Last year at Groundbreak, Procore’s annual technology conference, the company teased a new platform they have been working on for BIM users. It now has a formal name – and an upcoming release date.
Procore BIM, which will officially launch in September of 2019, will bring 3D models to the field through their simple, powerful, and intuitive BIM viewer app on iPad and iPhone. I was able to get hands-on with the software last year and their virtual 3-joystick control system very natural to use.
In the past, there has been a gap in use from the office to the field, but having quick and easy access to 3D models on mobile devices in the field now has the possibility to add a great deal of value to BIM and its users.
Not only is it easy to navigate the 3D models, users can simply scroll through their 2D plans first to find the room they want to explore. A tap of the screen allows you to jump to the 3D model of that space.
The video below is walk-through of the model viewer that I filmed at Groundbreak 2018. Be sure to notice my steady hand and great framing skills (Also, I believe that I’m legally obligated to ask you to “smash that like button” and subscribe to my YouTube channel).
Optimized for field use, the new Look Around feature lets users lock your view in the model and “look around” while you’re in the same space on your actual jobsite to double check the work is being performed correctly.
“3D models provide a central location for critical project information, and with many large construction projects utilizing BIM, we want to ensure that everyone involved in the project has access to the information,” said Tooey Courtemanche, Founder and CEO, Procore, in a press release. “When 3D models are in the hands of the people actually installing and validating the work, the value derived from virtual design and construction to mitigate risk, reduce waste, and increase productivity is finally attainable.”
Procore acquired BIManywhere in September of 2018 and Procore BIM is undoubtedly the product of the two companies uniting. Procore is also not the only project management software to offer a field app for BIM 3D modeling, as PlanGrid’s marriage with Autodesk after their 2018 acquisition has also lead to a recent addition of PlanGrid BIM on their platform.
To get more information on Procore BIM, check out their landing page here.
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