A picture says a thousand words, right? Finding an easy way to visualise the construction data that we need can help us make well-informed decisions
The construction software company Cobuilder has teamed up with Theatro360 to provide the construction supply chain with an innovative and pragmatic solution for integrating data into 360 photographs.
Now you can build 360 virtual tours and explore construction sites or existing buildings with instant access to essential information about the applied construction materials.
A simple first step could be using a traditional floorplan with embedded photos as shown in the interactive image (below).
Data and 360 photography – a match made in heaven
With the help of Theatro360, Cobuilder offers a new option for embedding structured product data within a virtual environment. The result of this collaboration is a 360-degree virtual representation of the construction environment with integrated digital product data, structured in standardised Data Templates.
“We see this as a pragmatic digital approach towards improving information management in the sector, “comments Antony Brophy, director of business development at Cobuilder UK.
“In simple terms, using our suite of tools and global network, customers can have 360-content integrated with structured construction product data in just minutes. Remote users can either do the integration themselves or a team of experts can help them. Getting on-board could not be simpler.”
“Data visualisation allows users to look at digital information from different perspectives and helps actors make better-informed decisions.”
360-tours are also applicable for virtual safety training during which many potential construction problems can be spotted. This visualisation also allows bringing tailored elements to the tour experience, 3D renderings and models integrations which makes possible the comparison between computer-generated image (CGI) with live environment.
Benefits that this partnership brings to the users
The combined expertise of Theatro360 and Cobuilder opens many possibilities for playing with real-time data and real-life photographs in all kinds of construction endeavours, including the marine industry (including superyachts, shipyards and marinas), international airports, construction sites, high-rise buildings, housing developments and more.
Data visualisation allows users to look at digital information from different perspectives and helps actors make better-informed decisions. Transparent product information that can be accessed at any time by all stakeholders – clients, architects, designers, engineers, contractors, installers – will increase the awareness of what is actually specified, purchased, and installed in the project.
Through the integration of visual images and accurate data, actors can easily find the answers to key questions related to products and materials that improve their decision-making. Those questions are the “what is it?”, “where is it?” and “what can I understand about it?”.
- “What is it?” relates to how the product is described and the properties associated with it.
- “Where is it?” often means identifying the site, building, floor, room any given component is located.
- “What can I understand about it?” this could be performance-related, health and safety, environmental data alongside any maintenance requirements, replacement cost, etc, to help us get answers to questions, such as what we can and cannot change relating to safety implications.
How is immersive imagery captured and linked to product data?
The process is very easy and user-friendly:
- Take a photographic image (panoramic, 360 2D or 360 3D stereoscopic).
- Upload images via app or CMS.
- Upload floorplan (image, pen sketch, CAD Drawing in PDF).
- Drag and drop immersive images to the desired area of the floorplan.
- Link product datasheet to objects in a photo (and add into the main menu) using flexible tools.
- Create a virtual tour of some or all of the building (as a 360 walkthrough if required).
About 360 photography, Theatro360 and Cobuilder software platform
360-degree photography allows the viewer to explore an entire 360 scene in the most natural way we perceive things, by rotating a full circle from our initial point of view. When we apply this technology in construction, the opportunities are limitless. By either scrolling or swiping across the screen, any construction actor will be able to quickly navigate through the information required.
Theatro360 is a versatile visualization tool. It is perfect for showcasing construction sites, properties, yachts, airports, and hotels, allowing the user to explore every detail.
Cobuilder applies a futureproof methodology for structuring product data according to all relevant industry standards. Through data templates, build upon a special ‘digital data dictionaries’ framework, Cobuilder aims to achieve a “common digital language” in construction and thus improve the overall information management in the industry.
These data models are at the centre of Cobuilder’s software solutions and ensure high-quality data, while Theatro360’s visualisation tool makes everyone feel like they are part of the construction scene. This collaboration brings together the expertise of two companies that are deeply passionate about structured data and virtual reality to provide users with a simple, intuitive way of navigating through project information.
Get in touch today to find out more.
Interested to see more?
On 24-25 November 2021, you can meet our representatives at the Digital Construction Week (DCW) in London ExCeL.
If you are visiting the conference, join Antony Brophy’s session at the DCW Tech Stage starting at 2:15 PM on 24 November during which you will learn more about the 360-visualisation of structured and standardised data. Don’t forget to come by Cobuilder stand A60 for a system demo.
Click the image below to navigate through the interactive 360 virtual tour. Have a walk through and click the link icon to find more information about each construction object and to access the structured product data. In the top right corner, you can expand to full screen mode.
Press the play button to navigate through the interactive 360 virtual tour.
Press the play button to navigate through the interactive 360 virtual tour.
Cobuilder is an international software company with over 20 years of experience in delivering technological solutions that enhance information management in the construction industry.
For more information, visit our event page.
Learn more about Cobuilder software solutions here.
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