In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, geospatial surveying of the physical landscape is changing. We now have access to a suite of advanced tools that delightfully enhance accuracy, efficiency, and data collection capabilities. Recently, the MESH team visited a 72-acre site we are developing into a 9-lot compound of high-performance CLT houses. Let’s dive into four geospatial surveying tools we used on site to better understand and document the space and our proposed buildings: Moasure, Theodolite, a simple mini-drone, and the Apple Vision Pro, examining how each contributes to the modern surveying process.
Moasure
“world’s first motion-based measuring tool. Built using high performance inertial sensors, packed into a device that fits in the palm of your hand”
The innovative, compact Moasure tool uses motion sensors and accelerometers to measure distances and angles with remarkable precision. Unlike traditional measuring tools that require line-of-sight or physical contact, Moasure uses a combination of gyroscopic and accelerometric data to calculate measurements through motion. The final output is a comprehensive topographic model you can import into 3D modeling software, such as Revit or Rhino.
Benefits:
- Versatility: Measures both short and long distances in complex environments.
- Ease of Use: Eliminates the need for physical tape or bulky equipment.
- Precision: Delivers highly accurate measurements, reducing human error.
Applications: The Moasure tool enabled us to walk the perimeter of any area on our site and instantly record a full topographic model on our phones. Using the Moasure device, stick, and app, we recorded topographic data of each site by simply walking along the property lines, tapping the Moasure stick to the ground every few feet, and then marking points inside the outlined region to ensure the most accurate topographic field. The Moasure app notifies you when to tap the ground to make equidistant points forming the perimeter of the field. These are the white points connected by the white line in the image below and the green points on the inside of this outlined region helped with three-dimensional accuracy.
Theodolite
“a multi-function viewfinder that combines a compass, two-axis inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map, nav calculator, tracker, and geo-tag photo/movie camera into one indispensable app”
The Theodolite App brings the functionality of a traditional theodolite to your smartphone or tablet. This app taps your device’s built-in sensors, such as the accelerometer and gyroscope, along with GPS, to measure angles, bearings, and distances.
Benefits:
- Convenience: Provides high-precision measurements without the need for bulky equipment.
- Integrated Data: Allows for the saving, sharing, and annotation of data directly within the app.
- Cost-Effective: Offers many features of traditional surveying instruments at a fraction of the cost.
Applications: Theodolite was helpful in mapping coordinate points of specific locations we wanted to record as well as logging images associated with those points showing the direction of view, coordinate points, elevation, and more. It logged critical views and data points we wanted to capture. For example, theodolite assisted in framing views, establishing property lines, house orientation, and documenting old stone walls.
Drone: The Aerial Perspective
Drones have revolutionized geospatial surveying by providing an aerial perspective and views from future upper levels that were previously unattainable. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and GPS, drones capture detailed imagery and data from above, offering a comprehensive view of large areas.
Benefits:
- Efficiency: Cover large areas quickly and gather data from hard-to-reach places.
- Detail: High-resolution imagery and LiDAR technology enable detailed 3D modeling and analysis (some software can transform drone footage into 3D information)
- Safety: Reduces the need for surveyors to work in hazardous or difficult terrain.
Applications: The drone was helpful in many aspects including helping to gain simply a different perspective of the site to better comprehend the scale, layout, and vegetation. Captured video and images were also helpful in determining property lines, avoiding rock walls and trees, and understanding shading due to tree coverage.
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap in mixed reality technology, combining virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to provide immersive and interactive experiences. While not traditionally a surveying tool, its potential applications in geospatial surveying are immense.
Benefits:
- Immersive Visualization: We visualize and interact with geospatial data in a 3D environment.
- Enhanced Data Interaction: Facilitates manipulation of complex datasets and models in real-time.
- Integration: Potential to integrate with other surveying tools and data sources for a more cohesive workflow.
Applications: Apple Vision Pro enables virtual site visits, interactive planning sessions, and immersive assessment of building massing and siting. As clients can view their future building in situ the AVP enhances collaboration and decision-making.
For our purposes, the Vision Pro was beneficial in providing a visual understanding of the digital space integrated into the site. While this technology is new, and it’s not yet 100% stable, we have already found it to be massively useful in understanding what a project may look like on site. Being able to stand on site inside the house and see what the views out the window will actually look like is extraordinary.
The integration of affordable tools like Moasure, the Theodolite App, drones, and Apple Vision Pro into geospatial surveying represents a significant leap forward in how we analyze site data, and design structures to fit their environment. Each tool brings unique capabilities. Integrating these advances, we are able to make informed and effective decisions in the field. Now, back in the studio, we can put this invaluable data to work! With these new tools we can better model the site, test design solutions, and, in the end, design better, integrated architecture.