How Mobile Computing and GPS tech is bringing geotagging and geofencing to the Construction industry

When we think of GPS, most people imagine the instructions their sat-nav gives them to find a destination but, in many industries such as Construction, it can deliver so much more.

GPS has its origins in the Sputnik era when scientists were able to track the satellite with shifts in its radio signal known as the "Doppler Effect." After its own experiments using satellite to track nuclear submarines, the US Department of Defence launched its first navigation system satellite in 1978.

The 24 satellite system became fully operational in 1993 and the foundation of our modern GPS was born.

Today, in combination with mobile computing, GPS technology is having a huge impact on the way we work. One sector that may surprise, is the construction industry, where there are two areas where GPS technology on a mobile computing device, such as a rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, are increasingly being used.

The first is for Geotagging. From initial site surveys and design work, throughout the progress of the development and right through to the handover of the finished development, the use of geotagged photos can be invaluable in saving time and costs and improving quality.

Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to media such as a photograph or video, to help clearly identify the specific geographical location captured in the image. In the survey and design phase, geotagged photos of specific points or fixed objects at the site can be taken by individuals using a rugged mobile computing device. Information from these geotagged photos can then be incorporated into the CAD or BIM documentation for the site.