios 3 Digitized a Cement Plant in France
A cement plant in France recently used the Elios 3 drone for a scan-to-BIM project, capturing detailed LiDAR data of the entire facility. This innovative approach allowed the site to create a highly accurate digital representation of its infrastructure, paving the way for more efficient planning and management.
Key Benefits at a Glance
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Full Data Coverage
The Elios 3 provided complete scans of both internal and external structures, ensuring no area was left unmeasured. Traditional methods often miss complex or hard-to-reach areas, but the drone’s maneuverability made it possible to capture every detail efficiently. |
Speed and Efficiency
Instead of taking 10 days with a terrestrial laser scanner, the Elios 3 completed the task in just one day. This dramatic reduction in time significantly improved project timelines and minimized operational disruption. |
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Minimal Site Disruption
With only one day of flying required, the impact on daily operations was greatly reduced. Contractors didn’t need to be on-site for an extended period, allowing the plant to continue functioning smoothly during the scanning process. |
Cost-Effective Solution
By using in-house teams and reducing the need for external contractors, the project became more cost-effective. The fast data collection and streamlined post-processing also contributed to lower overall expenses. |
Scan-to-BIM is transforming how infrastructure is managed, especially in industrial settings. By turning real-world environments into precise digital models, construction and engineering teams can plan more effectively, identify issues early, and improve collaboration across all stakeholders. This shift is not just about efficiency—it's about creating smarter, more sustainable projects.
BIM in the Cement Industry
Holcim, one of the world’s largest cement producers, is leading the charge with its "Plants of Tomorrow" initiative. As part of this effort, they are integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, including BIM, to modernize plant operations, reduce environmental impact, and enhance performance.
A key component of this initiative is the creation of a digital twin of a cement plant in France. This model will serve as a foundation for future improvements, such as the integration of carbon capture technology. It also enables better communication with contractors, streamlines planning, and helps track progress toward sustainability goals.
How the Elios 3 Supports Scan-to-BIM
The Elios 3 has been a game-changer at the plant. Pilots have already used it for asset inspections and stockpile monitoring, and its reliability and accuracy made it a natural choice for the BIM project. The drone’s ability to navigate tight spaces between pipes and ducts ensured full coverage of even the most challenging areas.
Traditional methods would have taken weeks and required expensive contractor services. With the Elios 3, the team completed the job in a single day, saving both time and money. Post-processing took just two days, resulting in a high-quality point cloud that could be used immediately for BIM modeling.
Using in-house teams also meant there was no delay in coordination or explanation of site layout. Pilots were already familiar with the environment, making the process faster and more efficient.
Creating a BIM Model with Drone Data
The final BIM model achieved 100% data coverage, eliminating the need for multiple site visits. The level of detail from the Elios 3’s LiDAR scans met the requirements for a schematic design (level 200), which is ideal for engineering layouts and spatial planning.
This model now serves as a valuable tool for planning upgrades, such as adding carbon capture systems. Engineers can accurately place new equipment, ensuring everything fits perfectly without costly rework. It also provides a clear record of the site’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, which can be used for funding applications and regulatory reporting.
The Future of Drone-Based BIM
The success of this project highlights the growing importance of drones in industrial digitization. As more companies adopt these tools, the benefits—speed, accuracy, and cost savings—will become even more apparent.
In the future, the plant plans to use the Elios 3’s LiDAR and ultrasonic capabilities for ongoing asset monitoring and remote inspections. This will help keep workers safe while continuing to drive innovation through digital transformation.
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