Over the past several years, Web cameras have been providing a digital window to the world, allowing Internet users to view images of remote locations anytime and from any Web browser. At first, the technology was used for mostly promotional purposes, providing views, for instance, of Disney’s Magic Kingdom or the Eiffel Tower. Today, as the technology progresses, numerous industries, including construction, are adopting Web cams for use in their business.
Many A/E/C firms, especially general contractors, are utilizing Web cams on job sites. Some firms use them simply for promotion and public relations reasons, others for providing remote clients with an inexpensive “window” to the project. For construction managers, constant visual surveillance of a project can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and tossing and turning, as they wonder whether the steel was “actually” delivered to the job site or if the foundation was poured earlier that day.
Web cam technology
Web cams consist of three basic components: mounted cameras, a phone connection and interfacing software. Depending on the level of sophistication and requirements, the systems could range from as simple as a fixed-position, one-camera view to advanced configurations with multiple cameras and pan, tilt and zoom capabilities.
Earthcam Inc., Hackensack, N.J., has been providing Web cam technology to the construction industry since 1996. The company provides complete infrastructure services to manage, host and maintain live images for its clients, which include Turner Corp., NASA and Toys ‘R’ Us.
ConstructionCam, EarthCam’s standard service for the construction industry, enables users to pan 360 degrees, tilt and zoom the camera remotely over the Web. It automatically stores multiple images to create a photo archive of the project from start to finish, and offers streaming video capability for private monitoring. The system comes with a fan, a heater, a zoom lens and even a windshield wiper to ensure it remains operational in any weather condition.
EarthCam’s monitoring and maintenance software automatically monitors each camera feed, providing emergency pager and e-mail notification to EarthCam support staff in case of a malfunction. The software’s user interface provides the local weather and time where the camera resides, a chat room where users can communicate about the project, and archival and time-lapse video functionality. For instance, project managers can utilize the software to e-mail a video snapshot along with notes and chat with other members of the building team while viewing the video. In addition, the software has built-in alarm notifications that alert the camera owner via pager or e-mail of motion detection or if the camera goes offline.
One of EarthCam’s more notable customers is the Chicago Bears professional football team (www.chicagobears.com), who are using ConstructionCam to showcase the $550 million renovation of Soldier Field. Since the bulk of the work is inside the stadium, the public can see the progress from the comfort of their homes. It also allows Bears management, who are based some 30 miles north at the team’s headquarters, to view progress shots and review mockups without making the trip to the stadium every day.
“We want to give our fans and other interested parties the ability to watch the construction of their new home for Bears football and other entertainment events,” said Ted Phillips, Chicago Bears president and CEO.
Other providers
NuSpectra Multimedia Inc., Alameda, Calif., StarDot Technologies, Buena Park, Calif., and Inet Architects Inc., Arlington, Mass., offer similar equipment, software and service solutions for the construction industry. For instance, Inet Architect’s OnSite Web cam system utilizes high-resolution (3 megapixel) digital cameras and supports the use of hand-held digital cameras, while StarDot offers a wireless camera system.
In addition to equipment and software vendors, several online project management companies, including e-Builder, Buzzsaw.com and Constructware, now offer Web cam service to their clients.
There’s no doubt that Web Cams will continue to make inroads into the construction industry. As the technology continues to progress, the applications will expand into other areas. For instance, some systems now offer night viewing capabilities, which may allow building teams and owners to better address job site security.
Tomas Hernandez welcomes comments at thj@panix.com.
Web cam providers
EarthCam
www.earthcam.com
Inet Architects
www.inetarch.com
NuSpectra
www.nuspectra.com
StarDot Technologies
www.stardot-tech.com
New bits
Code consolidation
The International Code Council has created a Web site to provide the latest information about the integration of three building code organizations: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc., International Conference of Building Officials and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.
http://iccint.intlcode.org
E-education
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has launched the E-Learning Institute, a web-based professional development educational program developed specifically for CMAA members. Through the institute, members have access to industry specific programs, such as business management, marketing and accounting, which can be accessed for any Web browser.
www.cmaanet.org
Green building database
Sponsored the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation's first online database of "green" building case studies was unveiled at the AIA convention last month. The site publishes a variety of green projects, including buildings that have received certification through the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. As of mid May, 26 projects have been published.
www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/highperformance/case_studies
Solar calculator
Ever wonder how much energy solar power can save? One quick way to find out is with BP Solar’s online Clean Power Estimator. Simply enter the location and building information and the tool will estimate the energy savings from a solar power system. It also calculates the amount of pollution prevented by using solar energy.
http://www.bpsolar.com/calculator/index.htm
