Site surveying is essential in many projects, from construction to healthcare facility management. However, common mistakes can hinder the effectiveness of these surveys. To understand these pitfalls and how to avoid them, we spoke with Lauren Kelly, Founder of Wayfindit.
The Importance of Contextual Photos
One of the most frequent mistakes in site surveying is not taking enough context photos. Lauren Kelly explains, “A lot of times, what we see are close-up photos of signs or areas that don’t clearly show where you are, especially in settings like healthcare surveys. Many of these environments have similar-looking beige hallways, making it difficult to tell where you are contextually.”
To address this issue, Lauren emphasizes the importance of taking wide shots that capture the surrounding architectural details. “The biggest thing I would say is to do context shots of the area. Wide shots allow anyone to see the architectural details around you, and then a straight-on shot makes it easy to Photoshop in situ renderings. Of course, detailed views are also necessary,” she adds. By providing a comprehensive visual context, surveyors can ensure that their photos are more informative and valuable for future reference.
Ensuring Proper Access
Another common mistake is not securing access to protected spaces before conducting the survey. Lauren notes, “The second mistake would be not getting your access taken care of. If you need to get into any protected spaces or be badged anywhere, it’s important to get that sorted before you go.”
Proper planning and coordination with facility managers or security personnel can prevent delays and ensure that surveyors can access all necessary areas without interruption. This preparation is crucial in environments with restricted access, such as hospitals or secure office buildings.
Best Practices for Effective Site Surveys
To avoid these common mistakes, Lauren recommends a few best practices for effective site surveys:
- Take Comprehensive Photos: Capture wide shots, straight-on shots, and detailed views to provide the surveyed area’s visual context.
- Plan for Access: Ensure all necessary permissions and access arrangements are in place before the survey begins.
- Communicate with Stakeholders: Maintain clear communication with all relevant parties to ensure everyone knows the survey schedule and requirements.
By following these best practices, surveyors can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their site surveys, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.
Site surveying is vital to many projects, but common mistakes can undermine its effectiveness. Lauren highlights, “Proper planning and thorough documentation are key to successful site surveys.” With these insights, businesses can improve their surveying processes and achieve more accurate and reliable results.
So take the wide shot, secure the badge, and give your future self fewer reasons to sigh at your camera roll. With the right preparation and tools, surveying doesn’t have to be a guessing game.
At Wayfindit, we believe the best projects don’t start with confusion. They start with clarity. And maybe just one extra context photo for good measure.