Embracing Technology in Building Surveying

Building surveying has stood the test of time for generations, evolving alongside human civilisation. From the ancient Egyptians to modern-day Australia, the building surveyor's role has been essential in shaping the skylines of our cities. Today, the field is witnessing a technological revolution. Some of the most labour-intensive and time-consuming tasks of a building surveyor are being transformed with powerful new technologies. However, it can be challenging to keep up with these tools and identify the ones that can truly benefit your business. This article delves into the fusion of technology and building surveying, illuminating the path for professionals who seek to blend time-honoured skills with cutting-edge tools.

The Traditional Role of Building Surveyors

Traditionally, building surveyors have been the sentinels of construction standards, guardians of compliance, and arbiters of safe and efficient design.

From plumb lines and theodolites to an intimate knowledge of local building codes, surveyors have long ensured that structures stand the test of both time and regulation. Yet, despite their expertise, these professionals have contended with the limitations of manual drafting, time-consuming measurements, and the cost of human error inherent in analogue methods. With copious amounts of paperwork to complete and lengthy applications and approvals processes, building surveyors have often found themselves bogged down in labour-intensive work, taking focus away from their core competencies. 

Welcome To The Digital Transformation

Enter the era of technological transformation, where software and sophisticated devices are now mainstays in a surveyor's toolkit.

Here are just some of the emerging innovations on offer to building surveyors:

• Geographic Information Systems: GIS provides a multi-dimensional view of land and structures, allowing for more informed decision-making. This level of accuracy can mitigate risk and promote growth with an unrivalled understanding of sites and spaces.
• Building Information Modelling: BIM has revolutionised the construction process, fostering a collaborative and more accurate approach to building design and surveying. From planning to design and construction, BIM is all about offering a clear digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of your build.
• Cloud-Based Documentation: Cloud storage is transforming the way that surveyors work. From on-site inspections to approval procedures, the essential documentation you need can now live all in one place. The result? Easy access, simplified processes, and accelerated approvals.
• Drones: Once a novelty, drones now offer aerial perspectives that unveil insights once beyond reach. This elevated perspective gives surveyors a radical new vision and an ability to fully utilise the potential.
• Apps and iPads: The ability to take essential documentation on the road and access information when and when you need it most is revolutionary. By saving time and reducing costs, building surveyors are transforming their day-to-day tasks with these essential tools. 

Unearthing the Benefits of Technology in Building Surveying

The incorporation of these technologies yields profound benefits. Modern tools bring unparalleled precision, drastically reducing the margin of error that once plagued the profession. Efficiency skyrockets as tasks that previously took days can now be completed in hours. 

Furthermore, technology has a favourable economic impact, with significant cost savings realised through reduced labour and minimised need for physical materials. 

Beyond economic and practical advantages, these digital tools also enhance safety, providing surveyors with the means to assess sites remotely, thus reducing exposure to on-site hazards.

Case Studies: Tech’s Benefits To Building Surveyors

Consider a recent high-rise project in Sydney, where drone technology coupled with advanced software allowed surveyors to conduct site assessments without the need for scaffolding or cranes. The result? This innovation not only significantly expedited the assessment process but also enhanced safety and accuracy, ultimately leading to the project being delivered ahead of schedule while setting new industry benchmarks for detailed site assessments. 

Another case in Perth saw the use of BIM to navigate complex zoning regulations, leading to a seamless approval process that was both time and cost-efficient. BIM technology provided precise modelling and simulation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while simultaneously reducing delays and errors. 

These case studies underscore how the integration of advanced technology can expedite processes, enhance safety, reduce costs, and set new industry standards for building surveyors.

New Tech’s Challenges & Considerations

However, this digital shift is not without its challenges. The adoption of new technologies requires an investment in training and infrastructure. Building surveyors must be adept at not only understanding the principles of surveying but also at mastering these technological tools.

Additionally, keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology necessitates a commitment to continuous learning. Here, adaptability is key. Now is the time to combine traditional and trusted processes with the benefits and abilities of new technologies. 

Building surveyors can significantly benefit from a trusted partner who can simplify these evolving processes and connect them to the tools and technologies they need, all in one place. 

Visual Approvals: Integrating Technology into Building Surveying

Amidst this backdrop of innovation, Visual Approvals stands out as a software solution tailor-made for the modern building surveyor. Designed to streamline the compliance and certification process, Visual Approvals offers a suite of tools that cater to the intricate needs of the profession. 

With features such as automated compliance checks, cloud-based access to documents, and intuitive design interfaces, the software serves as a bridge between traditional surveying methods and the digital future.

A case in point is the integration of Visual Approvals in a Melbourne-based surveying firm, which reported a 30% increase in productivity after adopting the platform. Surveyors were able to access real-time data on-site, make informed decisions, and expedite the compliance process, all within a secure digital environment. 

Testimonials from industry veterans underscore the software's impact, noting its role in simplifying complex projects and enhancing the overall quality of their work.

Embrace Powerful New Technology For Building Surveyors With Visual Approvals

The fusion of technology with building surveying has opened a new chapter in an age-old profession. As we look towards a future where buildings soar higher, and design complexities grow, the surveyor's role becomes increasingly critical. 

By embracing technology, surveyors can ensure that their projects not only meet the standards of today but are also ready for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Software solutions like Visual Approvals are at the forefront of this transformation, providing the tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of building surveying with confidence and proficiency.

From streamlined applications and assessments to inspections managed seamlessly via the iPad app, we provide access to the tools that truly make a difference to Australia’s building surveyors -  all in one simple-to-use and streamlined platform. 

If you’re seeking to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable structures while saving time and driving revenue, then Visual Approvals is built for you.

To keep your business at the forefront of innovation, explore our platform and book a demonstration today.