When starting a project on an existing building, the data we get is often incomplete. We might get scanned record drawings from 50 years ago, or a partial model from a previous project, but it’s likely that we’ll find conflicting, or missing, information. This means we have to spend significant time at the start of the project compiling photos and measurements before we can begin work.
To combat this issue, our team recently purchased a Matterport camera that allows us to get a full 3D scan of any indoor space. Instead of sending out many architects and engineers to a site to hand-measure a space and take hundreds of photos, we can send out one employee with the camera to scan and capture every detail.
After a site is scanned, it is uploaded and stitched together to create an immersive, 3D walkthrough model. We can then view the model in a web browser and take accurate measurements. No longer will we need to constantly revisit a site to check a measurement!
The camera is easy to set up and use. This can be a game-changer in project start-up time and cost, and there are many other uses as well! We could potentially use it to scan various stages of construction, or even have an as-built scan when a project finishes.
Our team has used this technology on a few jobs so far, and it’s been getting rave reviews! While right now it can only be used indoors, we’re looking forward to getting an outdoor camera to use as well. This is just one example of how new technology is transforming the work we do for the better. I know I’m looking forward to seeing how this and other technology can be implemented to benefit our projects in the future!
