Benefits of Using 360 Virtual Tours in Commercial Construction

by Jim Gibson
insta360 Camera

As a drone service provider focused on providing digital data collection solutions to the construction industry, we know that timely communication between the field and key stakeholders is critical to keeping commercial construction projects on time and within budget. Just as we need to be able to keep our clients informed of the progress of the project, construction project managers need to be able to get feedback from key stakeholders on the design and construction of the building.

In the past, most GMs have used traditional methods of communication, such as email, phone calls, and meetings. However, most have found that these methods can be time-consuming and inefficient. For example, it can be difficult to convey the progress of a project through email or phone calls. And, meetings can be disruptive to the workflow of the project team. (Ahem, who needs another meeting, right?)

Using 360 Virtual Tours to Keep Stakeholders Engaged

Recently, we have started using 360 virtual walking tours to allow our clients to communicate internal clients and key stakeholders. These tours allow GMs to give them a virtual tour of the construction site, so they can see the progress of the project for themselves. This has been a great way to keep Aerial Decision’s clients informed and engaged in the project.

What are 360 Virtual Walking Tours?

360 virtual tours are interactive experiences that allow users to explore a location or building in a 360-degree view. They are typically accessed through a web browser using 3rd party software such as Drone Deploy and Pix4D (among others) and can be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing, education, and documentation.  To create a 360 virtual tour, a series of panoramic photos or videos are captured and stitched together to create a seamless, immersive experience. Alternatively, a 3D model of the location or building can be created and rendered in a 360-degree view using computer-generated imagery (CGI).

360 Effects on a Construction Site
360 Effects on a Construction Site

Benefits of using 360 virtual walking tours in commercial building construction projects:

  • Improve communication

360 virtual walking tours can improve communication between the project team, the client, and the stakeholders. This is because they allow everyone involved in the project to see the progress of the project for themselves. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

  • Increase engagement

360 virtual walking tours can increase engagement with clients and stakeholders. This is because they allow them to feel like they are part of the project. They can see the progress of the project and provide feedback on the design and construction of the building. This feedback can be invaluable to the project team.

  • Reduce costs

360 virtual walking tours can reduce costs associated with communication. This is because they eliminate the need for travel and meetings. This can save the project team time and money.

If you are a commercial building construction project manager, we encourage you to consider using 360 virtual walking tours to communicate with your clients and stakeholders. They can be a valuable tool that can help you improve communication, increase engagement, and reduce costs.

  • Increase Safety

Virtual 360 walking tours allow you to create a comprehensive digital representation of the construction site, providing a realistic view of the environment. This enables workers to identify potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, obstructions, or unsafe working conditions, before they physically enter the site. By identifying hazards in advance, workers can take appropriate precautions and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Virtual 360 Walking Tours Increase Worker Safety on Construction Projects

Additional tips for creating effective 360 virtual walking tours for commercial building construction projects:

  • Make sure the tours are high quality. The images and videos should be clear and in focus.
  • Include all the important areas of the construction site. This includes the interior and exterior of the building, as well as any surrounding areas.
  • Use clear and concise language to describe the features of the building.
  • Add interactive elements to the tours, such as hotspots that allow viewers to learn more about specific features of the building.
  • Promote the tours to your clients and stakeholders. You can do this by adding them to your website, social media channels, and email marketing campaigns.

In summary, using 360 virtual walking tours showcases your construction project and offers a low cost and safe alternative to keeping internal clients and key stakeholders visually apprised of the construction projects progress.

From The Editor:

Do you need to hire a professional drone service provider or 360 virtual walking tour for your project?  To speak to an aerial data specialist, fill out a form, email us or for even faster response times, give us a call at (833) FLY-4YOU or (833) 359-4968.  Check out our transparent pricing at Drone Photography pricing and watch this space as we expand on the above topics and more over the coming weeks and months.  If you like this post, feel free to click the share button at the bottom of the page. We appreciate you helping us by spreading the content we share on our blog.

Jim Gibson
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