A photographic documentation during the stages of construction can be a great option to optimize communication processes and increase productivity in the construction industry. The practice of making these visual records has been optimized with the advancement of technology and the new possibilities for capturing and sharing images of an environment among professionals.

With technological development, the demand for higher quality of produced materials, and the devices responsible for capturing images, has also grown.

In sectors such as construction, where every point of the work needs to be analyzed in a detailed and precise manner, such demands become even more necessary and important. Therefore, when it comes to the richness of details, the most common methods of 2D photography cannot be compared to photographs taken in 360 degrees.

The 360º cameras, therefore, provide a much more immersive experience of the environment being illustrated, presenting greater precision in details given their capacity to capture all necessary points for a complete view. In the article History of 360º Images, we talk a bit about the emergence and the factors that influenced the development of these tools.

From the perspective of Queizy Sartori, CTO of Construct IN, such cameras have some differentiating features to highlight:  

“The simple click of a button within an environment is enough to capture all the details and information of that moment. There are no lost corners; all the information is stored and presented in the form of an image that can be consulted later.” 

In this context, Visi: the platform of Construct IN emerges as a smart solution by using 360° cameras to capture images of the construction site. Thus, when documenting the different phases of a construction project, in addition to using 360-degree images to illustrate the environments, it allows for these records to be transferred and shared among the various players involved.

The entire process takes place in a very practical manner and is based on the use of specific equipment for this type of material. For this reason, the choice of the device for taking photos plays a fundamental role in achieving positive and qualified results.

Currently, Construct IN is compatible with five models of 360° cameras, such as RICOHs THETA SC, SC2, V, Z1, and Samsung Gear 360. Each with its peculiarities, advantages, and disadvantages that may vary according to the type or size of the project. Below, according to the information provided by Queizy, we will show some characteristics and differentiators that these cameras present when considered and used for capturing 360° images in construction environments.

The THETA Z1 is more commonly used in specific cases, where there is the possibility of a greater investment and the need for high image quality, especially when wanting to extract images for sharing with clients, directors, and the like. With its high processing capacity, it is capable of taking super sharp photos at a surprising speed. Its only disadvantage is being the most expensive model among the options compatible with the platform, costing around 10,000 reais.

As an alternative for large projects is the THETA V which, with a processing capacity almost as good as the Z1 and a lower price (R$ 4,500), manages to capture photographs quickly, but with less quality in environments with a lot of lighting variation, whether with too much or too little exposure to light. Still, a great camera for its ease of use and portability due to its small size and weight.

We can also mention the RICOHs THETA SC and SC2, situated at levels below the THETA V, but with more accessible prices of R$ 2,500 and R$ 3,600, respectively. The first generation of this category, THETA SC, is recommended for smaller projects, as it has inferior processing compared to other more updated versions. This ends up making captures slower and lowers image quality. 

Meanwhile, the second generation, THETA SC2, emerges as a hardware upgrade, offering new features, ideal for works with up to 100 capture points and a much superior image quality compared to the first. Although considered inferior to the THETAS Z1 and V, the simplified models and moderate cost of the SC and SC2 should be taken into account, as they can also be very well utilized within their limitations.

Finally, when it comes to small projects, such as houses, apartments, among others, we have the Samsung Gear 360 (2017 Model) as another option. A simpler camera that has a low processing capacity, producing images of lower quality, especially in environments with too much or too little lighting. Still, it has advantages such as a super adaptable and lightweight design, in addition to being one of the cheapest cameras among the selected, costing around R$ 1,500.

“Currently, the most used model within Construct IN is undoubtedly the RICOH THETA V. With its good numbers and image quality, this camera meets almost all types of projects, large or small,” highlights Queizy.

The Construct IN platform is adapted to work with various equipment options, precisely with the aim of providing the best experience with a virtual monitoring of the works, prioritizing customer satisfaction, accessibility for all, and, above all, quality and effectiveness in the results obtained.

For this reason, it is always seeking new possibilities to evolve and make remote project management more assertive through 360º cameras.