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AR on Your Terms: BIM Model Placement for Every Skill Level

BIM Model placement with GAMMA AR

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In construction, accurate BIM model placement is key for success. With GAMMA AR, we make this process simple and accessible, regardless of your experience level. This tool transforms complex alignments into straightforward steps, enabling users to overlay digital models onto the physical site effortlessly. GAMMA AR offers four alignment methods to suit different project scales and user expertise. Each method in GAMMA AR is designed to make BIM placement efficient, letting you focus on what really matters: delivering high-quality, on-time projects. Download GAMMA AR today for a seamless AR experience in construction, or reach out for a customized demo!

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Aligning Your Project Right from The Start

When it comes to BIM model placement with GAMMA AR, getting the model placed correctly is crucial.

Once the model’s placed right on-site, you’ll be ready to catch any issues early on.

Keep in mind that GAMMA AR is designed as an indicative tool, meant to help you visualize and verify and coordinate the design/plans prior to and during the construction process.

It is intended to provide a highly effective way to spot potential discrepancies early, helping keep construction on schedule, rather than delivering survey-level accuracy or replacing traditional surveying solutions.

In practice, this means, for example, clash detection, verifying clearance zones, and identifying any conflicts before they can turn into costly rework.

With GAMMA AR, you don’t have to imagine how the BIM model compares to the build on-site.

Because you can see it.

Using a tablet or a smartphone, you simply overlay the BIM model onto the job site in real-time using AR.

It’s as easy as just walking around the site with the model right there in front of you, seeing it exactly where and how it’s going to be (or has been) built.

This helps you stay on schedule, while also reducing those typical construction headaches—delays, miscommunication, and unexpected errors.

The first step in making this happen is placing your BIM model.

Built into GAMMA AR are four different ways of doing this, each designed with varying levels of technical know-how in mind.

This makes it easy for all users to confidently place and visualize BIM models for the best results every time.

Let’s take a quick look at each one, as well as why you might want to use it.

Corner Alignment: A Solution for Straightforward Projects

Corner Alignment provides a simple and intuitive method for placing BIM models, making it ideal for users with minimal technical expertise. By selecting corners as reference points, users can manually align the model to the physical environment. This method works well for smaller, more conventional projects where speed and ease of use take priority over precision. It’s a clear-cut approach that works well when you have clear physical landmarks to rely on, offering a practical solution for those less familiar with AR technology.
  • Strengths: Fast, easy to learn, doesn’t require complex hardware or setup.
  • Weaknesses: Limited in larger or more complex environments.
  • Best Use Case: Small to medium-sized, uncomplicated projects where no-fuss alignment is sufficient and the need for serious precision is low.

  • This option allows even users unfamiliar with AR to confidently align models on-site with minimal effort.

    Auto Alignment: Streamlined Placement with Minimal Input

    Auto Alignment streamlines the model placement process with minimal user input, a popular choice for users who want efficiency without going too deep into technical details.

    Yet it’s important to note that drift can occur over time as you move away from the initial alignment point, especially in large areas or low-light environments.

    While LiDAR-enabled devices help reduce this drift by continuously tracking depth, regular realignment is necessary to maintain accuracy.

    Leveraging LiDAR on smartphones and tablets, this method automatically aligns the BIM model to the job site based on reference points detected through the device’s camera.

    It is an efficient solution for users with basic AR experience who value quick setup without sacrificing accuracy, making it an efficient option for fast-paced projects that need frequent realignments.
    • Strengths: Fast, requires little effort, suitable for users with basic tech or AR know-how, efficient for frequent realignments.
    • Weaknesses: May drift over time, not as precise compared to QR Code or Manual Adjustment.
    • Best Use Case: Smaller or less complex projects where precision isn’t the highest priority.
    Its ease of use and rapid setup make Auto Alignment ideal for users who need to maintain a balance between efficiency and accuracy on the job site.

    QR Code Alignment: Precision and Stability for Complex Projects

    QR Code Alignment offers enhanced precision for complex projects, making it suitable for users who are more comfortable with technology, have enough time for QR code preparation and placement, and need a higher level of accuracy. By placing pre-assigned QR codes around the site, users can align the BIM model with greater accuracy and consistency. This method is particularly useful for extensive projects that demand stability and repeatability, as the QR codes ensure reliable model placement throughout the entire construction process.
    • Strengths: Offers dependable, repeatable results, ideal for long-term projects.
    • Weaknesses: Requires QR code printing, setup, and management, adding extra time and complexity.
    • Best Use Case: Large-scale, accuracy-demanding projects.
    For projects that call for dependable precision and long-term stability, QR Code Alignment ensures consistent and repeatable model placement throughout the construction process.

    Manual Adjustment: Maximum Control for Advanced Model Placement

    Manual Adjustment gives advanced users full control over model placement, allowing for granular alignment of the BIM model in challenging or irregular environments. This method enables precise adjustments along multiple axes, making it ideal for projects where fine-tuning is critical. It is best suited for tech specialists or project leads who require the utmost in accuracy and flexibility in managing model alignment.
    • Strengths: Complete control over the alignment process, useful for correcting small misalignments.
    • Weaknesses: Time-consuming, entails a strong understanding of both the physical and digital environments.
    • Best Use Case: Projects that need constant fine-tuning or are in irregular environments.
    Manual Adjustment delivers unparalleled precision, empowering users to fine-tune model placements for optimal results in even the most challenging environments.

    Placement Methods for Every User and Project

    Ultimately, the key to successful model placement lies in selecting the method that best matches both your project’s demands and the technical abilities of your team.

    With these four distinct options, GAMMA AR empowers users of all skill levels to make the most of their BIM models in the field.

    From smaller, simpler projects to large-scale builds demanding peak performance, there’s a method tailored to fit your unique needs.

    Ready to see how GAMMA AR can enhance your next project? Download a full-featured trial version today from the App Store or Google Play.

    For a customized demo that addresses your specific needs, please contact us directly.