Logo: Nearmap

Using high quality 2D aerial mapping and photorealistic 3D cityscapes from Nearmap, HNTB is able to impress clients and edge out the competition for new business.

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors in the architecture, construction and engineering fields.

Logo: HNTBCelebrating 105 years of service, HNTB understands infrastructure and addresses its clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. HNTB employs more than 4,000 full-time professionals who deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management solutions.

In addition to providing great work, HNTB continuously seeks to improve its processes and service to clients. The firm desired to speed up both its accuracy in measurement and its overall efficiency in producing project models when they looked to engage with Nearmap.

 

HNTB experts share how they use HD aerial mapping to win new business. Video provided by Nearmap.

Photo provided by Nearmap.

The challenge at a glance

Fast & accurate visual design

Oblique View of Commercial Construction Site - Atlanta, GA. (Photo provided by Nearmap)

Oblique View of Commercial Construction Site – Atlanta, GA. (Photo provided by Nearmap)

HNTB has used outdated, low-resolution satellite imagery, making it difficult to create accurate models of projects. The georeferenced data was lost when bringing images GIS/CAD applications, which was a critical problem because all teams were not working within the same coordinated space.

Operating inside a competitive landscape, the company needed to improve its accuracy in measurement and overall efficiency in producing project models.

“To win business, we have to be faster, more efficient and do it better.”

— James Pageau, senior media design leader at HNTB

The solution at a glance

Design with altitude

With the implementation of Nearmap 5.8-7.5cm GSD aerial mapping, which is multiple times sharper than free satellite imagery, HNTB was able to establish and carry out the following improved workflow:

“Nearmap imagery improves the overall process by giving us accurate data that we can integrate right into engineer drawings.”

— Dana Rausch, 3D visualization artist/animator, HNTB Corporation

Photo provided by Nearmap.

Business impact

Oblique View of Architectural Design - San Antonio, TX. (Photo provided by Nearmap)

Oblique View of Architectural Design – San Antonio, TX. (Photo provided by Nearmap)

With photo-realistic, high-res visuals and models, HNTB impresses its clients with accuracy and beauty and can clearly showcase the overall project impact. Their use of imagery allows them to:

Locate

Using Vertical imagery, team members become acquainted with the project site. This is especially useful when the project is out of state, minimizing the need for site visits.

Process

Because the team has access to the same accurate, georeferenced data through MapBrowser, they are able to view and compare historical with current imagery, see timestamps and export the imagery with gridded tiles for better integration into 3ds Max.

Integrate

By generating a digital surface model from the aerial mapping, HNTB professionals can detect variation in terrain which helps them provide more precise estimates for the client.

“Assessing orthographic and panoramic views, the ability to measure slopes and footprints of buildings, and to accurately measure building height — that all used to be guesswork for us. Nearmap gives us the ability to get data we want when we want it, 24/7, and at a phenomenal level of detail.”
— Austin Reed, 3D Visualization Team Lead, HNTB Corporation

 

Read the full case study


 

Graphic: Nearmap

Graphic: Nearmap

See it firsthand

Looking to increase productivity while reducing the cost and risk of site visits?

Receive an HD aerial view of your project now.


 

Hear more from Nearmap

Learn more about Nearmap at 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific on Thursday, Dec. 12th at “3D Imagery Workshop: Learn How to Visualize Projects Clearly,” a GPS World webinar, sponsored by Nearmap.

Seeing things clearly is not just a goal for one’s life, but also for businesses. Professionals across several industries are looking for the same ability to see and anticipate the intricacies and potential obstacles of projects. Charles Staton, Geospatial Sales Engineer at Nearmap, will share see how various industries are gaining an edge on the competition with HD aerial content. From 2D to 3D and with frequent yearly captures, Nearmap offers imagery to help in all areas of your business

 


This page was produced by North Coast Media’s content marketing staff in collaboration with Nearmap. NCM Content Marketing connects marketers to audiences and delivers industry trends, business tips and product information. The GPS World editorial staff did not create this content.

Header image: Nearmap