As the popularity of reality capture technology – technology which captures and creates a real 3D model of your site – grows among construction industry enterprises, laser scanners continue to lead the pack as the go-to device. It’s easy to see why: Laser scanners provide an unprecedented ability to capture and document “as is” conditions with precision and efficiency. They’ve also evolved in a way that allows virtually anyone to use them.
But despite the myriad benefits, there is still some hesitance among construction industry professionals to fully embrace reality capture. After all, with any new tool or technology there is a learning curve, and within a traditional industry like construction, newer technologies can seem intimidating or not worth the time and cost investment.
However, recent reality capture technologies are combating this obstacle by simplifying usability and making the benefits of laser scanning truly accessible to all.
Here are the top five benefits of adopting laser scanning into your workflow across the building lifecycle:
1. It helps you win work: Use reality capture as your edge before a project even begins. With a simple scan, you and your firm can integrate the data into your proof of concept. This allows you to quickly create visualizations to show your potential client what their finished building will look like in context.
2. It removes guesswork from the planning process: Rather than depend on time-consuming and manual measurements, or outdated drawings, you can begin the planning process with confidence. Use the technology to capture the existing conditions with precise accuracy, allowing you to more effectively plan installation procedures. For example, how will you route a major piece of equipment through the facility for installation?
3. It removes human error from prefabrication: Use reality capture to validate that the elements fabricated off site will fit where intended. This verification can be done before getting those elements on site and in the way of operations.
4. It improves quality control: Use your scanner on an ongoing basis to verify that your work, along with the work of other trades ahead of you, is installed to specification. For example, are anchor bolts and weld plates installed in the right locations? Are penetration sleeves and rebar in the correct spots? Documentation along every phase of the project will help you assure quality.
5. It makes closeout seamless: By documenting your as-built condition in fine detail before leaving the site, you now have an impressive client handover. The documentation will also help with your own future marketing initiatives (go win more work!)
“There’s a night and day difference between reality capture and traditional hand measurements. Laser scanning is certainly faster and provides more accurate and more complete documentation. But at the end of the day, what matters for our designers is that they have confidence their design is going to fit. That provides a tremendous amount of value.” -Thad Wester, Senior Reality Capture Specialist, WeWork.
The benefits of reality capture extend beyond this list. Everyone involved in the project can gain from the accuracy and knowledge provided by laser scanning. What’s more, the technology is evolving, making reality capture accessible to all. Your needs will depend on the types of projects you execute, and your level of expertise. The options have never been greater, from long-range precision gear that runs rain or shine to small, easily transportable options. Find an expert who can help you take the next step to join the many firms getting an edge with reality capture in their tool belt.