How Construction Mapping Transforms Site Management

Gone are the days when construction teams relied solely on paper maps and manual sketches. Today, advanced digital tools are revolutionizing how construction sites are visualized and managed. With the rise of construction mapping, detailed and dynamic representations of jobsites improve accuracy but and help streamline complex project execution — setting the stage for a new era in construction.

Construction mapping refers to the process of creating site maps using advanced technologies. It often means using drones and 3D scanning to capture real-time data from the construction site. 

Mapping helps coordinate logistics, allocate resources and track a project’s advancement toward closeout. With detailed site maps, project managers can make informed decisions about where to place materials, how to manage crews and how to track progress over time.

This article explores the unique benefits and challenges of construction mapping, including its evolution over time, potential costs and training requirements and ways this tool can lead to better margins. 

Evolution of Mapping in Construction

Being able to visualize a construction site before it’s built has long been necessary in the field. Since the introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), crew members have had access to survey-driven data and digitally accessible maps to inform their decisions. 

Today, the field is embracing the sophisticated technologies of drone mapping and 3D scanning. The scanning process captures the shape and features of an environment, often using lasers emitted from a scanning device, which can be mounted on a drone. The laser bounces back to the device from the surface being scanned. After collecting all of the data points from the environment, the scanner builds a complete 3D model of the space.

Practical Benefits of Construction Mapping

One of mapping technology’s biggest benefits is improved accuracy in utility coordination. With mapping, teams can easily identify where existing utility lines and hook-ups are located—both reducing guesswork and making sure that any excavation doesn't accidentally damage these utilities. 

Another advantage is enhanced production tracking and material measurement. With detailed maps, construction managers can keep track of where materials are, how much is available and how quickly they’re being used. Coordinating the site this way also helps reduce the risk of accidents—and mapping can also help identify potential hazards before they become a problem. 

Mapping can significantly improve progress tracking and the management of deliverables. Using regularly updated data, teams can easily see what’s been completed and what’s still left to do.

One of the most incredible uses of mapping is for volume measurement. For example, software can analyze a picture or model of a stockpile of materials and estimate how much is in the pile. As another example, it could measure the volume of dirt excavated, which could be useful for precise progress tracking. 

Mapping Technology and Tools

A general contractor (GC) needs to be aware of different technologies in order to make the most out of mapping processes. 

Two major file types exist for GIS data: ArcGIS and KML. ArcGIS is popularly used by governments, meaning public sector data is likely going to be stored in this file type. It also requires a little more technical knowledge to implement correctly than data stored as a KML file, which is the information stored in applications like Google Earth. 

Having a working and efficient construction software that can successfully implement these files into a project’s database is a necessity for using mapping. The easier the software is to use, the more quickly teams can adopt it and begin seeing benefits.

A GC will also need mapping software, like DroneDeploy, which allows users to create aerial maps and 3D models from scans—and can perform calculations to measure volumes of stockpiles or materials. 

Challenges of Construction Mapping

One of the greatest obstacles for most construction companies in implementing mapping solutions is cost. Investing in drones and software can be expensive and may have ongoing costs for maintenance and subscriptions. 

Setting up these systems and training team members to use them is another time-consuming cost of mapping — especially if the company isn’t the most tech-savvy already. It’s often necessary to appoint a team or point person to move the company toward mapping technologies. 

Best Practices for Implementing Construction Mapping

Despite challenges, construction mapping can greatly benefit many projects—especially when integrated in an efficient management software program. 

Following a few best practices can also help with a smooth transition.  

Start small.

Figure out what aspect of mapping the construction company can most benefit from and work on implementing processes for this aspect first. 

Appoint a champion for mapping.

The most successful GC is able to delegate tasks to confident and capable team members. Appointing someone to spearhead the initial processes and do the research to make sure the software and technology the company is purchasing are the right tools can help with buy-in as well as implementation. 

The right person to take ownership for this process within the company will be willing, interested in moving the company’s technology forward and trustworthy. 

Focus on what’s best for return on investment (ROI).

Capturing key data points that can help with decision-making can help maximize ROI in the long run. 

For example, mapping can help construction teams to accurately measure the amount of materials stored on-site. This precise data can allow companies to most accurately bill clients for materials used in a project. When a GC knows how much material is on-hand and how much has been used, they can create accurate bids and billing statements, leading to better margins and increased profits.

In this way, mapping can reduce the risk of eating into profits by under-billing. 

The Future of Mapping in Construction

Mapping is likely to become more widely adopted and its tool will probably become more user-friendly. 

IoT refers to a network of physical devices connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. In construction, IoT devices can include sensors on equipment and building materials that provide real-time data about their conditions and performance. For example, sensors could send instant updates about equipment locations or environmental conditions, helping teams off-site or far-off make quick, informed decisions.

This continuous mapping would create what’s called a “digital twin,” or real-time virtual model, of the worksite. In practice, teams could use this model to test changes and see their impacts before breaking ground on them, saving both time and resources. 

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Buying into Construction Mapping Technology

The future of mapping is exciting and full of possibilities, and buying in on training and developing mapping techniques now will likely help companies evolve with the technology.

For now, companies can adopt mapping practices in the ways that may benefit them most — and reap the rewards of near-automated progress tracking and material storage, accurate billing and improved margins.

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