There are a handful of pretty cool accessories for your smartphone that can be very useful to those of us in the construction industry, like thermal imaging cameras, in-wall imagers, and inspection cameras. None of those, however, help with BIM coordination, unlike a system that I just found from construction software giant, Trimble.
Many different systems have been created in recent years to harness the power of augmented reality on the jobsite, with BIM the core focus of many of those solutions, but this system from Trimble is a bit different than all of them. Using an AR enabled smartphone, Trimble SiteVision combines hardware and software to virtually project BIM models onto the jobsite you’re standing in.
via Trimble
Trimble SiteVision might look a bit crazy at first glance, with a smartphone mounted horizontally to a hand mount, with what looks like a small dinner plate on top of it, but it’s all part of the master plan. That dinner plate – as you so rudely referred to it – is Trimble’s SiteVision Integrated Positioning System, which enables GNSS positioning for the system.
GNSS is similar to GPS, but allows access to additional satellites, giving users more accuracy than only using GPS. That’s important when using systems like this on a job site, where pinpoint accuracy is much more important than telling you when to make a turn off of a 45mph road in your car. In fact, Trimble states that their system is accurate within 1cm.
In addition to the ability to overlay BIM models onto the jobsite, users can also log clashes and omissions, take quick distance measurements, take georeferenced pictures, assign tasks, and measure grade and cut/fill.
The system works with a few different 3D modeling software, including SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Revit. It’s currently only available to be used on AR-supported Android phones.
The hardware, which includes the Integrated Positioning System, Sunshade, 2 swappable batteries, carrying case, pole mount, USB cable, and battery charger, is available on Trimble’s website for a hefty $3,250 and you will also need to purchase a software subscription to accompany it. The software, which includes Trimble Connect Business and Trimble Catalyst for SiteVision, starts at $250 per month per user, or $2,000 per year.
To see how Trimble SiteVision works in action, you can check out Trimble’s video below:
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.