Wearable site mapping tech slashes surveyancing times in half

Paul Eyers
By Paul Eyers
4 Min Read

Entering the job site to see someone wearing the NaVis VLX 3 and you’ll be mistaken for thinking you’ve accidentally walked onto a Star Wars movie set instead. 

The futuristic-looking surveyancing tool has its users looking half human, half cyborg as they traverse their job site collecting digital data information.  

But rather than a costume piece from the latest futuristic sci-fi flick, the new type of wearable tech is instead helping construction teams shave weeks off project completion times. 

The NaVis 3 can help slash weeks off of project times.

The front-facing automation and positioning backpack uses a 3-dimensional dual laser scanner that captures geometrical data and images of project zones. 

Or —in layman’s terms— you wear it and walk through the job site to capture and create a digital computerised image of the work environment.  

Architects, engineers, and project staff can then walk through a digital twin of the job site, which they can use to view 360-degree images, conduct virtual site inspections or measure and adjust construction plans. 

But while that in itself is impressive, NaVis spokesperson Leon Wagenbrenner told Build-it that the real game changer lies in the tech’s ability to demolish construction times, saving days and potentially even weeks compared to conventional surveying methods 

“It’s insanely fast, and you’re still achieving survey-grade accuracy,” he explained. 

navis
Leon Wagenbrenner gives Build-it a demo of the Navis VLX 3.

“You’re looking at it five to 10 times faster than traditional surveying  methods, depending on the complexity of the environment.”

“You could scan a convention centre within an hour…whereas that would roughly take 10 hours or one whole working day using traditional methods.”

As part of its data collection, the VLX3 shoots out 1.2 million laser points per second, which is combined with images from its numerous 420mp cameras. 

And with a wearable weight of only 8kgs, the only thing holding users back is its 90-minute battery supply, which can be swapped out when out of charge. 

Jeffery Priest is, the marketing development manager of the tools Aussie distributor Aptella says the tech is an architect’s dream.  

“Architects are using them to acquire data which then they can model, design and measure from… we’re talking a 5mm accuracy in general out of the VLX 3,” he told Build-it.  

Priest says the futuristic techs rate of capture meant construction firms would quickly recoup the tool’s hefty $80k plus price tag. 

“The speed of capture is the ROI calculation that customers make, they can acquire data faster per labour resource per day,” he said. 

“Instead of doing one project with a terrestrial scanner per day, they can do 3 projects with a VLX.” 

“By capturing sites faster, it allows them to do a greater volume of work and ultimately makes them more profitable.” 

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Paul Eyers has worked as a journalist for a range of media publishers including News Corp and Network Ten. He has also worked outside of Australia, including time spent with ABS-CBN in the Philippines. Stepping away from the media, Paul spent five years sharpening his tools in construction - building his skill set and expertise within the trade industry. His diverse experiences and unique journey have equipped him with an insider view of Australia’s construction game to dig deep into the big stories.