A guide to 360 degree photography and how it can be used construction

360 degree construction site photo

I am the CEO of P360M. A mobile app service, which works alongside any 360 degree camera and allows a user to annotate, then share 360 degree photos with their teams via simple web views.  This article will give you a basic understanding of 360 degree photography and how it can be used in the construction business.

360 degree cameras

What is 360 degree photography
360 degree camera allows a user in one shot to generate a complete 360 degree image around the camera.  There are a number of 360 degree cameras available, which are simple to use and relatively cheap to purchase. 
 
360 degree photography enables with one click, the ability to capture a total scene in front and behind the camera. 360 degree photos can be viewed easily via a specialised web service, either as a rotatable view in a web browser or in Virtual Reality using VR goggles. Using VR goggles puts the user actually in the centre of the photo, so they actually feel they are there.  
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How to capture 360 degree photos

360 camera on a tripod, controlled by a mobile phone out of the shot

Let’s start with the basics of 360 degree cameras. A 360 degree camera consists of multiple cameras in one device. When it’s activated, each camera takes a photo, which is then stitched together to form a complete 360 degree view around the camera. Usually, 360 degree cameras work with an accompanying mobile app, so the viewer can see and rotate the 360 degree view on their phone. The phone can also be used to control the camera, enabling the user to place a camera on a tripod and take a photo of a complete space without the photographer being in the photo. 

You do not need to spend huge sums on 360 cameras for use in construction. The camera we recommend to use is the Ricoh Theta S, because  it’s easy to use, generates great quality pictures, has a good battery life and retails at less than £200. Other options are the Samsung 360 camera or Insta 360. 

How to make 360 degree photos useful in your work. 
To make 360 degree photos useful, you need to be able to easily add notes and be able to share them.  P360M is a mobile app based service (iOS and Android supported), which enables a user to annotate 360 images on their phone and then share them with their teams via simple emailed web links.

P360M mobile app, allows users to annotate 360 degree photos

​A user who receives a P360M web link, can open the 360 degree photo within a web browser. The user can rotate the view to see all 360 degrees of the photo and any annotations added by the P360M app user. 

P360M web view of an annotated 360 degree photo of a construction site

​The image can also be viewed in  virtual reality goggles, using a mobile phone and low cost Google Cardboard goggles. 

Google Cardboard goggles, uses a mobile phone to generate a VR experience

Why use 360 degree photography in construction?
A picture says a 1000 words, a 360 degree picture says everything. Here are some basic reasons why 360 degree photography can help in construction:

• Saving time: Instead of taking many standard photos, you can take one and see everything around the camera. 
  
  
• Making the site real for those offsite:A 360 degree photo enables your teams or clients offsite to feel like they are onsite. It’s much easier to see how different elements in a space fit together if you are using 360 photography. Reducing confusion of clients or team members. Enabling better decision making
  
  
• A 360 degree photo never lies:It’s almost impossible to fake a 360 degree image, as it shows everything. Now you can trust your teams on site to report exactly what’s happening, reducing the need for costly visits
  
  
• Less confusion and less ambiguity will speed up decisions:A 360 degree photo shows it all, meaning everyone is on the same page from clients, suppliers to project teams. 
  
  
• It’s a new and fresh way to communicate with clients:It provides a fresh approach to communication, which enables clients to feel more involved in projects. 

 
Where can it be used in construction?
This is by no means an exhaustive list of applications, but here are a number of interesting areas 360 photography can be used:

• Project scoping: You only need to take a few 360 degree images to scope out a site. Also 360 images include a powerful element of spatial awareness. Enabling a user offsite to achieve a much deeper understanding of how  to deliver a project. 
  
  
• Day to day project updates: 360 degree photos provide a fast route to sharing updates to project team members and clients. Enabling faster decision making and better customer experience.
  
  
• Project snagging:One 360 degree image can show the complete scene, enabling easy communication of issues or changes required.
  
  
• Job auditing:360 degree photos are almost impossible to manipulate and show everything around the camera. Thus, they provide a powerful tool to audit projects from start to finish. 
  
  
• Health and Safety management:360 degree photos enable better day to day health and safety management onsite. 360 degree cameras can be used to constantly monitor sites and keep them safe. 360 degree photos can also be used in incident reporting, through the nature of capturing a full 360 degree view.
  
  
• Security management:360 degree cameras can be permanently installed on site to monitor 360 degree view. Ideal for securing a site. 

 
Find out more at https://p360m.co.uk
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