This article will help you get started using SiteWalk on your project.
We cover the required equipment, connecting your camera, and how to start your SiteWalk. You can use SiteWalk for:
- Quick and easy visual documentation of the progress or as-built
- 360° image registration, integrated with Dalux Field features
- Compare different points in time or with the BIM model
User rights
To record SiteWalks, it must be activated on the project, and you must have permission in your user group to upload photos. You can read more about setting up SiteWalk in this article: How to view and compare SiteWalk
SiteWalk is included in Field Pro.
Table of contents
Required equipment
Before you can start with SiteWalk, you will need the right equipment. SiteWalk can only be used with a supported camera, as listed below.
Supported camera:
- Insta360 X5 - Recommended by Dalux, requires an SD card, e.g. a MicroSD V30
- Insta360 X4
- Ricoh Theta X
- Ricoh Theta Z1
Safety helmet: The construction helmet should fulfill your local security guidelines.
Camera Mount: A 1/4" camera mount that lets you install the camera on your helmet, examples include:
- GoPro camera mount (adapter for 1/4" required)
- Quick-release camera mount
Mobile device: The device should support the Dalux mobile app on iOS or Android.
Power bank/extra batteries (optional): We recommend carrying either a power bank or extra rechargeable batteries for your camera model.
Note
When mounting the camera, you should mount it as shown below. This will give a better result and reduce the chances of hitting the camera on doorframes or overhangs.
How to connect your camera
You should start in the Dalux mobile app by selecting your desired start location for the SiteWalk.
Go to Locations
Select the building, the floor, and the drawing
Press on your start location.
Then press New registration
'SiteWalk'
New SiteWalk.
Doing so will automatically add your selected location as the starting point of the SiteWalk.
With your equipment ready, the next step is connecting your camera to your mobile device. Depending on your camera, the process may vary. If you need help connecting your camera, you can press and then 'Show camera connection guide' and select which camera type you are connecting to. You can then see a step-by-step guide.
Once connected, the Dalux app will show a banner confirming you are connected.
Technical information
If you are using the same mobile device and camera, you can register the camera in the Dalux app. This will make it easier to connect to the camera next time you need to record a SiteWalk.
Press 'Registered cameras'. You can then add the camera by typing in the Wi-Fi name and password. Next time you need to record a SiteWalk, you can quickly connect to your camera.
Checklist before you start recording
Recording a SiteWalk is as easy as taking a walk around the job site. However, you should keep these tips in mind to get the best results.
Tips and tricks
Start and finish - Select easily identifiable locations on the drawings (e.g., doorways) that are at least 10 meters apart. Make sure you select the correct points on the drawing.
Stay on the same floor - You can only record one floor per video. Stay on the same floor and start a new recording on a new floor.
Plan your route - The route is easier if you know where you are going. Take a look at the construction site first and identify the places you want to visit. Be consistent with your paths, as this makes it easier to compare images later.
Revisit locations - It is always a good idea to walk the same area twice. This helps the system recognize where you have been and improves the path of the SiteWalk.
Avoid dark areas - Turn on lights when possible, do your SiteWalks during the day, or use a portable light source.
Slow and steady pace - Maintaining a calm and steady pace will improve the results of the SiteWalk. SiteWalk will record all the details so you can keep an eye on where you are going.
Length - The video must be between 15 seconds and 6 minutes long. You can easily create a new SiteWalk when the time runs out.
Charge your camera and mobile device - Avoid running out of battery power while recording. Consider bringing an extra battery or power bank.
Recording a SiteWalk
With the camera connected, your starting location set, and the tips and tricks in mind, you can start your SiteWalk by pressing 'Record SiteWalk'.
When you are ready, press 'Start' and begin walking.
When the recording starts, you will see a timer displaying the current recording time and how much time remains.
You can also stop the recording manually.
You do not need to look at the screen or interact with the Dalux mobile app—just focus on maintaining a calm and steady pace through the job site.
Once you are done walking or when the timer runs out, you select your end location on the drawing. It is important to be as precise as possible.
When you are done with the SiteWalk recording, you can either transfer your data or continue your recording right away. If you continue your SiteWalk, the end location will automatically be set as the start location of your next walk.
When you are ready to transfer your SiteWalk to your mobile device, click Transfer SiteWalk. The SiteWalk will be uploaded to Dalux when you are on a Wi-Fi connection (or if you have allowed mobile data transfer).
You are now done recording your SiteWalk, and it will be available on Dalux desktop after it has been processed.
Read more
If you want to learn more about viewing, comparing, and exporting SiteWalks, read this article: How to view and compare SiteWalk.