Photo documentation in architectural construction documentation is now the norm in the construction industry. It plays a crucial role in capturing the progress and details of the project. From preconstruction to completion, photo documentation helps all the stakeholders visually analyse the entire construction process. It provides numerous benefits that help build strong communication and manage risks. 360-degree cameras quickly gather documentation throughout the construction project’s life cycle. But to know what a 360-degree camera is and how its technology works, let’s dive into the blog.
Basic 360-degree photo documentation
360-degree photos provide significant advantages in architectural construction documentation. As we all know, traditional 2D images of construction sites are mainly created by taking multiple shots of a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) or through a smartphone by rotating on a fixed point. These partial panorama images do not cover the full 360 degrees of a location, but they capture a flat area with lots of pixels.
Several companies typically use the traditional 2D photo format in architectural construction documentation to capture the site’s MEP or other built conditions. The images are high and focus on the clients’ most important areas. A 360-degree photo, on the other hand, is a fully spherical panoramic image that captures a complete spherical view of the surroundings from floor to ceiling, or you may see from ground to sky by covering every angle.
Basics of 360 Degree Photo Documentation
Today, many photorealistic architectural rendering services offer significant advantages in the construction industry. Built 360-degree cameras for construction using wide-angle lenses with multiple functions to capture all the angles of a site at once. Depending on the specific camera, it might take simultaneous photos of various angles, back, front, left, right, top, and bottom, or use an extensive-angle lens to capture two images, each with a full view of over 180 degrees. Either of the other photos can then be stitched together to get a full 360-degree view.
These photos are taken consistently around the site, which helps document progress. They can be easily referred to as valuable details like the locations of the outlets and plumbing.
Who manages 360-degree photos in construction?
So when it comes to 360-degree photography on a construction site, there are many options to consider –
- Handling the photography process in-house or having a professional team to manage it. Ultimately, the decision between managing 360 photography in-house or hiring a third-party team will entirely depend on the budget constraints available within your organization, project requirements, and desired level of control over the process. These factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
- Keeping everything in-house is tricky; you must invest in the necessary equipment and provide sufficient training to prepare your existing employees. Also, you need to prepare your employees to take 360 photo capture.
This architectural construction documentation approach takes total responsibility for the capture process. It is also important to consider training equipment and labor costs associated with the option. Training the employees requires resources and time, especially if they are unfamiliar with 360-degree photography techniques. Purchasing high-quality equipment can be a significant front investment; if the equipment breaks, you will be left without photo documentation until it’s fixed.
Benefits of 360-degree photos
- Identify Risks Earlier
Photo documentation helps identify potential issues before they create costly rework issues. 360-degree photos make the process more straightforward compared to the actual progress of the original plan for looking for discrepancies.
- Reduce Unnecessary Site Visits
Yes, photo documentation reduces frequent site visits. Stakeholders can refer to an image for clarification instead of physically walking the site.
- Maintain Detailed Records
Architectural construction documentation is used as a record of earlier stages of a project, as evidence in legal disputes, conforming to the completion payment application, and more.
- Track Milestone Progression
Photo documentation proves that you have reached the milestone to initiate billing faster, get paid on time, and have a lower risk of payment disputes.
- Gather Business Intelligence
360-degree photos can capture a comprehensive view of the construction site from all angles and provide valuable insights that facilitate effective decision-making and change management.
At The End
360-degree photo documentation is essential in contemporary construction projects, providing a complete, immersive perspective of the location. It improves communication, allowing stakeholders to assess progress, pinpoint potential risks, and make informed decisions based on data without needing frequent site visits. This visual record is an essential element of architectural building, assisting in monitoring milestones, preserving thorough documentation, and verifying that the construction aligns with the initial designs. It adds significant value when paired with photorealistic architectural rendering by delivering an exact and visually detailed depiction of the project at all phases. This blend enhances efficiency, minimizes conflicts, and assists teams in adhering to timelines and budgets.