Building Site Time Lapse Cameras: What Are They and Why Use Them?

Time lapse cameras are one of the many recording devices used on construction sites to provide greater visibility of projects and enhance security presence. However, these cameras prove to be some of the most popular to employ due to their wide range of benefits that span far beyond security. 

Discover how time lapse cameras can help site managers fulfil their job roles, even when managing multiple sites and dealing with discerning senior managers. Plus, if you’re considering a camera for your construction site, we’ll offer some help to select the right supplier.

• What Is a Time Lapse Camera? 
• Why Use Time Lapse Cameras in Construction? 
• Installing Time Lapse Cameras and Other Security Equipment

What Is a Time Lapse Camera?

A time lapse camera is exactly as it sounds. It’s a camera that can take a series of images at a set rate to capture progress and movement over time. Time lapse footage is stitched together to make it seem like a seamless video. However, the content you’re actually viewing is photography that has been uniformly captured in a fixed position by a time lapse camera. 

In construction, time lapse cameras are frequently employed for various use cases, from pitching new projects to dispute resolution. Yet, the outcome of a time lapse camera remains the same — giving the user an extended overview of a time period.

The suggested interval for image taking on construction sites is every 10-30 minutes. In this scenario, site managers receive 2-6 snapshots of their site for every hour. This is enough content to build a clear picture of site progress and develop a portfolio of photos to utilise later down the line. 

Unlike other solutions, time lapse cameras are used to showcase the positives of a site, as well as flag the negatives. Time lapses just as easily showcase efficiencies as they do incidents. For this reason, time lapse cameras are incredibly versatile and prove a worthwhile investment. 

An example of a construction time lapse camera in action on one of our client’s, Ogilvie Construction, projects. 

Why Use Time Lapse Cameras in Construction? 

Although time lapse cameras aren’t specifically designed for construction use, they’re largely associated with the industry. As construction projects span several months, time lapse cameras are a great way to track the entirety of a project, all while giving your site a security presence. 

Construction time lapse cameras have three major benefits. They can help with: 

• Pitching for projects providing a tangible reason to work with a contractor. Videos back up claims surrounding completion speed, construction quality and efficiency. Time lapse footage ultimately allows your bid to stand out from the crowd, moving away from verbal and written proposals in favour of a more engaging, visual approach. A time lapse camera can successfully show two months of work in 20 seconds, communicating a big concept in a way that’s simple and easy to understand. 
  
  
• Dispute resolution logging activity as it happens and building a reliable record of work. This way, discrepancies about milestone completion, internal fraud and external intrusions can be dealt with objectively, providing a definitive diagnosis. Although not the most glamorous of its benefits, protecting your company against any claims is perhaps a time lapse’s strongest incentive. 
  
  
• Extended overview giving site managers a clear idea of project performance at a glance that they can also share with the head office if an update is requested. Management can review if a project is on track and will be completed within the forecasted timeframe, as well as watch footage to better understand blockers and adapt project plans for the future. This is particularly useful for site managers responsible for multiple projects and need a way to quickly keep on top of a project, even when working remotely. 
  
  

Installing Time Lapse Cameras and Other Security Equipment

There’s a great case for installing time lapse cameras on your construction site. Time lapse footage proves fruitful in many scenarios, from bidding for new business to ensuring safety and the smooth delivery of existing and future projects.

Time lapse cameras are also relatively easy to install. They're positioned much like any other camera to give maximum coverage of the project and the progression of your build, before being programmed to take images at your desired rate.  

However, deciding to install a time lapse camera is only the beginning. 

To make the most of temporary camera solutions, you’ll need to pick the right supplier. From checking an organisation’s accreditations to their maintenance services, you’ll need to vet a supplier before signing with them. 

Luckily, our checklist covers all the key points, making it easy for you to be confident in your decision. To get ticking off the most important items, click the banner below.