nat has launched a "location-based photo search feature" for its 3D scanning app " Scanat " on both the mobile app and web platform. This feature automatically searches for and displays corresponding on-site photos simply by long-pressing any point on a 3D model.
This marks the first implementation of this feature in a scanning app developed in Japan.
◼︎Background and Challenges
In the construction and infrastructure sectors, the use of 3D scanning to digitize job sites is rapidly gaining traction.
However, since hundreds or even thousands of high-resolution photos are often taken at the same time as the scan, a simple task like “viewing the details of a specific area identified in the 3D model” could take an enormous amount of time.
Previously, staff members had to search for the desired photos manually, which was a major bottleneck in improving the efficiency of on-site inspections.
◼︎Overview of New Features
With the newly released "location-based photo search feature, " users can simply click on any point on a 3D model to instantly search for and view a list of photos that include that location.
The photos displayed are automatically ranked using a proprietary algorithm that comprehensively evaluates factors such as relevance, distance, and angle.
This makes it possible to automatically identify "the photo that best captures this part" without any manual intervention.
It also includes features for adding notes and annotations to photos of the same location, as well as functions for exporting and sharing photos, enabling a seamless workflow from on-site verification to information sharing.
◼︎Three Innovative Benefits of the "Location-Based Photo Search Feature"
・Maximizing search efficiency through "reverse lookup":
Simply tap (select) the area of interest within the model, and all photos containing that spot will be listed instantly.
This completely eliminates the hassle of searching through large collections of photos.
・AI-powered prioritization algorithm:
From the set of extracted photos, we use a proprietary algorithm to comprehensively evaluate factors such as fit, distance, and angle, and prioritize displaying the photo that best captures this area.
・Multifaceted use of information:
You can pin the photo you've called up directly to a specific location within the model as a "note" or share it externally.
This helps prevent "misalignment of perspectives" between the field and the office.
◼︎Quantitative Benefits of Digital Transformation in Field Surveys
With the introduction Scanat, on-site surveys that previously took two to three workers one to three hours to complete can now be finished in just 20 minutesby a single worker.
With the addition of this "location-based photo search feature," the time spent organizing photos after returning to the office and the costs associated with returning to a location to verify details will be further reduced, dramatically improving overall project productivity.
◼︎Product Details (Operation and Specifications Reference)
This feature is available in both the web browser version and the iOS app.
Detailed specifications and instructions for each platform are provided below.
♢Basic Usage
Supported modes: 3D mode, Bird's-eye view mode
Recommended scan mode: "Normal Scan"
*Since the floor plan scan mode may fail to match photos with their correct locations in some areas, we recommend using the Normal Scan mode for this feature.
♢Instructions (Web Version)
1. Launching the Feature:
Click the "Location Photo" icon on the toolbar on the right side of the model details screen,
or right-click anywhere on the model and select "Location Photo" from the menu.
2. Specifying a location
Left-click on the location you want to view within the 3D model.
3. Viewing Photos
A list of the extracted photos will be displayed on the right side of the screen.
You can scroll through the photos using the mouse wheel.
4. Changing the Location
Clicking on a different location will change the selected location, and the photo list on the right will automatically update with information for the new location.
♢Instructions (App Version)
1. Launching the Feature
Either "long-press" anywhere in the model and select it from the menu, or
enter measurement mode by tapping the "Measure" button in the upper-right corner, then tap the "Location Photo" button.
2. Selecting a Location
Tap the location you want to check, or drag the currently selected pointer (pin) to move it.
3. Viewing Photos
Swipe up or down on the list displayed on the right to browse.
Tap a photo to switch to enlarged view (preview mode).
♢Practical Steps
Add as a note: When you click the "Add as a note" button in the photo list, a note is created at the corresponding location on the model, and that photo is automatically attached.
Download and Share
Web version: Tap the "Download" button on the photo to save it to your device.
App version: Tap the "Share" button to choose from options such as AirDrop, email, or saving the image.
◼︎Important Notes for Use
Loading data: To ensure high-precision matching, loading the data may take some time.
Recommended Mode: We recommend using this feature in "Normal Scan" mode. In "Floor Plan Scan" mode, matching may fail in some areas.
Model Editing: If you have made significant edits to the model (such as cropping), the photo and the selected area may not align.
◼︎List of Updates
New Feature: Addition of "Location-Based Automatic Photo Search" (App and Web Versions)
▼Please update the app
To access the new features, please update to the latest version (v2.2.0) using the link below.
Update Scanat on the App Store
(If you’d like to learn how to use the “Location Photo” feature or check if it’s a good fit for your business,
please contact us .)
