Point Cloud Survey: What is it and why do I need one?
I Garden Vision • February 4, 2025

Transforming Your Garden with Point Cloud Surveys

Your garden is more than just an outdoor space—it's an extension of your home, a personal retreat, and a canvas for your creativity. But transforming your garden with precision and detail can be challenging. Enter point cloud surveys, a revolutionary technology that can bring your garden renovation dreams to life with unparalleled accuracy. 


What is a Point Cloud Survey?


A point cloud survey uses laser scanning technology to capture a detailed 3D representation of an area. It's like having a digital twin of your garden, complete with all the nuances and features that make it unique. Here's how it works:


1. Laser Scanning:


A laser scanner is positioned at various points around your garden. It emits laser beams that bounce off surfaces and return to the scanner, collecting data points with precise coordinates (X, Y, Z) and colour information (RGB).


2. Data Collection:


Each laser beam that hits a surface, whether it's a flower bed, tree, downpipe, or garden gnome, creates a data point. These points collectively form a "point cloud."


3. Point Cloud Creation:


The data points are combined to create a highly detailed 3D digital model of your garden. This model captures every nook and cranny, offering a comprehensive view of your outdoor space.


4. Analysis and Use:


The point cloud data can be imported into software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or BIM (Building Information Modelling) to create accurate models, measure distances, and analyse the garden's features.



Benefits of Point Cloud Surveys for Gardens


Accuracy and Detail:

Point cloud surveys capture even the smallest details, ensuring that no aspect of your garden is overlooked. From the curvature of a pathway to the placement of garden furniture, everything is documented.


Efficient Planning:

With a precise 3D model, you can plan renovations, landscape designs, and new structures with confidence. The detailed data helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your vision is executed flawlessly.


Versatility:

Point cloud surveys are versatile and can be used for a variety of projects, including garden renovations, landscape design, and even creating virtual tours of your garden.


Enhanced Creativity:

The detailed 3D model allows you to experiment with different design ideas, visualise changes, and make informed decisions. You can play around with plant placements, garden layouts, and more before making any physical changes.



How iGarden Vision uses a point cloud survey for its iFrame design


iGarden Vision utilises point cloud surveys to design its innovative iFrame system, ensuring precise and efficient garden transformations. By capturing detailed 3D data of the garden space, the point cloud survey allows for accurate measurements and identification of obstacles, ensuring the iFrame components are tailored to fit perfectly.


This meticulous approach minimises disruption to existing utilities and existing garden features, while providing a stable and level finish. The data from the survey also aids in creating bespoke designs that accommodate slopes and gradients, making the installation process seamless and efficient. With this technology, iGarden Vision delivers a modern, low-maintenance outdoor space that meets the unique needs of each garden.



Conclusion


Point cloud surveys are transforming the way we approach garden design and renovation. With their precision, detail, and versatility, they offer endless possibilities for creating the garden of your dreams. So why not take the leap and explore the potential of point cloud surveys for your garden project? Your outdoor space deserves the best, and with this technology, you can achieve stunning results with confidence.

Rats and your steel deck: What you need to know

By I Garden Vision • March 6, 2025
Firstly, lets understand what attracts rats to your garden. Rats are opportunist creatures and are attracted to gardens for several reasons : Food sources Rats are drawn to gardens with readily available food. This includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, and even pet food left outside. Compost bins and bird feeders can also be significant attractants if not properly managed. Shelter Gardens with dense vegetation, wood piles and clutter provide excellent hiding spots and nesting areas for rodents. Overgrown ivy and thick bushes can offer them the cover they need to feel safe. Water Rats need water to survive, so gardens with birdbaths, ponds or even leaky hoses can attract them. Plant types Certain plants can attract rats. For example, ivy and rose bushes provide excellent cover, while crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are appealing food sources. So lets ask the question: Would a steel deck structure attract rats ? A steel frame deck itself does not inherently attract rats. However, like any decking, they can provide shelter if there are gaps or spaces underneath where rats can hide but they are mostly used as a staging post, a safe stop off from nest to food source. The key is to ensure that the area under the deck is clean and free of food scraps or debris that might attract rats.  Regular maintenance and sealing any gaps can help prevent rats from making a home under your deck. Having an access point to maintain under your deck is useful just to keep check. Rats like to burrow and often live both inside and under sheds, drains, embankments, under rubbish piles, under hedges or shrubs, compost bins / mounds or anywhere that can conceal their activity. So, what deters rats from making your garden their home ? Keep your garden tidy : Regularly trim vegetation and remove any clutter or debris. Secure food sources : Use rat-proof compost bins and bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food outside. Eliminate water sources : Fix and leaks and ensure birdbaths and ponds are well maintained. Use natural repellents : Plants like peppermint, lemongrass and snake plants can help deter rats. Let’s sum things up! - Where there are humans there are rats! There will always be a rat living near or visiting your garden – but don’t blame your deck . Every garden in the UK will get visited, sometimes as often as every night by a rat on the hunt for food, but you probably won’t see them. If you follow the advice given here, they shouldn’t become a problem. Remember to make sure that there is no easy food or water for them to get at or any cosy places for them to sleep. But remember if Mr & Mrs Rat get busy don’t ignore them, they breed rapidly and carry some nasty diseases.

Understanding the DPC and the iFrame System

By I Garden Vision • March 5, 2025
Our iFrame system is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the damp proof course (DPC). It does not affect or bridge the DPC in anyway. Here’s why: Free-Standing Design : The iFrame system is entirely independent of the house structure. It is not attached, ensuring that airflow is maintained and the system is always breathing. No Capillary Action : Compromising the DPC typically occurs when there is direct contact with the house, which can create capillary action. This phenomenon allows water to ingress and climb during continuous rain, leading to damp issues. However, our system eliminates this risk by avoiding any physical connection with the building. Free - Draining System : Unlike systems that channel rainwater in specific directions, our iFrame system is designed to be free-draining. It ensures water disperses naturally without causing localized pressure or water build-up near the property. Compliance with DPC Standards : On traditional builds, the damp proof course is positioned 150mm below the finished ground level to prevent water ingress. Our system respects this standard, ensuring no interference with the DPC or its functionality. By keeping the system free-standing and non-invasive, we guarantee that the DPC remains uncompromised, providing a robust solution for managing airflow and drainage effectively.