Live webcams are one of the fastest growing trends when it comes to construction monitoring. Some of the best applications for deploying this technology are provided by US Relay.com. Here are just a few steps and methods to get started.
The hardware is going to be the most important factors in putting together a robust solution. There are two options when it comes to cameras types – PTZ and Fixed.
Both work extremely well depending on what the scope of the work is. If you have a need to actually Pan and Zoom around a particular construction site then a PTZ camera would be the best option. If you’re building a bridge then a Fixed camera would be the ideal solution. Next, the enclosures are a very important component when it comes to protecting the camera from of the harsh elements. There are two types of power requirements either 12 VAC or 110 VAC which needs to be established. Dotworkz Systems has just released the new revolutionary D2 enclosure which is ideal for varied environmental conditions.
One of the more popular applications would be US Relay eLiveStream which provides live video broadcasting directly to the clients website. Next, would be record and archive video over the length of a given project using US Relay eArchive.
This video feed is captured and then burned onto a DVD, and can be played back to view a project from start to completion. Southern California Edison has deployed 5 cameras utilizing and utilizing the eArchive solution (www.sdlagoons.com) which is being used to monitor the San Dieguito Wetlands Restoration Project.
The advantage of utilizing IP based cameras is that you can access them remotely. We have some clients that prefer to have the general public access one camera, while the second camera is password protected, and only accessible for internal use. In terms of internet connections a static IP address with minimum uplink of 256k is required. The most popular internet connections would be DSL or a cable modem where you can get an uplink between 500k~2000k. A static IP is the preferred method in terms of security when compared to a dynamic connection. Also, there is the 900MHz and the 2.4GHz wireless systems. Both wireless systems work well once range and ‘line of sight’ has been established. One of our clients, Slayden Construction, has deployed one PTZ camera running through a DSL connection, and utilizing a 2.4 GHz solution for camera 2.
These technologies work well when properly deployed. It’s a great way to capture the construction of a given site, and helps engage the community when they can watch the progress remotely over the web.
Construction sites around the world are adopting the use of network cameras to remotely monitor their sites. What if you could quickly log into your website, and check to see if an employee is at work? How about if you could check the status of your equipment?
