Digitalisation of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Abstract

Overview/Challenge: This chapter highlights the importance of accurate and timely digital information for AEC. In doing so, it reflects on the need to embrace tools and immersive technologies to not only support integration and interoperability but also improve efficiency and promote wider uptake. Design/Methodology/Approach: Literature on immersive technologies and UAVs presented a number of challenges and opportunities. From this, interpretive analytical techniques using critical and meta-synthesis approaches were used to evaluate and integrate these findings into a single context for discussion. Findings: This analysis highlighted four main themes for immersive technologies and two themes for UAVs. Findings reported on progress made, how well these supported AEC, the use of these to support an Industry 4.0 transition, and future trends and opportunities arising from these two technologies. Originality/Future Vision: Some incremental improvements have been made in automated surveying, information management, and visualisation; however, future work on real-time data capture with UAVs – along with AR, MR, and BIM – is needed. The use of blockchain and distributed ledgers presents significant opportunities for future exploitation.