If there’s one thing that can be considered constant in the building and construction industries, it’s that everything in these industries may be subject to change. Construction is a unique industry that asks for constant innovation. Almost every day brings the invention of a superior material for one thing, or a better-designed method to achieve something else. The shift between 3D scanning vs traditional measuring methods for building site assessment is one of the best current examples of change within the construction industry.
Should you rely on three-dimensional scanning methods for your next building project, or were the traditional measuring methods good enough all along? Let’s explore!
3D Scanning vs Traditional Measuring Methods: Which is Better for Building Construction?
Here’s how to assess your building site using the aid of modern methods, 3D scanning vs traditional measuring methods.
Are Still Using Traditional Measuring Methods?
Traditional measuring methods rely on tools that have been used for thousands of years. However, traditional measuring methods pale in comparison to what technology can do. The truth is that the traditional method still leaves ample room for mistakes, unlike modern methods which are highly accurate.
Construction is meant to be a precise job; just the slightest change of an inch can be enough to cause the (in)famous leaning tower of Pisa.
While traditional methods might get the job done, a traditional measurement doesn’t calculate itself – or correct itself – when there’s a need for accurate measurements. Traditional measurements can still make mistakes and rely on the human factor first.
If a number is 0.08235, humans will ignore the decimal. Precise, computer-driven measuring methods won’t – thus, providing an accurate result that’s far more than a human would be able to see on their own and with the naked eye.
If you’re still using traditional measuring methods, it’s important to remember that everyone else in the industry may have moved forward to more modern ways of doing things.
3D Scanning is Affordable
When people who are unfamiliar with how laser scanning works hear about three-dimensional scanning technology, their first questions are about the cost. Technology usually costs a premium: just think of what you might fork out for the newest iPhone!
The good news is that 3D scanning is an affordable technology, even for most large-scale building projects on a small budget.
3D scanning services won’t hike your project costs when you choose the right team. In most cases, it’s enough to lease equipment (and often the assessment team), rather than spend the money to buy anything.
Sometimes 3D scanning can even be cheaper than the comparative human-based workforce it would take to complete the same project.
3D Scanning Yields Quicker Results
If you measure your building site by hand the old-fashioned way, expect it to take days (or sometimes weeks) out of the active project time you have available to build. Manual methods are often slower – and with 3D scanners, you could get superior results in a matter of minutes to hours.
Like most forms of technology, the possible speed is an advantage above what humans could do on their own.
3D Scanning is More Reliable
Three-dimensional scanning isn’t just faster than the old-fashioned methods of measuring everything by hand: these days, three-dimensional representations and scanning can be far more accurate.
When measurements are done with the naked eye, the finer points (and sometimes, deeper obstacles) can go ignored.
3D scanning and construction site assessment give a much more reliable picture of what’s there. Combined with artificial intelligence, 3D scanning can also often spot obstacles and discrepancies that a human would have missed.
3D Scanning Provides the Whole Picture
A three-dimensional scan provides other advantages that the older, traditional measuring methods just can’t compare to. 3D building site scans can be imported into a virtual view, which can be augmented or explored as much as you (or the client) might want to.
Three-dimensional scanning looks under the surface, whereas traditional measurement methods would only skim the surface of your construction site.
When you have access to the full picture (and the ability to share it with others via the internet), any construction project becomes easier to plan and implement than before.
Upgrade to 3D scanning for your construction project: we’re sure that your competitors have already!
Precision Surveying Webinar: Scan to Succeed Using 3D Scanning Technology to Improve Project Outcomes
Precision Surveying & Consulting
3D Laser Scanning | Land Surveying | Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Established in 1999, we operate nationwide with vast experience in a diverse range of services. Our products and services are suitable for Industrial, Medical, Data Centers, and Commercial Sites. We employ highly skilled and experienced professionals and a licensed surveyor, licensed in the state of Nebraska, allowing us to process and certify all our data in-house. The security and confidentiality of our client’s data are paramount to our working practices. We bring extensive experience and professionalism to every project and customize our support to your individual needs and concerns.
Contact Precision Surveying & Consulting to learn more!
