Harnessing the Power of 360-Degree Cameras to Enhance Productivity for Construction Teams

As the need for innovation in construction processes continues to increase, project managers and CIOs looking for an edge in productivity are turning to 360-degree camera technology. Using this technology enables teams to record workflows and accurately identify improvement areas. Its ability to capture high-quality images from any angle can give teams a better look at the entire process from start to finish, capturing all details.

For larger projects with multiple locations or moving objects, having an easy way to store data across all points will be invaluable. In short, leveraging 360 Degree Cameras as part of your construction team’s workflow can substantially improve efficiency and cost savings over time. At ConstructN, 360 degree cameras are integral to monitoring progress of the build and enhancing productivity.

Let us explore how 360 degree cameras are used in the construction industry.

360-Degree Cameras in Construction

What are they?

There are two main types of 360-degree cameras: those with multiple lenses and those with a single lens. In either scenario, these cameras use 180-degree forward and rear-facing fisheye lenses to capture the surroundings. Multi-lens 360-degree cameras usually have a circular array of lenses. This feature allows them to capture a truly panoramic image.

These cameras enable you to stitch together multiple images to create an even wider field of view. Single-lens 360-degree cameras, on the other hand, utilize advanced image processing algorithms to “unwrap” the images they capture and create a panoramic effect. All 360-degree cameras allow you to see everything happening around you in one shot.

We at ConstructN modernized a fundamental concept by combining a 360-degree camera with advanced computer vision, AI, and data visualization software – similar to the tech used in self-driving cars. Now, we use it to enhance progress monitoring capabilities of construction businesses.

How do they work

360-degree cameras are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry for several reasons. One significant benefit of using them is their ability to capture site conditions in ways that were previously impossible. A 360-degree camera gives you a complete view of the job site – which is essential for safety and planning purposes.

Furthermore, utilizing 360-degree cameras is an effective way to record and document construction progress. Maintaining detailed documentation of all the work on the job site can ensure clarity about the accomplished tasks. This practice proves to be highly advantageous, especially in situations involving insurance claims or construction defect disputes.

Finally, 360-degree cameras can be used for marketing purposes. A well-produced video that showcases your construction project from start to finish can be a great way to attract new business.

Overall, it is clear that 360-degree cameras have many benefits for the construction industry. They allow you to capture important site information, document progress, and market your project – all in one easy step. If you want to improve your workflow, then 360-degree cameras may be just what you need!

How can 360 Degree Cameras improve productivity in Construction?

Time and Cost Optimization

In the construction industry, the faster a crew can move through a construction site, the more profitable the project will be. And while there are many ways to speed up the process, one of the most effective is to use 360-degree cameras. 360-degree images are much more precise than verbal descriptions or regular 2D imagery of the environment, reducing the hours it would take to walk through with a standard camera.

With more precise imagery comes the added benefit of quick safety issues checks, accurate progress report viewing, and virtual site access, significantly reducing travel budgets. Construction teams can use platforms like ConstructN to upload, organize, and share images taken at the job site. Team members can easily collaborate by providing feedback and comments on necessary changes. As a result, delays can be reduced or even eliminated.

Faster Decision Making

Traditional 2D photography can give a general understanding of the site, but 360-degree imagery can provide a different level of detail. Handling dispute resolution with ease, preventing mistakes from being compounded, and ensuring detailed documentation are – with a 360-degree camera, users only need to press record and walk through a construction site. AI-based video stitching algorithms process the video footage into a 360-degree panoramic map similar to Google Street View, allowing builders to make decisions leading to a faster build.

The bottom line is that 360-degree cameras allow construction crews to work more efficiently and effectively, saving time and money.

Streamlining Construction Processes

Construction processes are often fraught with inefficiencies and a lack of coordination that can lead to delays and cost overruns. 360-degree cameras can help streamline the construction process by providing an accurate view of the work progress on site allowing team members to easily compare the work progress over time and identify any delays or issues.

BIM Integration

Some tools also enable BIM integration, so project teams can compare the work on-site to the design and ensure that the project is being built as per the initial design. AI-enabled platforms like ConstructN compare BIM design with site data to track progress and identify completed work and related BIM elements. For example, ConstructN integrates BIM elements into the project schedule, which maps the progress back to the schedule for project teams to track the progress on-site to the planned schedule. This feature ensures accuracy, highlights delays, issues work delay alerts, and removes data issues in a project’s progress.

Further, progress data can be linked to provide quantities and cost insights for teams to check for any issues and take necessary steps to address the same. The visual nature of the data allows the team to collaborate seamlessly, reducing communication gaps and improving project execution.

Recent and Upcoming Developments and Potential for 360-degree Cameras in Construction Monitoring

Using 360-degree cameras in construction monitoring can provide several benefits for project teams. The data collected by the cameras can be used to monitor a project’s progress and identify and address any issues that may arise.

In addition to progress data, 360-degree camera data can be used for quality monitoring and management. Deviations can be highlighted by checking for various design parameters to the on-site built parameters, if any. This information can then be used to help improve the quality of a project.

In AI-enabled platforms, cost, and quantities data may be further integrated with ERP systems. Based on procurement orders, companies can receive alerts about potential material shortages, allowing them to address the issue in advance and prevent site stoppages.

360-degree cameras have already begun to be used in linear projects such as building projects. However, it is not limited to just these types of projects. Did you know that 360-degree cameras can be utilized for building maintenance and operations, as well as for structures and other purposes? This would allow teams to understand better how a structure performs over time and make necessary adjustments.

Overall, using 360-degree cameras in construction monitoring can help teams identify and address any issues that may arise during a project. The cameras can collect data that can be used to monitor and improve quality, manage costs, and gain insights into quantity. In the future, 360-degree cameras will likely become an increasingly common sight in construction monitoring.

Conclusion

The potential uses for 360-degree cameras are vast and exciting. As the technology continues to develop, so does its possible use in other industries. In the construction industry, 360-degree cameras are already having a transformative effect on project monitoring.

These cameras are becoming increasingly common, and as they do, construction teams can streamline their processes and improve efficiency. Connect with us to learn how we, at ConstructN, use 360-camera data to automate, simplify and transform project monitoring.