Transforming Industries: The Weitz Company's Journey to a Unified Reality Capture Program

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Josh Marriot, the Director of VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) at The Weitz Company, provides a comprehensive insight into his pivotal role and the innovative strides Weitz is making in the construction industry through their Unified Reality Capture Program. This program integrates a variety of advanced technologies including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), drone data, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Marriott's responsibilities as the VDC Director involve extensive travel as he oversees projects across multiple states and even internationally, ensuring the integration of these advanced technologies in various construction processes.

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During the session, Marriot delves into the intricacies of their drone program, emphasizing its significance and the structured approach they have adopted. He highlights the growth and expansion of their VDC and drone capabilities, underscoring the importance of comprehensive training and stringent internal policies to ensure safety and efficacy. He shares valuable insights on how they've transitioned from having minimal VDC resources to establishing a robust structure with regional champions and a significant number of trained drone pilots. This structured program has allowed them to leverage drone technology for more than just progress photos, tapping into the intelligence of the data captured.

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Marriott also discusses the challenges faced in a complex project at the University of Florida, using it as a case study to illustrate how the Unified Reality Capture Program has provided effective solutions. He talks about the project's tight schedule, the need for coordination among various contractors, and the client's demand for a detailed analysis of 500 deliverables, highlighting how their innovative approach to using drone technology, AR, and VR has significantly enhanced project efficiency, documentation methods, and stakeholder collaboration. Through real-time data capture and access, the Weitz Company was able to continue work uninterrupted, improve communication among all parties involved, and deliver a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to meet the client's demands.

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