Tackling Problems in Construction with Geospatial Analytics

The construction industry has always lagged behind in innovation compared to other industries, but geospatial data analytics is now set to transform construction, architectural design and civil engineering. Geospatial data analytics is location-based information generated by billions of devices around the world. The additional insights provided to engineers and architects can help the construction industry to cut costs and improve efficiency. Core problems with the construction industry To understand the gains made from data analytics, it’s important to explain the problems the construction industry faces. According to a report, construction projects take 20% longer to complete and go over budget by... (read more)

2019-11-04 11:49:21

A New Reality for Geospatial Professionals

Mixed-reality Tools Reveal Practical Advantages on the Worksite

For those who believe mixed-reality solutions are still pie-in-the-sky technology for gamers and super nerds, it may be time to reconsider. Analysts believe we have reached a tipping point in the evolution of virtual and mixed-reality solutions, with enterprise adoption now outpacing consumer markets like gaming and entertainment. According to a recent report by IDC, manufacturing and construction are the two biggest enterprise adopters. This article explores how mixed reality will help surveyors expand their services and gain the flexibility and agility needed to drive more efficient everyday operations. Mixed-reality solutions merge real and virtual worlds to create brand-new environments... (read more)

2018-07-13 03:35:29

Bridging the Gap between Geospatial and Construction

There is certainly a gap in information exchange between the geospatial and construction domains. This is a serious issue, mainly because geospatial systems and engineering surveys are not yet aligned and integrated with building information modelling (BIM). The BIM method is expected to move construction activities from plan-based individual work to model-based collaboration. Such a paradigm shift will bring huge opportunities regarding planning, building and management of the built environment in a more productive, open and sustainable way. Although it is still difficult to entirely close the gap between these two fields, this article shows how that gap can at... (read more)

2020-02-14 09:44:12

Geospatial Tools that Help Serve the AEC Industry

Of the dozens of geospatial hardware and software tools currently in use, only a few – such as bathymetric Lidar, GNSS-based vehicle tracking devices and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) – are not directly relevant to the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The rest of the tools are. A GIS interprets the geographic context of a project, while the survey-grade GNSS technology builds it; aerial photogrammetry maps the project’s site, as UAVs monitor exterior progress; and mobile indoor scanners such as the Trimble Indoor Mobile Mapping Solution (TIMMS) produce as-built point clouds of the interiors, while building information modelling (BIM) manages the project’s... (read more)

2019-11-27 08:48:24

How Digitalization in the Construction Industry Drives the Geospatial Business Forward

In a recent survey among geospatial surveyors, the growth in construction, infrastructure and urban planning is revealed as an important role of the optimistic outlook for the geospatial industry. Increasing investments in large infrastructure and construction projects, and the rise of building information modelling (BIM), are expected to bring bright prospects both for geospatial equipment manufacturers as geospatial service providers. The survey was conducted by GIM International, the worldwide leading publication for mapping and surveying professionals. In the GIM International study, a relatively high number of surveying companies mentioned the AEC and infrastructure markets as areas where they foresee the biggest possibilities... (read more)

2020-02-26 01:18:08

Michael Schwind

Michael Schwind is a geospatial engineer for Fulton Construction in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, and CEO of Osprey Geospatial Solutions LLC. He holds a BSc in Geography and GIS from Texas A&M University and a MSc in Geospatial Surveying Engineering from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. (read more)

2017-09-28 10:37:25

Hexagon Unveils Luciad 2020

Hexagon’s Geospatial division has launched Luciad 2020, a significant update to its platform for building advanced location intelligence and real-time, situational awareness applications. Luciad 2020 delivers faster and more powerful 3D visualization and analysis capabilities. It also extends the portfolio with LuciadCPillar, an API for C++ and C# developers to incorporate advanced geospatial visualization and analysis into their applications. Hexagon’s Luciad portfolio allows developers to create powerful, high-performance applications that leverage data from any source for visualization and analysis in 2D and 3D. Combining static, dynamic and real-time data, including moving tracks, Luciad-powered applications support defence, aviation, infrastructure and... (read more)

2020-03-17 11:22:06

The Rising Demand for Total Stations and Terrestrial Laser Scanners

How the Booming Construction Business Boosts the Geospatial Industry

Increasing investments in large infrastructure and construction projects, and the rising role of building information modelling (BIM), are expected to drive the market for geospatial equipment. BIM’s close connection with spatial information makes it a familiar landscape and offers rich possibilities for surveyors and other geospatial professionals. Geomares – publisher of 'GIM International' and 'Geo-matching' – has analysed the user data and behaviour of thousands of members of the global geospatial community. It is interesting to see how the market of ‘traditional survey equipment’ such as total stations and terrestrial laser scanners is responding to the growing construction market and... (read more)

2019-02-05 02:33:23

Ordnance Survey Demonstrates BIM Potential with Pioneering Project in Singapore

By combining building information modelling (BIM) with geospatial technologies, Ordnance Survey (OS) is breaking down barriers in Singapore. OS has spent two years in the Southeast-Asian nation championing the use of BIM data and its potential to transform urban planning. Britain’s mapping agency lent its expertise to a project with the University of Singapore and the Singaporean government that aims to make Singapore a world leader in smart technology. OS’s role was to develop data processing and 3D data modelling to help Singapore plan its future city more effectively. It contributed knowledge about the CityGML data model, an exchange compatible with... (read more)

2019-11-06 10:46:45

Chris Trevillian

Chris Trevillian is marketing director of Trimble’s Geospatial GNSS division. (read more)

2020-02-18 02:02:25