Identification of 3d surface points using context-based hypothesis testing

A method of modeling a physical structure, wherein the physical structure is a construction, building, or facility structure, the method comprising:

• allowing a user to select a piping context corresponding to the physical structure, and at least one seed point from a set of point data corresponding to a surface of the structure, the piping context defining a set of possible piping surface component options including a straight pipe option, a elbow pipe option, and a tee pipe option, with a set of rules for connection for each possible piping surface component option;
• once the piping context is selected, allowing the user to select a piping component option from the set of piping component options presented to the user;
• using the piping context and the selected piping component option to select local points near the at least one seed point and determine dimensions and orientation of an initial piping surface component that models the local points, the initial piping surface component being added to a working model of the physical structure;
• determining a set of extension points near an area of possible extension of the initial piping surface component using the piping context and rules for connection;
• determining a set of extension hypotheses to be tested against the set of extension points using the piping context, the set of rules for connection and the initial piping surface component to determine an additional piping surface component to be added to the working model;
• adding, using a processor, the additional piping surface component to the working model.