Leica launches BLK3D device to enrich construction collaboration

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has launched BLK3D Web, an online collaboration workflow that extends the Leica BLK3D imager by enabling users to share 3D measurable images with anyone, anywhere online.

The BLK3D device allows users to take precise 3D measurements directly in the images it creates.  Now, with a BLK3D Publisher license, those 3D image files can be easily and securely uploaded to the cloud. Once published, the 3D image files can be viewed and measured with BLK3D Web via a shared link, a simple and powerful tool used across major collaboration platforms today.

"BLK3D Web in-picture measurements make communication clearer when explaining issues to project teams. The ability to measure on the fly without having to revisit a jobsite is very valuable," said Megan Levick, virtual construction engineer, PC Construction. "BLK3D Web is a great tool for architects and those who draft or model existing conditions often, or to anyone who frequently does renovation projects."

BLK3D Web runs on all major desktop web browsers including Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Explorer. Owners, subcontractors and other project stakeholders with access to the shared link can measure and mark-up the image files without requiring additional software or licenses.

"With the launch of the BLK3D, construction professionals across a variety of industries experienced the benefit of images containing 3D measurement data," said Tobias Heller, senior product manager, BLK3D. "BLK3D Web greatly expands access to measurable images, driving more informed collaboration across project teams through a simple URL."

Leica Geosystems expands software integrations with BLK3D and Autodesk BIM 360 Docs

Premiering at Autodesk University 2019, the Leica BLK3D integration with Autodesk BIM 360 Docs enables BIM 360 users to use BLK3D measurable images (.CMI files) in the issue creation and resolution workflow. Adding 3D images to issues provides richer context to provide team members collaborating in BIM 360, and helps accelerate decision making by bringing site conditions from the field into the office.

The BLK3D Publish license and BLK3D Web measuring platform are scheduled to be available in December 2019. Integration of the BLK3D with Autodesk BIM 360 will be available in early 2020.