Your construction project is about to break ground and you want a construction camera. It gets shipped to the site, set up, and you’re good to go. But will you get what you need? Will it be a success? Obviously, the camera and service you choose will be a big factor in determining how successful it is. Another factor often overlooked is camera placement.
We pioneered the development of multi-megapixel construction cameras over a decade ago. Since then we’ve worked on over 10,000 projects. That experience has been used to develop what we call the 5 P’s: Positioning, Placement, Perspective, Phasing, and Power. It’s part of the system we use to ensure clients get what they need and more. Following the 5 P’s can simplify your decision process and ensure you get the most from your camera.
The 5 P’s of Positioning Construction Cameras
Positioning: Start by considering positions on the south side of the job site, such as adjacent buildings, utility poles, a cell tower, or job site trailers. The goal is to aim the camera as close as possible to due north. In other words, the sun should be behind the camera. This minimizes shadows and glare and also provides great lighting for daytime images. If you have multiple options, the other four P’s will help you zero in on the best choice, as well as fine-tune actual mounting.
Placement: Construction sites constantly change. Placing the camera outside of the construction area avoids problems, gives you a perspective on the entire project and allows for seamless time-lapse footage from beginning to end.
Perspective: Mount and aim the camera to maximize its view of the job site. For example, instead of aiming the camera at the front of the building and capturing one side, focus on a corner so that you capture multiple sides in one view. When possible, mounting the camera higher than the highest point of the planned build allows it to capture the entire footprint and all levels, or stories. A good perspective also adds depth and dimension to current and end-of-project time-lapse movies.
Phasing: If the project includes multiple phases, or you’re using tilt-up construction, take into account the camera position to ensure completed phases or structures don’t obscure the construction camera’s view later on. Positioning the camera between phases can allow for a seamless transition, requiring only the angle of the camera to be turned.
Power: Unless you’re using an OxBlue solar-power station, you’ll want to pick a location where power can be conveniently run to the camera. Coordinating the installation of temporary power for the site in a location that also works for the camera is an option to consider. Nearby buildings often offer not only good elevations but also convenient access to power with rooftop outlets.
Using the 5 P’s eliminates guesswork about the best spot for your construction camera. Think of them as assurance for getting maximal impact and utility, with informative real-time views and high-quality archival images and time-lapse movies.
Follow the 5 P’s to Pick the Best Spot for Your Construction Camera
Our recommendations for choosing the best location for your camera come from experience on more than 10,000 projects. Use them to simplify the decision process and ensure you get the most informative, highest quality documentation of your project.
1. Positioning: Face the camera as close as possible to due north.
2. Placement: Placing the camera outside the construction area captures more of the job site and allows for seamless time-lapse movies.
3. Perspective: Mount the camera higher than the planned build to capture all stories or levels.
4. Phasing: Take project phases or tilt-up construction into account to ensure the camera’s view isn’t obstructed as the project progresses.
5. Power: If you’re not using an OxBlue solar power station, pick a location where power can be conveniently run to the camera.
