Reality Capture 101: Laser Scanning, BIM, and Digital Twins with Michael Alder

The Future of Construction: How Reality Capture is Transforming the Industry

In the latest episode of the Digital Construction Podcast , we had the privilege of speaking with Michael Alder , Reality Capture leader at Arup , about how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the construction and engineering landscape.

What is Reality Capture and Why Does It Matter?

Reality capture is more than just a buzzword—it’s a game-changing approach that leverages laser scanning and photogrammetry to create highly accurate digital records of physical spaces. These technologies eliminate the guesswork and inefficiencies of traditional site documentation, offering greater precision, faster workflows, and enhanced collaboration between teams.

Gone are the days of relying on outdated 2D drawings or manual measurements. With 3D models and cloud-based portals, project teams can access and analyze real-world conditions in real time, reducing errors and ensuring seamless coordination across disciplines.

The Biggest Challenges and Opportunities in Reality Capture

Michael highlighted some of the biggest hurdles in implementing reality capture, such as site access restrictions, large data sets, and aligning scans with BIM models. However, these challenges are quickly being addressed through advancements in AI and machine learning, which are enabling automated feature recognition and faster data processing.

Cloud-based solutions are also revolutionizing the way teams interact with reality capture data. Rather than relying on high-performance local computing, stakeholders can now access detailed site models through online portals—eliminating the need for hard drives and complex software installations.

Real-World Applications of Reality Capture

From Melbourne Airport to Sugar Australia and major infrastructure projects, reality capture is already proving its worth. Whether it’s validating as-built conditions, reducing costly rework, or improving safety by minimizing physical site visits, the technology is streamlining operations across multiple sectors.

For example, in one tram corridor upgrade project, mobile scanning was used to capture kilometers of track, allowing engineers to extract critical features for redesign work without ever setting foot on-site. Similarly, in industrial and heritage settings, scanning has helped preserve historical structures while supporting essential upgrades and maintenance.

What’s Next for Reality Capture?

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even greater integration of AI-driven automation, wearable scanning devices, and drone-based inspections. These innovations will make reality capture more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for projects of all sizes.

Michael believes the next big shift will be in asset management, as owners and facility managers start to realize the long-term benefits of maintaining accurate digital records of their buildings and infrastructure.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to dive deeper into how reality capture is shaping the future of construction? Listen to our conversation with Michael Alder on the Digital Construction Podcast!