Creating digital twins from computer drawings and laser scans: a comparison

Building information models offer significant advantages in managing existing buildings and infrastructure. If no such ‘digital twins’ exist, they can be generated from two-dimensional computer-aided design drawings or from laser scanning photogrammetry. This paper starts by describing and comparing the two methods of model generation. It then reports on a study where both methods were used to model a university building complex in Turkey. The results are compared and discussed, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. It is concluded that the ideal solution is a combination of elements of both methods.