PlX4Dcatch is an easy-to-use mobile 3D scanning and augmented reality (AR) visualization tool used by architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals. It combines photogrammetry and Lidar technology with RTK positioning for high accuracy. ln this interview, Robert Greenhalgh from lngenieurbüro Daeges shares his insights and experiences with this innovative tool, including its practical applications and the impact of new AR features on projects.
Ingenieurbüro Daeges is an engineering and planning firm specializing in constructing fibre–optic broadband networks throughout southern Germany. Every year, the company measures and documents around 100km in the fibre–optic area alone. Accurate documentation with high GIS requirements is a crucial part of the firm's projects. Meeting these requirements entails meticulous surveying of installed pipelines, connection points and associated physical infrastructure essential for network maintenance.
Daeges' workflow includes documenting trenches before closure, an essential step to capturing the details of the installed pipe network and monitoring the construction progress. The firm's operations span southern Germany and, with demanding project schedules, it is often impractical for a construction manager or surveyor to always be on site. The PIX4Dcatch mobile scanning tool offers a solution, ensuring thorough documentation even in their absence. This mobile scanning device has allowed Daeges to empower on–site staff to efficiently document infrastructure on the go according to Robert Greenhalgh from Daeges.
What is your professional background and typical projects?
I have worked in the 3D space since 2007, initially in software development & support for a leading laser scanning manufacturer. For the past five years I have worked in more traditional surveying for road planning, utility mapping, and fibre to the ‘x' (FTTx) network documentation. At Ingenieurbüro Daeges, we plan and oversee construction, and document FTTx projects across southern Germany. We are also active in road and utility planning.
How long have you been using PlX4Dcatch?
We have been using PIX4Dcatch on projects for over a year, with testing beforehand to establish the capabilities. We currently have 21 mobile devices with PIX4Dcatch – some are used by our team directly to support our survey projects, others with the FTTx construction teams to document the built network in real time. The subsurface infrastructure can be scanned easily by on–site staff and then uploaded to PIX4Dcloud, where it's automatically processed and then accessed by the surveyor at the office.
Can you tell us more about the new AR functionalities, such as AR Points?
I have tested all the AR functionalities with a range of survey and CAD data. I tested AR Points with property boundary points and points based on utility plans. While there is some manual work involved which can take time, the feature offers benefits in terms of understanding the spatial interactions at a specific location.
How about the AR Overlay feature?
The AR overlay feature enables you to project and view georeferenced DXF, IFC or 3D models in real time on the construction site using augmented reality. I've used the AR overlay feature to integrate DXF and IFC models into real- world utility documentation and home construction projects. We are actively discussing improving the placement accuracy with the development team, as we believe this tool holds great potential, especially with the improvement of placement stability. Within Daeges, we’re planning to equip our teams with RTK- enhanced devices and PIX4Dcatch, linked to a project containing property boundary information and fibre–to–the–home (FTTH) planning drawings. This will allow our site teams to interact with the design and other spatial information in real time.This will be a huge advantage throughout our design and construction processes, as design revisions will be immediately available on site and in true space.
What specific challenges does the AR functionality of PlX4Dcatch address?
We see this as the solution for visualizing future infrastructure on-site without needing expensive graphic design work, or to show property boundaries without a surveyor needing to be on site. These AR tools can streamline the way we work and maximize the time on site by bringing clarity from the office desktop into the construction environment.
In your opinion, what is the impact of mobile or smartphone scanning for the AEC industry?
Mobile–based measurement has changed how we document construction of our FTTx projects, and we are testing it on a range of other survey tasks including mapping of wastewater networks. The key aspect is that it allows a wider range of users to take measurements, removing the requirement for survey personnel to be on site. The direct upload and automated processing are also important as they reduce manual steps in the process.
MORE INFORMATION
https://www.pix4d.com/product/pix4dcatch
https://www.pix4d.com/blog/Lidar-photogrammetry-point-cloud-comparison/ https://www.pix4d.com/product/rtk/
https://www.pix4d.com/blog/usability-accuracy-PIX4Dcatch-mobile-scanning/
https://www.pix4d.com/blog/mobile-3D-scanning-digital-construction/
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