In particular, the use of deep learning algorithms has made a huge difference for many of Trimble’s customers. Too often, finding features in a massive point cloud has been an extremely manual process that takes hours and hours to perform—with AI it's all but eliminating that time out of the workflow. With AI, users can train their own datasets to automatically identify and extract specific details (i.e., anchor bolts, steel columns, light stands, fire hydrants). As well, bleeding edge techniques such as Gaussian splats took on greater prevalence this year. This AI-enabled visualization and rendering technique is a more intuitive and visually appealing way of representing complex data like point clouds. It can generate high-fidelity, high-resolution models from sources like high-quality photos, making the data more accessible and understandable for non-technical stakeholders. AI will continue to be essential to the construction industry as it strives to manage the massive amounts of data that are produced and gathered across the lifecycle of a design and construction job. The focus this year and the coming years will be increased attention on automating data processing and extraction, improving data visualization, and enhancing collaboration and decision-making through conversational AI interfaces to address the labor shortage and improve efficiency. The Connected Data Conundrum Integrating data across workflows has long been a challenge in the industry. This year, the industry realized some significant and visible progress. The overall goal of democratizing data is to enable more people on the job site and in the office to have a shared understanding of the real-world conditions, based on the data being captured. This helps break down silos, facilitate better collaboration, and allow stakeholders to focus on problem-solving rather than just identifying issues. In many cases, project teams have all the pieces of the puzzle but can’t connect them in a meaningful way to gain insights. The importance of a common data environment took on greater significance this year, allowing teams to seamlessly sync data from office to field and back.
We have seen a growing trend of large and mid-sized construction companies actively adopting connected, cloud-based platforms to manage their workflows and data. This is driven by the need to find efficiencies, reduce rework and improve collaboration. European countries including Norway, Finland and the United Kingdom have taken the lead. Several years ago, Norway’s Randselva Bridge made history as the longest bridge to be constructed without a single 2D drawing. Beginning this year, Ireland now requires BIM on projects over €100 million. These mandates necessitate some form of connected workflow and data sharing. In the US, while BIM is not mandated by governments yet, the shift is ongoing and was particularly notable this year. The more accessible the data, the more likely it will be used across the lifecycle of a project and the greater chance of breaking down familiar barriers. This year, we’ve seen technologies such as reality capture, AR, AI and common data environments really take off. They are helping owners and project teams do more than streamline design and construction tasks—they’re helping shift the industry away from an "adversarial" mindset. The shared access to data and insights that are enabled with this increasing democratization of data insights enables more collaborative decision-making, where all parties can focus on finding the best possible solution, in the most timely, sustainable, and cost- effective way.
NATHAN PATTON is Product Marketing Manager, Field Systems at Trimble. Recently named one of xyHt's Top 22 Young Geospatial Professionals, Nathan is an energetic and effective product leader. Passionately working to deliver tangible value through cutting-edge technologies that connect the digital and physical worlds. After completing Trimble's Rotational Leadership Development Program in 2022, Nathan joined the Buildings Construction Strategy & Innova- tion team as a Product Manager where he focuses on turning moonshot ideas into practical realities to solve the construction industry’s biggest problems.
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