Photogrammetry as an Affordable Alternative to Laser Scanning for Small and Mid-Size Construction Firms

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Shadi Alathamneh, Junshan Liu and Muhammad Hannan Chaudhry

Abstract

Accurate 3D documentation of built environments is essential for renovation, verification, and coordination tasks in construction. However, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) remains cost-prohibitive for many small and mid-size construction firms. This study investigates the feasibility of using affordable consumer-grade 360-degree cameras, Insta360 X2 and X4, as alternatives to high-end TLS systems, specifically the FARO Focus S350, for generating point clouds. A comparative analysis was conducted at an active healthcare construction site, where data from all three devices were captured, processed, and exported as E57 files. Point clouds were aligned and analyzed using CloudCompare through cloud-to-cloud (C2C) distance calculations, descriptive statistics, and visual deviation maps. Visual assessments included RGB renderings and framing plan overlays with the original design drawings. Results show that while the FARO scan achieved the highest accuracy and detail, the Insta360 X4 in particular produced point clouds with acceptable levels of deviation, averaging around 6 cm, and preserved key structural elements. The 360-camera workflow also significantly reduced on-site capture time and required no specialized training, making it practical for everyday field use. For general documentation and as-built applications, Insta360 cameras provide a viable low-cost alternative for firms with limited resources. Limitations include the single-site scope and reliance on one photogrammetry platform. Future work should explore broader use cases, additional processing tools, and integration of AI-driven workflows to enhance point cloud usability.

Keyphrases: construction technology, cost effective solutions, laser scanning, photogrammetry, reality capture

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 575-584.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/PZkC8
	https://doi.org/10.29007/xhvk

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Photogrammetry_as_Affordable_Alternative,
  author    = {Shadi Alathamneh and Junshan Liu and Muhammad Hannan Chaudhry},
  title     = {Photogrammetry as an Affordable Alternative to Laser Scanning for Small and Mid-Size Construction Firms},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/PZkC8},
  doi       = {10.29007/xhvk},
  pages     = {575-584},
  year      = {2026}}

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