Scout Out The Changing World: Part 4

Every day, the hum of construction fills our cities and towns, signaling progress and growth. From towering skyscrapers to essential utilities, infrastructure is the backbone of our modern world. But behind every successful build is a team of skilled professionals—Construction Managers, Technicians, Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, and Project Planners—who ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to the community.

For these builders, having the right tools is crucial. The best in the business are always on the lookout for technology that not only gets the job done but elevates it to the next level. And whether managing a single large site, a cluster of smaller projects, or an extensive portfolio, build managers and technicians need consistent, real-time visibility. 

One common mistake is relying on free street-imagery tools like Google Street View. While these tools are handy, they aren't designed for the fast-paced world of construction. The images they provide can be months, even years old—far from the fresh, reliable data needed to make informed decisions on active sites. In construction, yesterday’s conditions might already be outdated, and relying on old imagery could lead to costly mistakes.

Enter Scout.

In the ever-evolving world of construction, staying ahead means embracing the tools that bring efficiency, safety, and precision to every project. Is it time to up your toolbelt?

For this blog, we’re going to demo Scout with a local construction project in Mission Bay, SF. The McCarthy build site occurs just off the John F Foran Fwy, near a roundabout juxtaposed with the UCSF mission bay medical campus. When complete, McCarthy will transform the once vacant lot into an 81,800 Sq ft Mission Bay School designed to accommodate around 600 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

This construction site stands out for several reasons. First, its proximity to a medical campus means emergency vehicles must have constant, unobstructed road access. Additionally, the road leading into Interstate 280 heightens traffic concerns. Moreover, the site being an elementary school near a children’s medical facility underscores the importance of prioritizing safety, compliance, and project visibility.

Using Scout, we can access recent boots-on-the-ground imagery, captured three days ago by a driver navigating the construction site. This imagery confirms that the points of egress are clear with minimal street-level obstruction. Additionally, the perimeter is secure, clearly marked for construction, and includes ample corridors for moving materials on and off-site without disrupting surrounding traffic.

By simply toggling through the imagery, we can trace the street-level paths, offering a comprehensive view of the entire area.

Given that construction sites can change daily, regular imagery updates are crucial. With Scout Burst, you can request fresh imagery on demand for just $2.50 per burst—less than the cost of gas for an on-site visit. While project managers will still need to visit in person, especially when managing multiple builds and dealing with other challenges, Scout acts as a reliable sentry, providing an extra layer of visibility to keep everything on track.

As construction continues to reshape our urban landscapes, having real-time insights into site conditions is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity. Tools like Scout empower builders and technicians to stay connected to their projects, ensuring that every phase is executed smoothly, safely, and with full visibility. The McCarthy Mission Bay School example is just one showcase of how our technology can improve construction management, keeping all stakeholders informed and operations on track.

Whether you're overseeing a project like this or managing multiple sites, the right technology can make all the difference. So, as you gear up for your next build, consider the tools that will help you work smarter, not harder. Scout is here to keep a pulse on your construction and installations, ensuring that every project is a success from start to finish.

Ready to take your construction projects to the next level? Discover how Scout can provide the real-time insights to keep everything on track. Whether managing a single site or multiple builds, Scout is your go-to tool for fast and fresh visibility. Connect with us at [email protected] to learn more.