OpenSpace: Paving the way for BIM technology

OpenSpace introduced a new Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology product in June 2023 that aims to allow construction project teams to solve problems faster.

With OpenSpace’s tools, field and virtual design and construction (VDC) teams are able to compare as-built conditions to design intent with use of a 360 degree reality capture and AI-powered analytics. As a result, the building process can be completed faster.

Construction technology like this paves the way for those within the industry to consider the positive impact this could have on future building developments: in particular, how there is potential for 3D printed housing communities and reconstruction efforts around the world.

BIM technology accelerates construction workflow

BIM technology captures data about a space in preparation for construction work. The data collected forms the foundations of the entire process and facilitates the creation of a digital model.

OpenSpace is continually unlocking the potential of BIM technology through its partnership with global leading organisation Revizto to improve the exchange of information between VDC and field teams. The company’s goal has always been to harness the power of reality capture and AI technology to simplify work.

It recently introduced OpenSpace BIM+, which is its third product that uses cutting-edge technology to actualise faster projects. 

Prior to that, OpenSpace Capture, which was introduced in 2018, is used to fully document construction sites in over 93 countries. It documents 150,000 square feet per hour, hands free, and automatically maps images to client plans.

Its second product OpenSpace Track, introduced in 2021, automatically quantifies progress on those sites. OpenSpace BIM+ has added tools to this portfolio that accelerates BIM and field coordination workflows.

It uses computer vision and machine learning to recognise, track and quantify work-in-place, aiming to reduce delays and increase productivity in the workplace.

OpenSpace products allow for point cloud data to now be stored, viewed, analysed, and shared in OpenSpace from mobile and terrestrial laser scanners and OpenSpace's 3D Scan feature, bringing reality capture data to one central location.

While BIM has gained widespread adoption among design and engineering professionals, its use in the field has been limited, partly due to the complexity and skills required to navigate and understand the building information model.

The technology has potential to continue transforming the construction industry as, within the context of AI, buildings and construction projects can be mapped out easier. Greater automation of processes in this way ultimately improves visualisation, increased speed and cost reductions. As the construction industry can be slow to affect change in some areas, companies like OpenSpace continuing to embrace can be viewed as refreshing.