In the construction business, planning is everything. It is imperative to have all of your measurements and estimates accurate. Being off on an estimate can cost companies a lot of money both in materials and labor costs.

There are multiple ways that construction companies go about their planning processes. Many have teams of engineers that draw the plans that the various department heads and supervisors will read and relay to their organizations. Others use laser surveying and other technology to improve the accuracy of their bids.

For intricate jobs, smart construction business owners turn to photogrammetry. The application of photogrammetry can transform your business processes and have you operating at your most efficient.

What is Photogrammetry?

This science of taking measurements from photographs is known as photogrammetry. It is done by taking a series of pictures of one object, set of objects, or large-scale scenes, making sure to cover all angles. The photographs are uploaded to a program that allows users to calculate the measurements of and distance between objects.

More advanced photogrammetry can help you to create 3D models of buildings and other things you might need extensive planning for (more on that later). This is the most accurate way for any construction company to plan for an intricate project; photogrammetry is quickly outpacing laser calculations as the go-to option for larger companies. Another application is to plan out construction sites for earthworks and determine cut and fills.

Photogrammetry is not a new technology. It has been around for quite some time, often used by map makers. In recent years, the technology that helps to align and categorize the images has been exploding. Once you have employed your techniques for gathering photographs, you upload them into a photogrammetry software program.

The program will scan the photos and combine them to create a perfect 3D image. It can also go a step further and help you to measure objects in the picture and distances away from one another. This is the most accurate way you can infer the scale of the objects in the area you are looking to build in.

Reality Capture

This method of photogrammetry is used when you are planning a project that has buildings or landmarks around it. By scanning the surrounding area’s buildings and landscapes, you can use the program to overlay your plans for a new structure or addition. This method is especially useful when undergoing a renovation of an existing building. It is also used when you are constructing a new building in a small space with many surrounding obstacles.

Photogrammetry is rapidly replacing other outdated technology that has been used in the construction business for years. Many innovative companies have already adopted this technology and are reaping the rewards of fast and accurate data.

By incorporating photogrammetry into your day-to-day operations, you can improve your business efficiency. While this may cost more money in the beginning, it should save money on the cost of labor in the long run. You should also be able to save money on the waste of materials due to the accuracy of the models and predictions.