Bringing a construction project to life while optimizing time and resources is no small matter. Maintaining a true digital representation enables a reliable, repeatable method for staying on top of every aspect of a project, from breaking ground to project handoff. Continuous surveying in construction projects is a way to ensure the next step of the build is correct in space and time.

The rise of digital construction software solutions and the data-collection hardware that feeds them brings critically-needed insights unparalleled in the history of the construction industry. Context-aware computing and a multiplicity of data collection devices deliver insights into where things are supposed to go and where they did really go, along with where manpower, machines, and inventory are within the construction site and project schedule.

Continuous Survey

Continuous surveying enables an almost real-time digital representation of reality. It helps describe and document the state of the real-world as a series of “digital snapshots.” Those digital snapshots may be multi-layered, fully detailed reality models, or a more abstract set of project information stored digitally, complete with location awareness.

Understanding the ever-changing status of a project at all points in the lifecycle is critical to project success. Modern construction tools deliver digital documentation at all scales. Some of these tools include:

  • GNSS and total stations
  • Machine control systems
  • Laser scanners
  • Cameras
  • UAVs (drones)

Continuous survey data tracks millions of data points, verifies the project, and feeds the digital twins that visually represent the project as it advances. Combined with design data and schedule, this survey information is analyzed automatically to report on progress, completion of scheduled activities, and conformance to intended design tolerances of the as-constructed state. Working from a single source of truth accessible from the field to the office enables peak project performance.

Armed with this continually-updated data, project planners and managers can identify emerging problems before they impede project progression. Hidden schedule, physical clash, and safety issues that might have gone undetected in the past are now available for near-real-time scrutiny.

Continuous Survey and Transparency

Increasing the communication and collaboration to maximize productivity on construction projects is a clear industry aim, so the need for project status transparency has become paramount. Using measured data, the “actuals,” to update a project’s progress enables better conversations and decisions on the part of all stakeholders.

More accurate, higher fidelity, location-based data allows better answers to the questions being asked about the project on a daily basis. This data transparency can help avoid misunderstandings and enables smarter and faster decisions that contribute to better outcomes for all concerned.

The timely updates provided by continuous surveying allow continual monitoring and reporting against project KPIs. Ideally, automating the process will identify installation issues that require input from project managers and quickly enable appropriate responses.

Continuous surveying transforms the project manager’s role from simply reacting to problems after they’ve occurred to uncovering potential problems in time to avoid them. Seeing problems before they occur saves time, money, and confusion, and helps firms reach their project goals.

Construction projects change throughout the lifecycle. Continuous surveying provides the evolving data required to stay on schedule and on budget.

Ready to add automated continuous surveying to your digital strategy? Contact us today to discover how.