PHOTO-NET II: a computer-based monitoring system applied to project management

This paper describes the development and implementation of an automated real-time monitoring system for construction projects programmed in a Delphi environment. The system links time-lapse digital movies of construction activities, critical path method (CPM) and progress control techniques. It accepts digital images taken from multiple cameras.. stores them in chronological order and links them to a database that contains schedule information. The digital pictures taken from up to four cameras are placed on a website from where a remote computer(s) can capture and store the pictures in the database. The system enables management staff at the contractor's and owner representatives' headquarters to follow developments at the construction site in real time. Additionally, time-lapse films of activities at the construction site taken by multiple cameras can be played back in synchrony with dynamic graphs showing planned versus actual schedules. PHOTO-NET II introduces a new concept in time-lapse photography that allows the user to manipulate the frame rate, enabling a reasonable playback time as well as the implementation of the technology for long-term construction projects using standard PCs. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.