4 Key Ways Digital has Transformed Construction Surveys

May 7, 2020 Peter Merrett Technology, Laser Scanning

There have been some marked improvements in construction surveys over the last decade, with new technologies being introduced and operations running much smoother as a consequence. In this article, we look at some of the technologies – such as building information modelling – that have made such developments possible and the benefits included for the construction industry.

Merrett Construction Survey Technology

At Merrett Survey, we are continually reviewing our surveying techniques and methods to offer clients the fastest and most accurate approach out there today. Utilising key technologies such as BIM and laser scanning, we are able to have a profound impact on clients’ projects. For more information take a look at our article “What is building information modelling”
We’ve applied our knowledge and understanding of these latest developments in surveying technology to great effect in the construction industry, enabling clients to enhance productivity, improve safety and reduce costs.

Photogrammetry has made great advancements in recent times and can be used to generate 3D ‘point clouds’ as well as 3D ‘solid modelling from ground and drone based cameras. SLAM is another technology that has now matured into a practical method of providing rapid 3D point cloud surveys from hand held (or now ‘drone held’) scanners. SLAM = simultaneous localisation and mapping and these instruments simultaneously record their surroundings in detail whilst using those surroundings to work out their own position. No need for GPS so it is ideal for the rapid survey of indoor environments.

Productivity Levels Have Risen For More Efficient Construction Surveys

When survey findings can be understood clearly and definitive actions can be made as a result, productivity levels soar. The use of advanced technology helps us to create clear BIM models, which greatly improve communications between all parties involved in interpreting designs and implementing them as reality in the field. Bringing designs and drawings to life with the use of technology such as BIM models and other digital design data saves time and makes the efforts on site all the more productive.

Detail & Accuracy

Advanced technologies such as laser scanning, which capture point clouds, and other 3D methods of capturing data such as photogrammetry and SLAM technology, provide concise and detailed information for our clients to create their designs or check construction progress. In comparison, less detailed plans, such as 2D paper copies, restrict what can be achieved following a survey and take longer to interpret. These field capture methods, when shared via BIM models and BIM data management, enable construction companies to plan and monitor their projects with far greater accuracy. As should be clear, the advantages laser scanning surveys offer the construction industry are numerous, which is why we seek to apply these latest techniques in every one of our construction surveys.

A Recognition of Creativity & Invention

Traditionally, the world of digital data has been overlooked by the construction sector but as technology becomes more accessible and understandable, its role continues to gather prominence. Creativity and invention has become the core focus for many construction companies who sought to streamline operations and, at Merrett Survey, we make it our role to provide the creative means of capturing data for such companies.

Whether it is laser scanning services, BIM, fixed-wing aircraft, SLAM based scans, mobile mapping or aerial UAVs and drones, we provide construction companies with the information they need through these innovative methods. Augmented and virtual reality – AR and VR – provide methods of visualising the designed structures in the field and are now just starting to be used by the more innovative constructors.

Improved Safety

Digital representations of the site provide all manner of safety benefits as the models clearly define danger areas and potential hazards. Movement of plant, storage of materials can all be simulated and planned in 3D. More traditional methods of presenting plans leave a lot more to human interpretation and potential error, which can lead to danger for companies and their employees.

Digital representations are detailed, precise and intuitive, meaning the need for people to obtain assessment physically on the ground is reduced on sites. Laser scanning surveys are the ideal way of capturing the entire picture safely, while potentially dangerous zones are left unentered. These improvements have vastly increased how in-depth our measured building surveys can be, providing reliable and easy to visualise models to give value a project’s entire life cycle.

Digitalisation & The Construction Industry

Digitalisation and technology has finally arrived in the construction industry and new possibilities have emerged as a result. If you’d like to discuss how the implementation of our surveying and mapping technologies can impact your construction project, please contact us. A member of the Merrett Survey team will happily take your call.

Discover how we have implemented laser scanning, building information modelling and drones on recent projects by visiting our videos page.