In today’s aging infrastructure and tight budgets, state, local, and federal agencies are pressured to deliver faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective projects. A recent article published in Informed Infrastructure by ARKANCE Technology Consultant, Ron Couillard, highlights how Autodesk’s reality capture tools, especially point cloud workflows, transform how public sector teams approach infrastructure design.
As outlined in Couillard’s feature [“Optimize Point Cloud Data for AEC Projects,” June 2025], tools like ReCap Pro, InfraWorks, and Civil 3D are enabling AEC professionals to move from raw spatial data to actionable engineering insights in a streamlined, integrated workflow.
Turning 3D Scans into Better Decisions
Agencies working across transportation, water, and civic infrastructure now routinely use LiDAR and photogrammetry to generate high-resolution point clouds—accurate 3D digital twins of existing conditions. These point clouds:
- Improve as-built documentation for retrofits and renovations
- Enhance site analysis and stakeholder communication early in the process
- Support construction planning, including clash detection and QA/QC
For example, a hypothetical downtown revitalization project could use LiDAR scans to document street and building conditions. These scans would then be processed into a point cloud, offering a rich, real-world foundation for more precise and informed design decisions.
Autodesk's Point Cloud Workflow in Action Autodesk’s AEC Collection provides a connected workflow that helps public infrastructure teams move seamlessly from data capture to detailed design. Here’s how the process unfolds:
It starts with ReCap Pro, which processes raw scan data from LiDAR or drones into structured point clouds or mesh models. This step is essential for turning real-world conditions into usable digital assets. Once processed, the point cloud data is imported into InfraWorks, where it's combined with GIS data and imagery to build a contextual 3D model of the project site. This gives planners and designers a comprehensive view of the existing environment before moving into design. The refined data from InfraWorks is then transferred into Civil 3D. Here, engineers create precise grading models, drainage systems, and corridor designs, ensuring all decisions are anchored in accurate, real-world conditions. This end-to-end approach reduces rework, improves stakeholder collaboration, and ensures greater accuracy throughout every stage of infrastructure planning and design.
How ARKANCE, Supports Public Agencies
But technology alone isn’t enough. As Couillard points out, successful implementation requires the right support. That’s where ARKANCE, comes in. We work alongside public-sector clients to implement Autodesk tools and workflows effectively, offering:
- Tailored training for survey teams, designers, and project managers
- Workflow consulting for integrating point clouds into existing standards
- Scalable solutions for regional, municipal, or federal infrastructure programs
With decades of expertise in civil infrastructure and government projects, ARKANCE ensures your team doesn’t just adopt new tools but excels with them. ARKANCE, is here to help you fully utilize Autodesk’s scan-to-design capabilities. Contact us today to explore how we support public infrastructure projects with the right tools, training, and technical insight.
Lisa Galicia, Marketing Programs Manager, Infrastructure
Lisa Galicia is the Marketing Programs Manager for ARKANCE’s Infrastructure Business Unit, where she leads strategic marketing initiatives that connect civil engineering professionals with innovative technology solutions. With a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector, Lisa develops programs that drive engagement, highlight customer success, and highlights how ARKANCE’s expertise and Autodesk solutions help transportation and public works agencies achieve their goals. Her focus on consultative, value-driven messaging ensures that every campaign empowers engineers to deliver smarter, more connected projects.