The construction industry is an important part of our society. It not only creates buildings and other structures, but it also links communities and provides jobs. For many years now, it has been a major driving force in helping improve the economy and the quality of life of people all over the world.
Whether in industrial construction, infrastructure construction, commercial construction, or home building, using the right tools, equipment, and methodologies is key to achieving success. Through the years, the construction sector has seen numerous advancements. One worth mentioning is reality capture.
Reality capture defined
Reality capture refers to technologies that can replicate the physical world using software that captures and records it as data and then transforms it into a virtual environment. From videos and photographs to advanced scans and 360-degree panoramic images, it documents and collects valuable and useful information to build accurate maps and 3D models.
In construction reality capture has helped take project tasks and processes to another level. With it, industry professionals can have access to rich documentation and up-to-date 3D models, which are key to enhanced project collaboration, efficiency, and performance. It is something worth investing in that both large and small construction firms can greatly benefit from.
Important tools used in reality capture
There are many different tools and equipment used in reality capture. From taking photographs to recording videos, they can do it all in a much more advanced and highly technical manner. Some examples of these advanced reality capture tools are:
LiDar – LiDar stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a method for remote sensing that makes use of light pulses or lasers to take detailed measurements and gather information about an object. Using its generated data, a precise and accurate 3D model of a real physical object can be made. In construction, it is used to 3D scan and capture a site to create detailed maps for surveying and inspections without the need for an in-person visit.
Drones – Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles or aircraft. They are controlled remotely through the use of a controller that communicates using Wi-Fi or radio waves. They can be small and fit in the palm of your hand or large and look like an actual fighter plane. They can do a wide range of things, including surveillance, weather monitoring, and photography. In construction, they let you get a bird’s-eye view of your site without the need for you to take flight. They are especially helpful when capturing very tall buildings and very large spaces.
360 cameras – 360 cameras offer a 360-degree view of everything around. Also called omnidirectional cameras, they are useful when capturing large visual fields, such as when shooting panoramic images. They are essential in interactive media and entertainment, such as in video games, because they help create virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR). In construction, they let you capture a comprehensive shot of your site. They are key to building an accurate digital perspective and a realistic virtual walkthrough.
Reasons to adopt reality capture in construction
Accuracy and precision are crucial in construction. Reality capture, fortunately, can help achieve them. With reality capture services, professionals in the industry can:
Reduce errors – Humans make mistakes. Especially if they are tired or sick, they have a high risk of overlooking details or missing specifics. This is not ideal if you want to avoid reworks, delays, and losses. By using reality capture services, mishaps can be avoided. With this technology, capturing, analyzing, generating, and other steps can be done accurately and precisely.
Collaborate more efficiently – Construction projects typically involve multiple teams. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, there should be a quick and convenient way for the different members to share and access project data. With the help of reality capture collaboration platforms, which are designed specifically for architects, off-site teams, contractors, carpenters, and others, you can interact and collaborate easily to get the job done.
Save resources – Because reality capture technology guarantees accuracy and precision, you can say goodbye to wasted money, time, and effort. You can rely on it to generate a high-quality digital replica of your project, eliminating the need for you to go and see the site personally. You can trust it to measure with high accuracy and precision so that you can gain a better understanding of your project and achieve your desired results.
