Empowering trees: from point cloud to BIM: realistic reconstruction of trees for the effective study of their impact in urban spaces

Realistic vegetation modelling remains a challenge within architectural and urban design, as evidenced by the widespread use of generic tree representations in BIM workflows. This work proposes to endow BIM tree objects with the specific values and characteristics that define them as unique individuals (empowering trees). A technical workflow is defined, which begins with the scanning of a tree using point cloud capture technologies, from which an informed 3D model is reconstructed and subsequently enriched with biophysical data. The resulting informed model enables more accurate simulations of the architectural and urban environment, providing relevant and reliable information for thermal and microclimatic analysis, as well as urban landscape planning.