3D Scanner for Construction

Introduction

Welcome to another Momentum 360 weekly blog! In this weekly blog, we’ll go over the popular topic of having a 3D scanner for construction and why it’s so beneficial to have for the construction industry! As time goes on, 3D scanning will only continue to be more popular.

The best way to get started is to get involved, so in this blog, we’ll be showing you the how/what/why/when/where of 3D scanners for construction, and why they make so much sense for this niche.

3D Scanner for Construction

If you don’t know who Momentum 360 is, I’d love to give you a quick introduction! Momentum 360 is a Premiere Small Business and Real Estate marketing company in Philadelphia and tri-state area. Our main service offerings are 3D Virtual Tours powered by Matterport, as well as photography and videography. We are both a Matterport Service Provider and Google Trusted Photography agency.

While 3D Virtual Tours started in real estate, they are versatile and applicable across every industry. Momentum 360 specializes in virtual tours for real estate, small businesses, restaurants, retail, healthcare, professional services, and much more. These virtual tours help our clients showcase their business online, while also allowing them to rank higher on Google with SEO, and get more followers on social media.

So if after reading this blog you need 3D scanning services for your construction business, do yourself a favor and give us an email at info@old.momentumvirtualtours.com or call us at 215-607-6482!

Let’s get into it, let’s start with the 3D scanning software you’ll be using to get the most accurate construction dimensions for your projects!

3D Scanning Software

There is only one software that rules the construction of 3D scanning, and that is none other than Matterport! Matterport has very accurate scanning to get correct dimensions to contractors, architects, project managers, etc. Getting started with them is very easy!

To show you how accurate this software is, read this snippet from Matterport.com that goes into detail of exactly how accurate they are! Here are some key points about their accuracy:

Precision: Matterport cameras, particularly when using their Pro2 3D camera, can capture images and data with a high degree of accuracy. They typically boast an accuracy of around 1% of the measured distance. This means that in a 10 meter room, the dimensional error could be about 10 cm.
Resolution and Detail: The resolution of the images captured is high, allowing for detailed and nuanced 3D representations of spaces. This is crucial for applications in real estate, architecture, and construction where detail is key.
Depth Sensing and Infrared: Matterport cameras use a combination of photographic and 3D depth data, which is processed to create the virtual model. The use of infrared scanners alongside traditional imaging enhances the accuracy of depth measurements.
Software Enhancement: The accuracy of a Matterport camera also depends on the accompanying software which processes the raw data into a cohesive model. The software includes algorithms to correct errors and optimize the model for accuracy.
Environmental Factors: The accuracy can vary based on environmental conditions like lighting and the complexity of the space. Reflective surfaces, extreme lighting conditions, and moving objects can introduce anomalies in the data.

3D Scanner for Construction

Matterport technology is generally considered adequate for most commercial and residential property documentation, interior design, and similar applications. For ultra-precise engineering applications, additional verification might be necessary.

As you can see, the Matterport software is simply the best solution for people in construction needing accurate models for their new projects. Whether you’re in the pre, current or post construction process, you will need Matterport every step of the way!

3D Scanning Camera

Now, let’s get to the 3D camera that will give you the best shots and accurate dimensions for each shoot. Note, there’s multiple different Matterport cameras that give you the best resolution, dimensions, and features to suffice for your project. Here you go:

Matterport Pro2 Camera: This is Matterport’s flagship camera, designed specifically for creating high-quality 3D scans. It is known for its high accuracy and detailed image quality. The Pro2 is particularly popular among professionals in real estate, architecture, and construction.

Matterport Pro3 Camera: Launched as an upgrade to the Pro2, the Pro3 camera offers even greater precision and is designed to work well both indoors and outdoors. It features superior capture technology, allowing for quicker scans and higher-quality imagery.

Matterport Pro1 Camera: As the predecessor to the Pro2, this model is less commonly used now but was originally praised for its ability to create detailed 3D models and virtual tours.

360 Cameras: Matterport supports a range of 360-degree cameras, which are generally more affordable and portable than the Pro series. These include popular models from brands like Ricoh (Ricoh Theta series) and Insta360. These cameras are suitable for less demanding applications and are easier to handle.

Smartphones: Matterport also offers an app that allows users to create 3D scans using just a smartphone. While this option doesn’t provide the same level of detail or accuracy as the Pro cameras or dedicated 360 cameras, it is a convenient and accessible choice for casual users or those who need to create simple models quickly.

3D Scanner for Construction

Now obviously, you won’t be using 360 cameras or smartphones, as they don’t include the LIDAR technology. If you don’t know what lidar is… let us explain how important it is.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is crucial for Matterport, particularly in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of 3D spatial data collection. Here’s why LiDAR is important for Matterport:

Accuracy: LiDAR sensors provide highly accurate distance measurements by emitting laser beams and measuring how long it takes for the light to return after hitting an object. This precision is vital for creating detailed and accurate 3D models of complex environments. Matterport cameras equipped with LiDAR can capture fine details and the true dimensions of a space, which is crucial for applications in real estate, architecture, and construction.
Speed: LiDAR technology enables rapid capture of environment data. This speed is beneficial for scanning large or complex spaces efficiently. Professionals can complete their scanning tasks faster compared to traditional methods or other imaging technologies that might require multiple passes to ensure accuracy.
Low Light Performance: Unlike traditional photography-based 3D scanning, LiDAR does not rely on ambient light. It can create accurate 3D models even in low light conditions or in completely dark environments. This is particularly useful in areas where lighting cannot be controlled or is insufficient.
Complex Geometry and Obstacle Detection: LiDAR is effective in capturing the geometry of complex structures and intricate details, which might be missed by cameras only relying on visual data. It can also detect and map out obstacles and furnishings within a space, allowing for more comprehensive space planning and management.
Outdoor Use: While Matterport’s initial focus was primarily indoor spaces, the inclusion of LiDAR allows for effective outdoor 3D modeling. LiDAR can handle the larger distances and more variable lighting conditions found outdoors, expanding the use cases for Matterport’s technology.
Integration with Other Data: LiDAR data can be seamlessly integrated with images and other sensor data to produce hybrid models that are visually rich and geometrically accurate. This integration is key for applications that require both visual appeal and metric accuracy, such as virtual tours and digital twins in real estate.

By incorporating LiDAR technology, Matterport enhances the versatility and application range of their 3D modeling solutions, providing tools that are both powerful and practical across a variety of industries.

3D Scanner for Construction

Next Steps

To hire Momentum 360 for creating a virtual tour of your construction site, you can follow these steps to get started and ensure you have a smooth process:

Visit the Website: Start by visiting the official Momentum 360 website. This is where you can find comprehensive information about their services, portfolio, and contact details.
Service Details: Look for the specific service you are interested in, such as construction site virtual tours. Their website might have detailed descriptions of how they handle different types of projects, what technologies they use (like Matterport), and the outcomes you can expect.
Contact Them: Use the contact information provided on their website to reach out. This might include a contact form, email address, or phone number. Make initial contact expressing your interest in their services and provide basic details about your project.
Discuss Your Needs: When you get in touch with a representative, discuss your specific needs for the virtual tour. Include details such as the size of the construction site, specific areas you want highlighted, any particular challenges (like ongoing construction activities), and your timeline for the project.
Request a Quote: Ask for a detailed quote or proposal. This should include the scope of work, the timeline, the technologies used, and the pricing. It’s also wise to ask about any additional services they might offer, such as enhanced 3D modeling, integration with existing CAD drawings, or follow-up updates as construction progresses.
Schedule a Meeting or Site Visit: If the initial discussions go well, schedule a meeting or request a site visit. This allows the Momentum 360 team to assess the site directly and refine their proposal to better fit your needs.
Review the Contract: Once you receive a formal proposal or contract, review it carefully. Pay attention to details such as the scope of work, deliverables, payment terms, and any conditions or guarantees provided.
Finalize the Deal: If you agree with the proposal, sign the contract and arrange for any initial payments or deposits required. Confirm the project start dates and any preparations you need to make at the site to facilitate their work.
Project Execution: Coordinate with the Momentum 360 team as they execute the project. Ensure they have access to the site and any necessary information or contacts.
Review and Feedback: Once the initial version of the virtual tour is ready, review it to ensure it meets your expectations. Provide feedback and request any necessary adjustments.
Final Delivery: After any revisions are made, receive the final version of your virtual tour. Make sure you also get any user instructions or tools needed to embed or share the tour, depending on how you plan to use it.

3D Scanner for Construction

By following these steps, you can effectively hire Momentum 360 to create a professional virtual tour of your construction site, leveraging their expertise to capture detailed and useful views of your project.