Proform Case Study: Heritage Building Documentation Takes a Quantum Leap Forward

Case Studies2025.05.126 min read

New Zealand Construction Firm Proform Group Achieves Photorealistic 3DGS Models of Historic Structures with XGRIDS K1

Proform Group Ltd., a leading construction and renovation specialist in New Zealand, has pioneered the adoption of cutting-edge 3D mapping technology to revolutionize their approach to historic building renovation. By implementing XGRIDS' LixelKity K1 handheld scanner on their Mendoza Terraces Remediation Project, Proform Group has found a new way to combine centimeter-level accuracy, stunning visualization, and client transparency while working on earthquake strengthening of the historic Ford Wall.

This case study examines how Proform Group's early adoption of Gaussian Splatting technology is setting new standards for precision and visualization in heritage conservation projects.

Customer Profile

Company: Proform Group Ltd.

Industry: Construction, Renovation, Heritage Conservation

Location: New Zealand

Key Project: Mendoza Terraces Remediation Project, including earthquake strengthening of the historic Ford Wall

Project Details: $3.4 Million

Partner: Brosnan Construction

Challenges

Proform Group faced several significant challenges in their heritage renovation work:

Documentation Precision: Historic structures like the Ford Wall require accurate documentation to ensure appropriate preservation techniques.
Site Accessibility: Extensive scaffolding made traditional tripod-based scanning methods impractical.
Flexible Documentation: The team needed a solution that didn't require constant subscription payments for occasional use.
Stakeholder Communication: Communicating complex structural details and renovation progress to clients often led to misunderstandings and approval delays.

Solution: 3D Scanning Heritage Buildings

Proform Group became the first company in New Zealand to deploy the XGRIDS LixelKity K1 handheld scanner, integrating it into their existing documentation workflow:

Technology Components

Hardware: XGRIDS LixelKity K1 Compact Handheld Scanner
Software: XGRIDS Lixel CyberColor for 3D Gaussian Splatting model generation, LixelStudio for point cloud processing
Key Technology: Multi-SLAM algorithms combined with Gaussian Splatting
Integration: Complementing existing 360° cameras and drone photogrammetry

Implementation Process

As Project Managers with trade backgrounds rather than engineers, Proform Group needed scanning solutions that prioritized practical usability over ultra-precise engineering measurements. They had previously relied on rented Trimble and Faro equipment but sought more cost-effective alternatives for their occasional documentation needs.

Daniel Manchester, Senior Project Manager and UAV Operations Manager at Proform, discovered XGRIDS through LinkedIn and was immediately attracted to the SLAM lidar capabilities allowing faster site capture. The Gaussian Splatting visualization technology particularly caught his attention with its remarkable realism.

Implementation proved surprisingly straightforward, with Daniel describing the system as nearly "plug and play" with minimal training required. Their workflow integrated the XGRIDS software ecosystem, primarily using LCC for Gaussian Splat processing and LixelStudio for point cloud work, occasionally supplemented by Cloud Compare for specific editing tasks.

Results and Impact

（Click to Watch the Video）

The implementation of XGRIDS technology has delivered substantial benefits across multiple areas:

Practical Benefits

Simplified Capture Process: The K1's handheld nature proved invaluable in navigating the complex scaffolding at the Mendoza Terraces site. Where traditional tripod scanning would have been prohibitively time-consuming, the team simply walked through the site twice to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Suitable Accuracy Level: The centimeter-level accuracy perfectly matched their construction management needs without overengineering. This balance of precision and practicality allowed them to capture measurements while maintaining workflow efficiency.
Flexible Cost Structure: Teams can reap the benefits of simple scanning workflows and full ownership of their 3D assets. K1 is a field-ready, single-operator hardware solution, while the LCC software offers flexible licensing options. For a team that uses 3D documentation occasionally rather than daily, this approach allowed them to access and process data without a hefty investment.

Visualization Impact

The most remarkable outcome has been the photorealistic quality of the 3D models generated through Gaussian Splatting. Stakeholders frequently mistake the digital models for video footage, with their initial reaction often being surprise upon learning they're viewing a 3D model rather than a recording.

Daniel discovered that while the visual fidelity impressed viewers, the real value emerged when stakeholders could actively manipulate the models. As he notes:

"Being able to actually manipulate the model and highlight or showcase the exact part that you want to show—that's where the modeling was brilliant."

This interactive capability transformed technical discussions and enabled more informed decision-making among all project stakeholders.

Heritage Conservation Applications

Proform Group's work has attracted significant interest from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the government organization overseeing historically significant sites.

The K1 unlocked two key advantages for conservation:

The ability to quickly document restricted-access interiors that are closed to the public
Creating comprehensive visual records equivalent to "thousands of photos" in a single scan

Building on their success, Proform Group is actively exploring broader applications in heritage conservation. They've already volunteered time on heritage documentation projects to demonstrate the technology's capabilities to conservation authorities. A test deployment at the Ng King Brothers Chinese market garden settlement site demonstrated particular value for heritage documentation.

（Click to Watch the Video）

This proactive approach showcases their commitment to advancing documentation standards in New Zealand's heritage sector and positions Proform Group as innovation leaders in this specialized field.

Building on their success with the Mendoza Terraces project, Proform Group envisions an expansion to their use of XGRIDS technology:

Digital Twin Creation: Developing interactive models for ongoing building management
Preventative Maintenance: Using high-precision models to detect early signs of structural issues
Training Applications: Creating immersive learning environments for heritage conservation techniques
Virtual Tourism: Exploring opportunities to share completed models of historic structures with the public

Client Testimonial

"The level of detail and realism in the 3DGS models produced by Proform Group using the XGRIDS technology has completely transformed how we understand our projects. Being able to virtually walk through them, gives us confidence that precise and accurate records are being undertaken. This technology has made complex planning and monitoring accessible and clear."

— Daniel Manchester

Senior Project Manager and UAV Operations Manager at Proform Group Ltd

Conclusion: Setting New Industry Standards

Proform Group's implementation of XGRIDS technology represents a significant shift in how heritage renovation projects can be documented and visualized. By achieving a level of detail and realism previously unavailable with conventional methods, they have:

Enhanced documentation capabilities without requiring specialized expertise
Provided novel visualization for historically significant structures
Created a flexible workflow that accommodates their occasional but vital 3D documentation needs
Pioneered applications that are already attracting interest from heritage conservation authorities, and designers.

As the first company in New Zealand to adopt this technology, Proform Group has positioned themselves at the forefront of construction innovation, demonstrating how cutting-edge 3DGS modeling can solve real-world challenges in complex renovation projects.

Technology Focus: How Gaussian Splatting Makes the Difference

The XGRIDS LixelKity K1's implementation of Gaussian Splatting represents a significant advancement over traditional 3D scanning technologies:

Capability	Traditional Methods with Total Stations	Drone Photogrammetry	XGRIDS Gaussian Splatting
Visual Quality	Accurate measurements but minimal visual detail; primarily point data	Good texture mapping but often with artifacts and inconsistent quality in complex areas	Photorealistic rendering indistinguishable from video with consistent quality throughout
Capture Speed	Slow and methodical; each setup point requires 5-15 minutes with multiple setups needed	Requires extensive drone flight planning, photography and long processing times (hours to days)	Rapid handheld scanning (walking speed) with faster processing (minutes to hours)
Accuracy	Sub-millimeter to millimeter-level accuracy; highest precision available	Variable depending on photo coverage, altitude, and overlap; up to centimeter-level	Consistent centimeter-level accuracy suitable for construction management
Usability	Requires specialized training and technical expertise; difficult in complex environments with obstacles	Requires specialized expertise in drone operation, flight planning, and aviation regulations	More accessible with guided scanning process and minimal training; can navigate complex environments easily
Real-time Feedback	Limited or none; results only visible after post-processing	Limited or none; quality assessment only after processing	Immediate visual feedback during capture via LixelGO app; ability to identify missed areas
Best Use Case	High-precision engineering measurements; construction verification	Exterior documentation of large sites and tall structures; aerial survey work	Interior or outdoor spaces, complex environments, heritage documentation, and client visualization
Cost Structure	High equipment cost; often rented by project	Moderate to high equipment cost plus software subscription	One-time purchase with no ongoing subscription fees
Mobility Limitations	Limited by line of sight and physical accessibility; difficult with scaffolding	Limited by airspace restrictions, weather, and interior access	Few limitations; can access tight spaces and navigate around obstacles

About XGRIDS

XGRIDS specializes in advanced 3D capture and visualization technologies that combine hardware excellence with breakthrough computational approaches like Gaussian Splatting. The LixelKity K1 handheld scanner represents their commitment to creating tools that bridge the gap between technical accuracy and visual communication, empowering professionals across industries to document, analyze, and share physical spaces with unprecedented fidelity.