BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)

It is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction

(AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage
buildings and infrastructure.
When was it invented/Introduced?
The first software tools developed for modelling buildings emerged in the late 1970s and early
1980s, and included workstation products such as Chuck Eastman's Building Description System
and GLIDE, RUCAPS, Sonata, Reflex and Gable 4D Series.
Usage and Importance
BIM is used to design and document building and infrastructure designs. Every detail of a building
is modeled in BIM. The model can be used for analysis to explore design options and to create
visualizations that help stakeholders understand what the building will look like before it’s built.
The model is then used to generate the design documentation for construction.
BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, but it allows them
to capture the data they create during the process to benefit operations and maintenance
activities. This is why BIM mandates are increasing across the globe
Advantages of BIM
1. Better Collaboration and Communication - allows teams to share project models and
coordinate planning, ensuring all design stakeholders have insight into the project and
allows them to take the office to the field using apps such as Autodesk’s BIM 360 tools so
they can review drawings and models onsite and on their mobile devices, ensuring they
have access to up-to-date project information at any time.
2. Model-Based Cost Estimation - allows for more effective construction cost estimation,
automates the time-consuming task of quantifying and applying costs, allowing estimators
to focus on higher value factors, such as identifying construction assemblies and factoring
risks.
3. Preconstruction Project Visualization - you can plan and visualize the entire project
during preconstruction, before the shovel hits the ground through 3D modeling
4. Safer Construction Sites - can help improve construction safety by pinpointing hazards
before they become problems and avoid physical risks by visualizing and planning site
logistics ahead of time.
Disadvantage
1. BIM software to carry out initial model construction or changes requires a substantial
investment in the software, along with more and more powerful PC’s to process the huge
amount of data required.
2. Training & staff: additional investment in training and education is invariably required,
with the introduction of new software to a business. Along with additional staff comes
office space and office resource.
References
https://www.sotham.co.uk/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bim/

https://connect.bim360.autodesk.com/benefits-of-bim-in-construction

https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim

AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)

Is an advanced technology that enables superimposition of computer-generated images over an
existing, real-world view. ... However, one of the biggest advantages offered by AR for the
construction and architectural industries is the ability to visualize a project more realistically.
When was it invented/Introduced?
Augmented reality was first achieved, to some extent, by a cinematographer called Morton Heilig
in 1957. He invented the Sensorama which delivered visuals, sounds, vibration and smell to the
viewer. Of course, it wasn’t computer controlled but it was the first example of an attempt at adding
additional data to an experience.
Usage and Importance
AR is helping professionals visualize their final products during the creative process. Use of
headsets enables architects, engineers, and design professionals step directly into their
buildings and spaces to see how their designs might look, and even make virtual on the spot
changes. Urban planners can even model how entire city layouts might look using AR headset
visualization. Any design or modeling jobs that involve spatial relationships are a perfect use case
for AR tech.
AR design and development of a three-dimensional physical model has typically been viewed as
a critical part of the design process. The Augmented reality is additive, overlaying digital content
onto the real world. The user is aware of and can still interact with his environment.
Advantages of AR
1. Project Planning - new developments in augmented reality are making it possible to
generate 3D models directly on a 2D plan. Combined with 3D modeling software and
building information modeling (BIM), construction companies can produce detailed,
interactive models of building projects and present them to clients at the start of a project.
This allows clients to get a realistic of the project outcomes and make any desired changes
before construction begins. Getting this level of client involvement early in the process
helps prevent costly changes later and keeps clients engaged in the project.
2. Automated Measurements - Augmented reality gear can measure a space’s physical
properties, including its height, width and depth. Construction companies can incorporate
this data into models, allowing them to generate even more accurate structures and have a
more comprehensive view of how the project will look like. Having accurate measurements
 in construction ensures efficiency in the project time and the exact labor and materials
needed.
3. Project Modification - one major innovation in augmented reality is the ability for users
to make changes to building models directly on the field site. Using a headset or mobile
device, workers can easily display interior and exterior views of a structure and make any
modifications to the virtual plans while keeping one view intact. One example is that
engineers will be able to remove and relocate walls or components or modify the layout
using only a few taps on their AR-enabled device.
Disadvantages of AR
1. It is expensive to develop the AR technology-based projects and to maintain it.
Moreover, production of AR based devices is costly.
2. Lack of privacy is a concern in AR based applications.
3. Low performance level is a concern which needs to be addressed during testing process.

References
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/augmented-reality-construction

https://www.outsource2india.com/eso/articles/augmented-reality-can-help-architects-
engineers.asp

https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/augmented-reality-the-past-the-present-and-
the-future

https://www.rfwireless-world.com/Terminology/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Augmented-
Reality.html

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)

When was it invented/Introduced?
Drones have been widely used and is already around for awhile now but is not yet used in the
surveying professions before. But luckily, it is already being used by surveyors to collect data
faster and makes the process accurate and efficient. When this idea of UAVs first surfaced, the
military was using the concept to identify mines in Afghanistan. Tudor Thomas, an aerial-imagery
specialist behind the concept, took his knowledge and transformed it into a lucrative business
model. Using the single-frame images from the photos, Thomas and his team developed software
to correct those images, blending them into a single consumable. Known as orthorectification, this
process created a geo-referenced map though real-world location data based on the GPS reading
of ground control points.
Usage and Importance
 1. Land surveying. Surveyors can extract features from the images, such as signs, curves,
road markers, fire hydrants and drains. They enable high-accuracy cadastral mapa to be
produced quickly and easily, even in isolated and difficult areas to access with.
2. Land management and development. This holds true for scouting allotment planning
and design, construction of roads, buildings and utilities.
3. Precise measurements. To perform highly accurate distance and surface measurements,
high resolution orthophotos will be enabled.
4. Urban Planning. Urban planners can collect large amounts of updated data in a short
period of time. The produced images allow planners to examine the existing social and
environmental conditions of the sites and consider the impact of different scenarios.
Advantages
1. Increased accuracy. Setting ground control points is very essential in doing drone
surveys. With the use of ground control points paired with the ability to verify data in the
ground, it can make the results of the drone survey very accurate.
2. Improved data. High-definition photos that are taken by drone cameras contain several
data points like georeferences, elevation points, and colors. This data can also be used to
create 3D models making it much better than what traditional survey provides.
3. Saved money, energy and time. In traditional survey, large sites can take several days
or even weeks to gather information in the field. Using drone technology, it can collect the
same data but consume fewer time. It can replace several manned operations and can save
money from the cost of labor. It can also save energy without needing multiple vehicles to
complete.
4. Quality imaging. It can take high quality aerial videos and photographs and collect wide
amounts of high-resolution data. They can be transmitted, shared and printed. Software can
turn them into topographical map, heat maps and more. Orthomosaic, an aerial image of
an area from a drone survey can be integrated to a survey plan making the data more
realistic.
5. Improved safety. Drone technology may help surveyors avoid traversing unknown
terrains eliminating risky situations that can happen in the site.
Disadvantages
1. Privacy violation. UAVs are also used for security and protection so they can be easily
abused because they can be manipulated to invade the privacy of someone’s property.
2. Potential threat to nature. UAVs are still an object to be handled with care. They are
vulnerable to wild animal attacks and there’s a high risk crashing against a tree or falling
in bodies of water.
References
https://wingtra.com/drone-mapping-applications/surveying-gis/

http://www.nitscheng.com/2018/02/5-key-benefits-drone-surveys/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/marketbusinessnews.com/advantages-disadvantages-aerial-
drones/212339/

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

GPS stands for global positioning system, and it uses signals from satellites to pinpoint a location
on the Earth’s surface. Surveying was one of the first commercial adaptations of GPS technology.
It can provide accurate latitudinal and longitudinal location information regardless of weather
conditions and without the need for measuring angles and distances between points. Though GPS
makes surveying possible in nearly any location, it does have its limits.
When it was invented/introduced?
The Global Positioning System was originally developed for military use but has been readily
available for civilian use since the 1990s. In addition to its use in mobile devices and car navigation
systems, GPS is used for land surveying.
Usage and Importance
GPS measured by receive satellite signals and data processing, so as to find the space position of
the measuring point, it has the versatility, global, all-weather, continuous precise 3D navigation
and positioning function and real-time, but also has good anti-interference and confidentiality. It
has been applied in many fields, such as engineering survey, aerial photogrammetry, engineering
deformation measurement, resource survey and so on.
Advantages
1. It offers a higher level of accuracy than conventional surveying methods
2. Calculations are made very quickly and with a high degree of accuracy
3. GPS technology is not bound by constraints such as visibility between stations
4. Land surveyors can carry GPS components easily for fast, accurate data collection
5. Some GPS systems can communicate wireless for real-time data delivery
Disadvantages

1. GPS land surveying equipment requires a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signal
2. Interference from dense foliage and other structures can limit function and communication
3. All GPS survey equipment is subject to failure from dead batteries and system malfunction
4. Special equipment may be required and can be costly
References

https://www.baselineequipment.com/gps-land-surveying-equipment

http://www.skylabmodule.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-gps-positioning-in-
engineering-survey/?fbclid=IwAR3YcX8yJQi7Q-vJY7e8u8abULO_DcBgxTmRR3tqUlCcuXiX7dmIi-
SBqz8