Considering camera technology for a construction site can be an overwhelming task. There are many different types of cameras, and they all serve different purposes. To help you understand the different options and determine what may be the right fit for you, we've outlined the basics and what to consider.
Fixed Cameras
Fixed cameras are used to track site progress through time-lapse images. These cameras are often live-streaming enabled and are fixed at high points, so a wide view of the job site is captured. This enables a live-stream to be used to check the status of a site remotely. Time-lapses generated from fixed cameras can provide owners with context into how the project is coming along. Some fixed cameras are used to power artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms to identify risks.
Good for: Tracking high-level progress over time, monitoring unattended sites, feeding AI systems
To consider: Granularity is not likely, for example, you won’t document a wall before it is cased
360 Jobsite Capture
A construction worker walks the site with this camera, which captures 360 degree images. These images produce a “virtual-tour” like experience. To create these images, a worker walks the entire site to create these images, which can be time consuming and prevents them from achieving other work at that time. The outcome is navigable 360 degree renders that allow someone to move from space to space to view the site as captured at the time of the walkthrough.
Good for: Viewing progress at a single point in a virtual tour-like function.
To consider: A worker has to walk the entire site with the camera to capture the necessary video, focusing on image capture. The 360 images only capture one point in time.
Drones
General Contractors use drones to track site progress and capture imagery that other technologies don’t allow. Large jobsites are prime for drone usage - allowing you to traverse large sites or get a view from many different vantage points.
Good for: Large job sites, vertical builds
To consider: To operate drones, you will need certified UAV pilots.
Body-Worn Sensors
Sensors are becoming more common as a safety tool. Some sensors, like Axon’s cameras, do more by capturing video and audio to create a record of what occurs on a site. Remediation of a problem, or documenting an important process is possible with body worn sensors. With automated transcription, you can search for when a keyword is mentioned and jump to that segment of the recording.
Good for: BWC provides a seamless jobsite capture experience without interfering or requiring a dedicated jobwalk.
To consider: Navigable, 360 renderings aren’t possible with body-worn video.
Digital Asset Management
Regardless of what jobsite cameras your team uses, capturing the site is only one aspect. To get the most value out of your investment, a system that allows you to upload, store, manage, and share is pivotal. Axon’s management platform is a scalable, cloud-based system that consolidates all of your digital files and enables you with great tools to review and collaborate on your projects.
Good for: Managing your photos, videos, and other digital files
To consider: Your team will benefit from all your images and videos in one place. Consider a platform that can ingest multiple types of data, including drone footage.
Interested in learning more about drones or body-worn cameras for your jobsite? We’re here to talk!
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