360-degree photography is a technique that uses a camera to capture a complete view of the surroundings from all angles. It is an effective tool for
360-degree photography is a technique that uses a camera to capture a complete view of the surroundings from all angles. It is an effective tool for documenting construction sites. It records the progress and layout of the construction and any changes made over time.
The camera, attached to a tripod, has various lenses or a fish eye lens that captures pictures from all directions. The photos are then uploaded to the site plan and the company’s online platform, where the project investors can access them. 360 photo documentation provides an accurate and comprehensive visual record of the site, more advanced than traditional photography methods.
What You Need To Get Started
- A 360-degree camera that can also stitch the images together automatically.
- A tripod that will stabilize the camera.
- A smartphone or computer that controls the camera’s settings and views the captured images.
- A platform to share the images, such as OpenSpace or Facebook.
Tips for Taking Good 360-Degree Photos
Choose an area with attractive elements in all directions and avoid positioning the camera too near objects or barriers.
Plan your shots and the areas you want to capture before taking any photos. Analyze the layout of the project site and the main areas you want to capture. Consider the light quality and change the exposure settings accordingly. During sunrise and sunset, outdoor lighting is generally better.
Use tools or applications that can handle 360-degree pictures to review and modify the images. You may improve the colors, contrast, exposure, and any other flaws. Avoid the camera’s view, or edit the photos afterward. To operate the camera, you may alternatively utilize a remote shooting button or an app.
The Benefits of 360-Degree Photography
Comprehensive Documentation
It provides a more intuitive and immersive viewing experience, including areas that are difficult to reach.
Enhanced Communication
360-degree pictures may be readily shared with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to facilitate communication and cooperation. During the project, this can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Increases Accuracy
It allows more accurate documentation by capturing more details and reducing errors. This helps in planning and designing the construction project. It also reduces the risk of incomplete data by covering all angles and areas in one image.
Accessible
360-degree photos can be shared and easily accessed on different platforms. This makes it easy for investors to view the site and know the construction progress at any time. It is more convenient for clients who can barely reach the site.
Increases Productivity and Efficiency
360-degree photography can increase productivity and efficiency by saving time. They capture all angles in one shot compared to traditional photography methods. This reduces the occurrences of going back to the construction for more photos.
Challenges Faced When Using 360-Degree Photography
Since it is used for capturing a wide area, it can become limiting from the point of view of its flexibility. It can create blurry or low-resolution images when shooting due to its limitations in zooming in or focusing on specific areas of interest on the site. You should adjust the exposure settings and avoid unnecessary movements.
High-quality 360-degree photography might require a high technological ability. It requires special software or apps to process, edit, and view the images. It also requires knowledge about lighting, exposure, and camera settings.
Stitching multiple images to create a 360-degree photo is time-consuming and requires specific software. This can result in delays in delivering the photos. The camera may capture unnecessary data, such as the tripod or yourself. You have to edit out these elements, which is also time-consuming.
Data management may be challenging because photography can produce many pictures. This is mostly experienced in large projects.
Conclusion
360-degree photography has proved essential for providing comprehensive documentation for construction sites. This has helped stakeholders resolve disputes, change certain aspects of the project and monitor the progress remotely.
