Case Studies
Dec 6, 2012

Reducing Barriers to Remote Project Planning: Comparison of Low-Tech Site Capture Approaches and Image-Based 3D Reconstruction

Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 1

Abstract

This work provides an analysis of the applicability of two image-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques—(1) four-dimensional augmented reality (D4AR) 3D reconstruction software and (2) phototourism applications—for remote site construction project planning. Remote sites present uncertainty to construction project planning through access, material and resource availability, potential lack of technical expertise on site, and environmental considerations. Both D4AR and phototourism have the potential to minimize remote site uncertainty by using available camera technology to digitally capture existing site conditions for the development of accurate 3D modeling for construction project planning. For this study, the researchers (1) analyzed the applicability of D4AR 3D reconstruction and phototourism software applications to remote construction planning; (2) determined the appropriateness and robustness of various levels of camera technology for capturing existing conditions on remote sites; and (3) evaluated the impact of image resolution and the method of capture on 3D image-based software—all key facets to usability and access. The researchers used three cameras of various performance capabilities, i.e., a 35-mm disposable box camera, a 5.7–17.1-mm (35 mm equivalent: 37–111 mm) low-level digital camera, and a 1.6-megapixel (MP)/cm2 high-level digital single-lens reflex camera. The following paper outlines a methodology for testing these camera technologies and discusses their appropriateness for reducing barriers to the application of image-based reconstruction techniques for remote site construction planning. This work offers the conclusion that ordinary camera technology is an appropriate option for capturing existing conditions in remote sites (usability), while more advanced camera technology offers better total system benefits (access) of the image-based 3D reconstruction platform. D4AR offers a more robust system for modeling remote sites; however, both D4AR and phototourism have the potential to generate useful computer models using catalogs of digital images to enable better planning and execution of construction projects in remote areas.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Architectural Engineering
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 20Issue 1March 2014

History

Received: May 13, 2011
Accepted: Dec 4, 2012
Published online: Dec 6, 2012
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 5, 2014

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Authors

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Andrew P. McCoy [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Building Construction, Virginia Tech, 410B Bishop Favrao Hall 0156, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (corresponding author). E-mail: [email protected]
Mani Golparvar-Fard, A.M.ASCE [email protected]
NCSA Faculty Fellow and Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801; formerly, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 113-C Patton Hall 0156, Blacksburg, VA 24061. E-mail: [email protected]
Ellen T. Rigby [email protected]
Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Building Construction, Virginia Tech, 410 Bishop Favrao Hall 0156, Blacksburg, VA 24061. E-mail: [email protected]

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