We are no longer waiting for a wave of technology to sweep across our surveying and construction industries with groundbreaking productivity and efficiency solutions. We are already on the crest, holding on tight as we ride a massive digital swell transforming the way we work.
The thirst for more data, gathered more frequently to deliver more insights, is a reality leading us to more efficient uses of resources, more productive projects, the next generation of digital twin workflows — even the reality-based metaverse. While “metaverse” is a term with many contexts, for geospatial professionals, it relates to the complete virtual replication of the real world. It relies on reality capture, modeling, simulation, citizen engagement and much more.
Our ability to make the most of this sea change is dependent on connectivity – connecting workflows, connecting lifecycle conditions, and connecting people… at scale. We need efficient ways to deploy connected digital technologies that expand and optimize workflows for a variety of reasons that range from productivity, cost, and schedule improvements, to the reduction of emissions and waste.
While “metaverse” is a term with many contexts, for geospatial professionals, it relates to the complete virtual replication of the real world. It relies on reality capture, modeling, simulation, citizen engagement and much more.
For the geospatial professional, this demand has triggered a paradigm shift from points, lines and polygons toward capturing rich data and directly using digital models to place assets and objects in the field. It’s an adjustment that necessitates a digital transformation that starts with reality capture – the capture of existing conditions through scanning or photogrammetry – and includes the visualization and analysis of models in the field with cloud workflows that integrate data seamlessly into shared systems. From that shift, we can then deliver groundbreaking efficiency and capitalize our returns on our growing investments in the geospatial metaverse.
Are you adapting? If not, what should you do to get on board?
Many points of connection
Digital construction is defined as using digital technologies and workflows to increase efficiency and quality, specifically to save costs, reduce project timelines and eliminate waste and emissions throughout the lifecycle. This transformation is enhanced by a growing technology ecosystem (e.g., cloud, adoption of BIM, open APIs, reality capture) that is reducing the barriers to adoption and by government legislation and contractors who need economic, social, and environmental benefits.
By combining AI approaches such as computer vision, machine learning and deep learning, it is possible to build systems to automate the delivery of “INTELLIGENT” information.
The technological capabilities are foundational to the adoption of digital construction. Why? Because they are enablers to effectively communicate and deliver information between all project stakeholders and to clients. With streamlined access to quality data, project teams are more informed and have actionable insights to better manage scheduling and costs. In turn, this transparency and predictability enable owners to see potential cost overruns or scheduling issues.
Maintaining quality data throughout a project also provides an accurate representation of the delivered asset to enable productivity increases to extend into future maintenance and operations.
Case in point: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is spearheading a movement to digitally connect how it designs, constructs, and maintains many of the state’s transportation projects. Using everything from digital as-built models to what it calls a “digital geospatial ecosystem (DGE),” the agency is dynamically representing the state’s physical world in digital form, enabling streamlining of projects and collaboration by all stakeholders in real-time.
The success of this type of effort depends on the geospatial professional to efficiently deliver actionable models.
Surveyors and geospatial professionals are the data specialists of the reality-based metaverse, embracing trends in connectivity and interoperability. History reminds us that surveyors are often first on a project guiding the geospatial discovery and definition, and they have the knowledge and skillset to embrace and deliver on this enormous opportunity. Connecting physical and digital environments through these new methods means not just getting caught in a wave of technology but riding the peak.
ALSO READ: Trimble Announces Advanced Path Planning Technology for Autonomous Equipment
(Scott Crozier is the Vice President of Survey & Mapping for Trimble Inc. The views expressed in the article are the personal opinions of the author.)
Disclaimer: Views Expressed are Author's Own. Geospatial World May or May Not Endorse it
