Reconstruct Adds Shareable 3D Current Construction Walkthroughs

Onsite construction monitoring through 2D and 3D imaging isn’t new. A number of vendors already provide such capabilities.

The information capture is frequently done by computer vision, which means applying artificial intelligence techniques like machine learning to images captured by special cameras and then comparing the current state of things at any given time to what might be expected given detailed construction plans. Software systems can then, in theory, see what has been done or hasn’t, and if there are deviations from the plan.

But the focus of these vendors has been managing oversight of construction by the contractor companies. Imaging, whether 2D or 3D, has been for professionals to monitor work as it goes on.

That leaves out an important component of projects, which is the people and companies paying for the work. Enter Reconstruct’s new feature, Project Snapshop.

“Stakeholders can rapidly share key visuals of a construction site with anyone, anywhere,” a company press release explains. “Reconstruct users simply curate a 3D walkthrough of their building or infrastructure, then send a link to the tour. All recipients have to do is click a button, and they’re immersed in the job site — no powerful computer, technical training, or even logging in required.”

The walkthroughs aren’t under the complete control of the owners or owners’ representatives. The construction company creates a tour with pre-determined areas. The recipients can then move back and forth, stopping at points when they wish to inspect site details in either 2D or 3D.

The basic concept isn’t new. For example, some manufacturers have used online imaging in their factories for years to let clients inspect critical states of assembly.

“Project Snapshot empowers general contractors to keep owners and owners’ representatives apprised and aligned on construction progress, and also helps these contractors provide trades with crucial details for design work and bids at scale,” the company says. “Additionally, Project Snapshot can be used to foster swifter, more focused coordination meetings. It’s the fastest, simplest way to update stakeholders on the current status of a project, align all teams quickly and intelligently, and then let those teams get back to work.”

It also moves beyond a verbal description, which can be a limitation to working with clients. A visual inspection can prompt a response by a client to something that might be commonplace and taken for granted by the contractor.