Tablets have become a familiar tool in infrastructure mapping, used by construction workers to collect and analyze data in the field. Despite their convenience, tablets come with significant challenges, particularly related to user error and the limitations of asking non-specialists to perform complex tasks. This article explores these issues and highlights the need for a more robust solution like Simerse’s 360 imaging technology.
Portability and Convenience: Not Enough for Precision Work
Tablets are praised for their portability, allowing workers to carry them to various sites. However, this portability does not compensate for the accuracy and consistency required in infrastructure mapping. Construction workers, whose primary skills lie in building and maintaining structures, are not trained to be precision photographers or data analysts. This mismatch often leads to inconsistent data quality and errors.
User Error and Inadequate Training
One of the major drawbacks of using tablets is the potential for user error. Construction workers are not trained photographers or GIS specialists. Mistakes in data collection, whether due to improper angle, poor focus, or incorrect data entry, are common. These errors can compromise the integrity of the mapping project, leading to costly corrections and delays.
Screen Visibility Issues
One of the often-overlooked challenges of using tablets outdoors is screen visibility. In bright sunlight, tablet screens can become nearly unreadable, making it difficult to review maps, take notes, or analyze data on-site. While some tablets offer anti-glare screens, these are not always effective, thereby limiting their utility in outdoor environments.
Gloves!
It’s no secret that construction workers often wear gloves. But it can be challenging for workers to operate a tablet using typical work gloves. Fortunately there is a potential solution: 360 data collection.
Automating Data Collection to Reduce User Error
360 imaging addresses many of the shortcomings of tablet-based mapping by automating the data collection process. This technology uses 360-degree cameras mounted on vehicles to continuously capture detailed panoramic images of infrastructure. By removing the human element from data collection, the potential for user error is significantly reduced.
High-Resolution, Consistent Data Collection
360 imaging technology ensures high-resolution data is consistently collected regardless of environmental conditions. These systems are designed to operate in a variety of weather and lighting conditions, providing reliable data that can be used for accurate mapping and analysis. This consistency is crucial for infrastructure projects that require precise and dependable data.
Data Processing Without the Hassle
With Simerse’s solution, data processing is done in the cloud, streamlined and more reliable. The data collected by 360-degree cameras can be easily uploaded to cloud-based platforms, ensuring that it is immediately available for analysis without the need for manual data entry. This eliminates the bottleneck of unreliable internet connectivity and reduces the risk of data corruption.
Reducing the Training Burden
By automating data collection and processing, vehicle-mounted cameras reduce the need for extensive training. Construction workers can focus on their core responsibilities without needing to become proficient in photography or data analysis. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the potential for costly mistakes and rework.
Conclusion
While tablets offer some advantages in infrastructure mapping, their limitations, particularly regarding user error and the need for specialized skills, cannot be ignored. Construction workers are not trained to be precision photographers or data analysts, leading to inconsistent and often unreliable data collection.
Vehicle-mounted camera technology presents a more robust solution by automating the data collection process and ensuring consistent, high-quality data. By reducing the reliance on human input and minimizing user error, this technology enhances the accuracy and efficiency of infrastructure mapping projects.
For organizations looking to improve their infrastructure mapping efforts, adopting a continuous mapping solution like Simerse is a forward-thinking approach. It not only addresses the inherent weaknesses of tablet-based mapping but also sets the stage for more advanced and reliable infrastructure management.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be accurate or error-free. Information is provided “as is” without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The author and publisher do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or any actions taken based on the information provided. Readers are encouraged to verify the information independently and consult with industry professionals before making any decisions.