Reality capture has become an essential tool for modern construction projects, because capturing and recreating as-built conditions in a digital format streamlines workflows and creates opportunities for greater accuracy, collaboration, and efficiency during every phase of a project.
However, there are a variety of reality capture options available, each suited to different needs — so selecting a solution can be overwhelming. How do you choose the best option?
Let’s explore what goes into construction reality capture, its benefits, and key considerations to help you determine the right solution for your project.
WHAT GOES INTO REALITY CAPTURE IN CONSTRUCTION?
Construction reality capture is a method of data collection that enables the recreation of a space in a digital format, either 2D or 3D, to accurately reflect as-built conditions. Examples include:
- 3D Laser Scanning — Captures millions of data points to create a point cloud which can then be used to produce a 3D model of your project site that is both viewable and measurable.
- Photogrammetry — Uses photo data taken from multiple angles to analyze surfaces’ response to natural light, generating a detailed 3D model.
- Drone Imaging — Captures high-resolution images, including angles that are otherwise unreachable from the ground, allowing for more comprehensive site coverage.
- 2D/360 Photos — High-resolutions images captured through a camera that can be either static 2D visuals or an immersive 360 visual which allows the viewer to look over the space in all directions (up, down, left and right).
- Live or Recorded Video — Using webcams site conditions can be actively monitored in real time (via live streaming feeds) or can be recalled later based on archived footage. As a bonus, archived footage can be combined to form a timelapse video to visually showcase the progress of a site over a specified time period.
Top construction professionals are using their digital reality capture data for a number of uses, but some of the more common examples include:
- Documenting as-built conditions
- Monitoring progress
- Conducting quality control
- Reporting floor flatness
- Performing safety analysis
BENEFITS OF REALITY CAPTURE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
Reality capture technology delivers significant value to construction projects. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:
- Saves time — Traditional methods of documenting as-built conditions are often manual and labor-intensive. Reality capture allows for quicker, more efficient, and frequent site documentation, which provides accurate information and can play a part in reducing project delays and can save staff hours as issues can be identified and addressed before it’s too late.
- Enhances collaboration — By integrating reality capture data into a cloud-based platform, teams can work off a single source of truth for accessing up-to-date information from any device, fostering better communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Provides accurate progress reporting — Accurately comparing as-built conditions to project plans helps identify where timelines or workflows may deviate. AI-powered analysis tools further validate completed work, reducing reliance on secondhand (and potentially inaccurate) updates.
- Ensures precise documentation — Highly accurate measurements (down to millimeters) mitigate issues during construction. For instance, for slab pours, detailed reality capture data can detect variances that may require immediate adjustments, preventing costly rework or help teams to adjust the schedule to address non-urgent corrective measures post pour.
7 CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING REALITY CAPTURE SOLUTIONS
Choosing a reality capture method depends on your project’s unique needs. By asking the right questions, you can identify the best solutions to empower your team and meet your objectives.
Here are seven important factors to guide your decision-making process:
1. Documentation goals — Defining clear documentation goals ensures the captured data meets your project’s specific needs, whether for precise accuracy, detailed measurements, or practical usability.
Questions to consider:
- What level of accuracy is required for the project’s success (e.g. BIM vs. general visual documentation)?
- Will detailed measurements be critical for analysis or reporting?
- How will the documentation be used (e.g. for stakeholder communication or compliance purposes)?
2. Data and output requirements — Once your project goals are clear, the next step is selecting the right tools and technology to meet those needs. Different reality capture devices are designed to serve different purposes, and using the appropriate one will ensure you get the desired outcomes.
For example, 3D Laser Scanning creates millions of data points that can collectively be used for taking precise measurements, making it ideal for engineering and architecture purposes; 360 cameras offer comprehensive area coverage for visual analysis; and 2D cameras capture finer details, making them suitable for spot verification.
Questions to consider:
- What type of reality capture data output is most beneficial for the project?
- Do you need precision 3D models, broad visual perspectives, or detailed close-ups?
- Does the required equipment match your project’s scope and operational needs?
3. Size of the area — The size and complexity of the area have a major impact on the type of tools and processes you’ll need. Larger or more complex spaces may require specialized equipment or additional planning.
Questions to consider:
- How large is the area you need to document?
- Do you need an aerial view?
- Are there inherent risks, such as hazardous conditions, to account for?
- Is there a need to document multiple buildings or intricate layouts?
4. User experience — Ease of use and accessibility are key to ensuring your team can readily engage with the reality capture data. Complex tools, excessive software requirements, and difficult-to-navigate user interfaces may slow down workflows and create bottlenecks.
Questions to consider:
- Who will need access to this data, and what is their technical proficiency?
- Are there existing challenges with accessing or sharing data across your team?
- How easily can the platform be set up and accessed on multiple devices?
- Are there multiple licensing fees required?
- Can data be shared and updated within the platform, or through other formats like PDFs and other 3rd party software?
5. Integrations —Seamless integration with your current workflows and existing project management tools can save time and reduce complexity.
Questions to consider:
- What project management software are you already using?
- How will reality capture data transfer between systems be handled?
- Are there specific platforms the reality capture data needs to integrate with?
6. Cost — Budgetary constraints play a significant role in selecting a solution. Hardware, software, licensing, and support all contribute to the total cost. For example, 3D laser scanning often requires hiring professionals due to the costly equipment (e.g. $10,000–$50,000 scanners).
Questions to consider:
- How much can you allocate for hardware and software?
- Are there ongoing costs for licenses or maintenance to consider?
- Do you anticipate requiring additional support for implementation?
7. Resourcing — Your team’s capacity, knowledge, available equipment, and established processes will influence whether you can manage documentation in-house or need external support.
For example, UAVs/drones involve extensive regulations and flight requirements, making professional services the more practical option. However, 360 photos, video recordings, and tools like the Hexagon GoCapture app are more feasible for in-house teams with adequate resources and established protocols for quality and consistency.
Questions to consider:
- Does your team have the capacity to handle site documentation on its own?
- Is the necessary equipment available and in working condition?
- Are there established protocols for data capture quality and consistency, or will you need to create SOPs from scratch?
STREAMLINE YOUR REALITY CAPTURE PROCESS WITH MULTIVISTA
Whether you’re looking to self-capture or work with documentation specialists, Multivista can help.
We’ve documented and digitized thousands of worksites with a combination of 3D laser scanning, 360 photos, 2D photos, UAV/Drones, and more — all combined with the power of AI analysis solutions to provide even deeper insights alongside your data.
Ready to get more from your reality capture? Get a demo.
