The construction industry is facing a major transformation. The new Building Act that came into force on January 1, 2025, fundamentally changes how construction projects are designed and documented. Building Information Modeling (BIM) takes center stage, replacing traditional 2D drawings. This is not merely a technical update, but a step toward more efficient, accurate, and transparent construction. But what does this change mean in practice, and how can companies prepare?
Technologies such as 360° photography and laser scanning are no longer just impressive marketing tools. They are key to meeting the new law's requirements and offer solutions to many challenges in the construction process.
The Building Act Reform: A Digital Leap Forward
The new Building Act requires that when applying for a building permit, plans must be submitted to building control in machine-readable format, in practice as an information model (in IFC format). The goal is to transition to a digital and unified process that improves information flow, reduces errors, and streamlines the entire construction project lifecycle from design to maintenance.
The change requires new skills and new tools from both designers and building control authorities. It is no longer enough for drawings to be visually correct; they must contain accurate, structured data that machines can interpret. This data covers everything from the building's geometry and materials to technical properties.
| Change | Old Model (2D) | New Model (BIM) |
| Format | Paper drawings, PDF files | Machine-readable information models (IFC) |
| Information | Visual, interpreted by humans | Structured data, machine-readable |
| Collaboration | Siloed, breaks in information flow | Integrated, all parties in the same information environment |
| Errors | Overlaps and conflicts difficult to detect | Automatic clash detection, errors detected earlier |
This is where Droneca's 360° photography and scanning services become invaluable. They not only create visually impressive virtual tours but produce millimeter-accurate measurement data that is the foundation of information modeling. By combining 360° aerial images taken with drones and precise laser scanning of interior spaces, a digital twin of the object can be created – a perfect virtual copy of the actual building or terrain.
Especially in renovation construction, accurate baseline data is vital. Manual measurements are slow and error-prone. Instead, 360° scanning produces in just a few tens of minutes a point cloud with an accuracy of ±1 cm (10 mm) from camera to wall and ±2.5 cm (25 mm) in the point cloud up to a maximum distance of 40 meters. This point cloud can be imported directly into design software (such as ArchiCAD or Revit), and based on it, a reliable and accurate information model can be created that meets the new law's requirements.
A significant advantage is also cost-effectiveness and practicality. Unlike extremely expensive SLAM laser scanning systems, 360° camera technology combined with laser measurement offers excellent accuracy at a reasonable price. Additionally, data processing is significantly faster than processing heavy LiDAR point clouds, which means designers get the data they need faster and the project progresses more smoothly.
The benefits are not limited to merely fulfilling legal requirements. Information model-based work, founded on high-quality 3D scanning, revolutionizes the entire project workflow.
1. Accurate Planning and Error Prevention:
When all designers have access to an identical and accurate digital model of the object, coordinating plans becomes significantly easier. Potential clashes between structures, piping, and ventilation can be detected and corrected at the drawing board, not expensively on the construction site.
2. Enhanced Collaboration and Remote Work:
An interactive virtual tour is an effective tool for communication between different stakeholders. Contractors can make quotes remotely, designers can review details without constant need for site visits, and the client stays better informed about project progress. This saves time and resources for all parties.
3. Comprehensive Documentation:
The virtual tour serves as indisputable documentation of different work phases. It accurately records the initial situation before demolition work and documents construction progress. This is valuable both for quality control and in resolving potential disputes.
The Building Act reform is a significant step toward a more digital and efficient construction industry. While the change requires learning new things, it also offers a tremendous opportunity to improve project quality, management, and profitability.
By investing in modern 3D scanning and virtual tour technologies, companies not only ensure they meet future legal requirements, but they also gain significant competitive advantages. Accurate data, smooth collaboration, and fewer errors are the keys to success in construction's new era.
Is your company ready to meet future challenges? Contact Droneca and let's discuss how we can help you successfully transition to the information modeling age.