Meissa positions itself as a smart construction platform. Smart construction refers to applying advanced technologies such as ICT to traditional construction in order to shorten construction schedules, reduce labor input, and improve on-site safety. So then, what exactly is a ‘platform’?
The King’s Cross station platform from the Harry Potter films
In its traditional sense, a platform means the ‘boarding platform’ where trains and passengers come and go. In today’s era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it also refers to a community space built on computer operating systems or online transactions rather than an actual station platform.
Although it carries a wide range of multifaceted meanings, one thing is clear: whether physical or not, it is a ‘hub of exchange’ through which something tangible or intangible passes back and forth. This hub of exchange connects different parties and creates close communication.
Until now, the design side of construction has undergone rapid digitalization and adoption of advanced technologies. Computer-aided technologies such as CAD and BIM have developed vigorously. On the construction side, however, digitalization has been relatively difficult to advance for a number of technical reasons.
Yet the growth of the drone industry has sharply lowered the barrier to collecting spatial information, making it easy to digitalize construction sites. In addition, the development of information and communication networks and the high penetration rate of smartphones have created an environment in which this information gap can be narrowed.
Against this backdrop, we are building a ‘smart construction platform’ — through ICT grounded in what we do best, our software capabilities — to close the information gap between construction and design and to tightly connect the field and the office.
Digitalizing the As-Is Spatial Information of Construction Sites
Construction is not a two-dimensional activity but a three-dimensional one. On the design side, the shift from 2D drawings to 3D design is in full swing — namely, BIM (Building Information Modeling). On the construction side, however, even handling 2D drawings
had been a struggle. That is because digitalized spatial information is hard to obtain.
In fact, we already have easy access to digitalized spatial information in the form of satellite maps, but their update cycle is far too long to reflect the ever-changing conditions of a construction site. It takes anywhere from a few months to as long as five years. Aerial photography is one alternative, but its high cost makes it difficult to use on a frequent basis.
The image above is a representative example of using an orthophoto created from satellite maps and drone data. The site in question is a land-reclamation site; even though reclamation has already progressed, the satellite map still shows open sea.
And as we will discuss in more detail later, the value of this spatial information truly shines when visualizing IoT signals that indicate the real-time locations of site personnel and equipment. Of course, CAD drawings can just as easily be overlaid as well.
The outputs that can be created from drone-acquired data are not limited to 2D orthophotos. There is also 3D reconstruction through photogrammetric estimation technology, and 3D mapping that combines this with coordinate information. There are various ways to scan a solid object and reproduce it digitally, such as using ultrasonic waves like a bat or using light waves. Here too, however, the cost of such sensors makes them difficult to adopt readily on-site.
A 3D model of an apartment complex captured by drone
However, the rapid advancement of commercial drones and their onboard cameras is sensor-independent and dramatically lowers the barrier to acquiring spatial information.
Drones: An Innovation in Construction Site Data Collection
3D Reconstruction
The principle of 3D reconstruction is as follows. Photographs of an object are taken from various overlapping angles, and the relationship between each pair of photographs is estimated. The fewer the camera parameters that vary between photographs, the higher the fidelity of the result to reality. Among the many parameters of drone photography, the most representative are as follows.
Using Digitalized Spatial Information
Drone-acquired 3D spatial information, combined with coordinate data, is precise and accurate enough to replace conventional surveying methods. And what makes this possible is precisely the Meissa platform. The Meissa platform is designed so that any digitalized data can be combined and put to use.
In particular, registering 3D point cloud and BIM data is a meaningful integration of the digitalized design and construction sides. BIM data, which previously could only be handled with specialized applications, can now be intuitively viewed and used by anyone on-site.
Registration of 3D point cloud and BIM
In particular, registering 3D point cloud and BIM data is a meaningful integration of the digitalized design and construction sides. BIM data, which previously could only be handled with specialized applications, can now be intuitively viewed and used by anyone on-site.
Combining Digital Spatial Information with Real-Time Dynamic Data
A hub — a platform — that uses drones to digitalize construction sites on the spot and put that data to use in various ways is now complete. Through this platform, teams can already exchange materials and notes, making collaboration among members far smoother. But going a step further, Meissa pursues even closer communication with the field.
1. Classify physical, chemical, and cognitive accidents by work phase
2. Apply IoT solutions matched to each situation
3. Combine as-is spatial information with real-time sensing information
Real-time exchange using the Internet of Things (IoT) supports worker safety and enables rapid response when emergencies arise. To achieve this, IoT solutions must be modularized so that the hazards that can occur at each work phase are classified, tracked, and visualized as real-time data.
Digitalizing Every Construction Site in the World
for Greater Safety and Convenience
Meissa dreams of a more convenient and safer world through the connection of people to people and people to space. And we believe that, through ICT, we can build the world we envision. Until the day every construction site in the world is innovated to be convenient and beautiful, we will keep challenging ourselves and moving forward.
The outputs that can be created from drone-acquired data are not limited to 2D orthophotos. There is also 3D reconstruction through photogrammetric estimation technology, and 3D mapping that combines this with coordinate information. There are various ways to scan a solid object and reproduce it digitally, such as using ultrasonic waves like a bat or using light waves. Here too, however, the cost of such sensors makes them difficult to adopt readily on-site
