A Matterport tour doesn't have to end with the initial scan. Once a Space has been captured and processed, a range of post-production features can transform it from a simple virtual walkthrough into a structured marketing and visitor-engagement tool.
The aim is to create more than a digital model of a building. A well-developed Matterport presentation can guide visitors, provide useful information, showcase the features that matter to different audiences, and make it easier for prospective customers to take the next step.
Rather than leaving visitors to explore entirely on their own, a Guided Tour can introduce the most important areas of a venue in a logical sequence.
A suggested route might include:
Visitors can follow the suggested route while retaining the freedom to explore the premises independently.
Matterport Tags can provide additional information at relevant points throughout the tour. Depending on the application, they can be used to present:
For example, a Tag beside a conference room could display seating capacity and link to corporate-event packages. A Tag in a wedding venue could show alternative room layouts or provide access to a wedding brochure.
This allows visitors to discover useful information at the point where it is most relevant.
Organisations with multiple Matterport Spaces can connect them to create a more integrated visitor experience.
Visitors might move:
Connecting related Spaces can make larger or more complex properties easier to explore without requiring visitors to start a separate search.
A virtual tour should form part of the organisation's wider marketing strategy rather than operating in isolation.
Links within the tour can direct visitors towards information that supports their immediate interests, such as:
This creates a clearer journey from exploring the venue to finding information, making an enquiry or taking another desired action.
The same venue may appeal to several different markets. Where supported by the Matterport account and chosen configuration, audience-focused presentations can highlight the features most relevant to each type of visitor.
Highlight meeting rooms, capacities, presentation and AV facilities, hospitality, parking and transport arrangements.
Highlight ceremony rooms, dining spaces, gardens, accommodation and photography locations.
Highlight architectural character, room proportions, access routes, loading areas, parking, power and production-support facilities.
Each presentation can guide visitors towards the webpage, brochure or enquiry process most appropriate to their requirements.
Matterport features and plugins such as Compass, Minimap and Quick Link can make a published tour easier to understand and more commercially effective.
Compass helps visitors with orientation, while Minimap can provide a clearer understanding of their position within the property. Quick Link can provide prominent access to a booking page, brochure, enquiry form or other important destination.
These features can reduce the effort required to navigate the tour and help visitors find the information they need.
The value of a Matterport capture does not necessarily end when the scanning is complete. Post-production can turn the underlying Space into a more structured and purposeful visitor experience.
The process can be thought of as a journey:
Guide the visitor → provide information → showcase relevant features → direct them to supporting content → encourage an enquiry.
This approach can make a virtual tour more useful to prospective customers while allowing the same underlying Space to support different marketing objectives.
Gladsmuir Limited provides professional Matterport post-production services, helping organisations develop virtual-tour presentations designed for marketing, visitor engagement and specific audience requirements.
For organisations that prefer to manage their own Matterport content, training is available through CaptureTrain.
A comprehensive step-by-step manual is also provided to participants completing training courses promoted by Hitechniques Limited and delivered in partnership with CaptureTrain.
High-quality digital twins are not simply about capture quality, they also require careful postproduction and data awareness.
One of the most useful editing features available within Matterport Workshop is the Manual Blur Tool, enabling authorised editors to obscure sensitive information before a model is shared with clients, project teams or the public.
Whether working in architecture, surveying, education, facilities management, insurance or heritage documentation, understanding how and when to apply blur is an important professional skill.
The Blur Tool allows editors to manually apply blur to selected areas within a Matterport Space.
Typical uses include protecting:
The feature gives organisations greater confidence when sharing immersive digital environments.
Access the completed Space within Matterport Workshop.
Choose the Blur editing option.
Move to the most suitable scan position and inspect the environment carefully.
Use controlled brush strokes to conceal only the necessary information.
Move between scans to confirm there are no alternative viewing angles exposing content.
Save the edit and allow Matterport to process the changes.
Blur should be treated as a permanent editorial decision.
Once applied, the only method of removing blur is to reprocess the Space from the original Capture data.
This reinforces the importance of reviewing a model thoroughly before committing changes.
At Hitechniques Limited, organisations adopting Matterport technology are supported not only with hardware and subscriptions but also with professional training delivered by CaptureTrain.
Delivered by Oliver Murray of Gladsmuir Limited in his role as Matterport Specialist with Hitechniques, the CaptureTrain Certified Matterport Capture and Postproduction Training Course helps users move beyond basic scanning and develop professional workflows covering:
Professional results start long before pressing publish.
The introduction of the automated Property Report feature from Matterport has generated considerable interest across the property, architecture, engineering and facilities management sectors.
The report offers a fast and highly automated method of generating building outline plans and room data directly from Matterport digital twins. However, recent support discussions with purchasers of Matterport Pro3 cameras through Hitechniques Limited, combined with feedback from participants attending the CaptureTrain Certified Matterport Capture and Postproduction Training Course, have highlighted several recurring issues affecting report accuracy.
These include:
The Matterport Property Report is a relatively new feature and remains an evolving technology.
The report is generated automatically using AI-assisted analysis of the spatial data captured during scanning. It is designed to provide:
While the automation is impressive, the quality of the final output is directly linked to the quality of the original capture process.
In practice, the Property Report should be viewed as an intelligent automated interpretation of the captured data rather than a manually verified architectural drawing.
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Analysis of problematic models supplied by clients suggests that many issues originate during scanning rather than during report generation itself.
One recurring issue involved doors disappearing from the generated outline plan.
In several cases, the operator had captured only a single scan position within a doorway rather than taking scans on both sides of the door threshold. This reduced the AI’s ability to interpret the doorway correctly within the spatial model.
Another common issue involved windows that had not been properly marked during capture.
This allowed LiDAR or visual data to project outside the building envelope, creating what operators often describe as “spray”.
Consequences included:
In one example, the external spray data caused the AI to generate a non-existent bay window within the Property Report.
In a commercial building consisting of offices and warehouse areas, the warehouse had been scanned with full-height roller shutters open at both ends. The result was that the AI interpreted the space as an open-sided carport rather than an enclosed internal room.
This highlights the importance of controlling environmental conditions during capture wherever possible.
Another point causing confusion relates to room labels.
Custom room labels added during Matterport Workshop postproduction can appear within Schematic Floor Plans when configured appropriately. However, these labels currently do not transfer into the automated Property Report.
This distinction is important for clients expecting consistency between the two products.
The key lesson emerging from these support cases is straightforward: AI-assisted outputs are only as good as the data supplied to them.
As Matterport continues to refine automated reporting tools, operators must increasingly focus on disciplined scanning methodology and understanding how environmental conditions affect AI interpretation. Professional capture practice remains essential.
This is one of the core themes explored during the CaptureTrain Certified Matterport Capture and Postproduction Training Course, where scanning methodology, troubleshooting, workflow optimisation and postproduction techniques are covered in detail
Across the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries—and indeed many other sectors—the drive towards sustainability has never been stronger. Organisations are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, minimise waste and adopt greener working practices. Digital technologies are playing a crucial role in this transition, and among the most impactful is Matterport, the leading platform for creating accurate, immersive 3D digital twins of real-world spaces.
By enabling remote collaboration, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for physical site visits, Matterport supports carbon-conscious decision-making throughout a building’s lifecycle. Below are some of the keyways Matterport contributes to lowering environmental impact.
One of the most immediate sustainability benefits is the dramatic reduction in travel. Traditional surveys, inspections, design reviews and progress checks often require multiple teams to visit a site in person.
With a Matterport digital twin, stakeholders can:
For organisations managing multiple locations—or international projects—the cuts to fuel use and CO₂ emissions are substantial. Fewer journeys also reduce travel costs and improve overall productivity.
Accuracy is vital at every stage of the AEC process. Errors lead to rework, which in turn results in wasted materials, additional transport, and extended project timelines—all of which increase carbon output.
Matterport’s easily captured 3D spatial data helps teams:
Better accuracy means fewer on-site corrections, less waste and a smoother, more sustainable build process.
Design teams, contractors, engineers and clients can all access the same digital twin, ensuring alignment across the project. This shared, up-to-date visual reference helps prevent miscommunication and significantly reduces the risk of costly—and carbon-heavy—revisions.
Virtual walkthroughs also make it easier to spot issues early, long before materials are ordered or construction begins. Early detection greatly reduces unnecessary rework, saving both resources and emissions.
Matterport’s benefits extend beyond construction into facility management and retrofitting projects. By providing an accurate digital record of a building’s layout, MEP systems and assets, Matterport supports:
This reduces the likelihood of unnecessary works and allows building managers to prioritise interventions that provide the greatest carbon savings.
Training teams on procedures or health and safety requirements typically requires access to a site, often before it is fully operational. Using a Matterport model, staff can be trained remotely, avoiding additional site visits and reducing associated emissions.
It also minimises disruption, keeps high-risk areas clear of unnecessary personnel, and ensures better planning around sustainable site operations.
A Matterport scan provides a long-lasting, precise digital record of a property. This makes future renovations, redesigns or sustainability upgrades easier and faster to plan, preventing duplicated survey work or repeated visits.
By maintaining digital records, organisations can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of future projects.
A Practical, Scalable Tool for Decarbonisation
While digital twins cannot solve all the challenges of sustainability, Matterport offers a practical, scalable and immediate means of reducing carbon emissions across the built environment. By cutting travel, enhancing accuracy, reducing waste and improving collaboration, Matterport helps firms operate more efficiently and responsibly.
For AEC firms looking to meet environmental targets, demonstrate greener practices to clients, or simply work more intelligently, incorporating Matterport into their workflow is a powerful step forward.
The way people choose property is changing. Instead of relying solely on static images and in-person visits, buyers expect immersive digital experiences. For real estate professionals, developers and property managers, this shift opens both opportunity and challenge.
At Hitechniques, we believe that the next standard in property marketing lies in 3D spatial capture and digital twins. Matterport, a leading platform for creating interactive, navigable 3D models of real spaces, is at the heart of this transformation. As the authorised distributor of Matterport cameras and solutions in Ireland, and as a provider of training, equipment and support, we are uniquely positioned to help property professionals adopt this technology.
This article explores how Matterport is reshaping property viewings, what real benefits it delivers, the obstacles to adoption, and how the technology fits into the wider PropTech landscape. We also highlight real use cases and local context to anchor the discussion in the Irish and UK markets. By the end, we aim to show why embracing Matterport is not a novelty but a necessity for forward-looking property professionals.
Did you know? Over 177 countries have been transformed into immersive digital twins using Matterport solutions.
Traditional property viewing methods still dominate many markets:
These approaches have several limitations:
Buyer expectations have shifted significantly. More people now shortlist and evaluate properties virtually before committing to a physical visit. This evolution calls for new tools that provide transparency, engagement and convenience long before a buyer steps across the threshold.
A digital twin is an immersive, accurate 3D model of a real space. It allows users to explore a property virtually, measure distances, view from multiple perspectives and interact with embedded information. In real estate, the digital twin becomes a powerful tool for marketing, inspection and collaboration. Matterport is one of the most established platforms enabling this capability.
Here is how a typical Matterport workflow functions:
Essential features include:
Hitechniques supplies Matterport cameras and provides in-person Matterport 3D Capture training courses in Ireland. Subscription plans are available for hosting, activating and archiving models, ensuring customers can manage their projects from capture to publication.
With our combined offering of hardware, software, support and training, we enable property professionals to adopt digital twin workflows end to end.
Matterport technology offers tangible advantages to property marketers, developers, agents and buyers.
Prospective buyers can virtually walk through a property, exploring rooms, corridors and spatial relationships at their own pace. The Dollhouse view offers a complete perspective of the layout, helping them understand the flow and proportions of the space. This immersive experience strengthens their emotional connection with the property.
Measurement Mode allows users to calculate distances and dimensions within the model, supporting:
The digital twin becomes a permanent record of the property’s condition and configuration. It supports future activities such as refurbishment planning, facilities management, insurance documentation and future marketing.
Matterport’s versatility extends across residential, commercial, educational and construction sectors.
Homes of all sizes benefit from digital twins. Buyers can explore spaces, understand dimensions and plan furnishing before visiting. Agents benefit from fewer wasted appointments and higher-quality leads.
Developers showcase model homes or conceptual spaces before completion. Digital staging enables prospects to imagine different layouts, finishes or furniture arrangements.
Offices, retail units and industrial spaces can be captured to support leasing and investment decisions. Virtual inspections allow clients to assess layout, ceiling heights and access without travelling, leading to faster leasing cycles.
Institutions use virtual tours for open days, accessibility audits and heritage documentation. Examples from Ireland include schools and colleges captured through Hitechniques’ training programmes, where staff learn hands-on scanning techniques for live environments.
Hitechniques runs Matterport 3D Capture training courses in Rathcoole, Dublin, giving professionals direct experience with camera setup, scanning workflow and editing. By providing local supply, technical support and training, Hitechniques ensures that Irish professionals can access this technology without relying on international logistics.
Matterport’s value increases when integrated into broader digital ecosystems.
Digital twins can export schematic floor plans, E57 point clouds and BIM-compatible data. Architects and engineers can therefore import accurate as-built models directly into design software, reducing site visits and manual measurements.
Matterport continues to evolve its Property Intelligence tools. Automated measurements, defurnishing options and smart tagging streamline data capture. These features reduce manual processing time and enhance analytical insight for estate agents and developers.
Matterport tours can be embedded on agency websites, integrated with CRM systems or linked to property listings. Each model becomes a dynamic marketing asset that encourages lead engagement and follow-up.
Models are compatible with VR headsets, providing immersive walkthroughs for buyers. Emerging AR tools are beginning to overlay information and design elements, allowing real-time visualisation of future alterations.
Tracking user engagement within tours helps identify high-interest areas and refine marketing strategies. The digital twin therefore doubles as both a marketing tool and a feedback system for understanding buyer preferences.
Adopting Matterport helps agents stand out. It enables:
As the authorised distributor and training provider in Ireland, Hitechniques bridges the gap between technology and practical adoption. Through local supply, professional support and structured training, we make advanced digital capture accessible to every property professional ready to innovate.
Several developments point to the next stage of spatial data in real estate:
These trends show that what is currently seen as advanced marketing will soon become standard practice. Early adopters gain both credibility and market advantage.
The future of property viewing is immersive, transparent and data-driven. Matterport digital twins bridge the gap between physical and virtual, providing a richer experience for buyers and efficiency for professionals.
For agents, developers, architects and facility managers in Ireland and the UK, adopting this technology means staying ahead of client expectations. Hitechniques provides the tools and expertise to make that possible. From camera supply and subscriptions to downloads, support and certified training, our end-to-end offering makes digital twin adoption straightforward and scalable.
We invite professionals to arrange a demonstration or enrol in a training course at our Rathcoole facility. Start with one pilot property and measure the difference in engagement and conversion. The digital twin is not a passing trend; it is the new foundation for modern real estate marketing.
Together, we can redefine how people experience property.
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_1920.png "The Evolution of Surveying Equipment: From Manual Total Stations to Robotic Solutions")
Surveying provides the framework upon which the built environment is constructed. Roads, bridges, utilities, housing developments and industrial projects all depend on precise measurements carried out by professional surveyors. The equipment chosen for these tasks directly affects accuracy, speed and the safety of teams working on site.
Over the last three decades, the industry has moved through a period of remarkable change. Manual total stations, once the standard, have gradually been overtaken by robotic and hybrid solutions that combine mechanical precision with digital processing and software integration. These innovations have reduced the need for large survey teams, improved accuracy and created entirely new possibilities for data capture, such as 3D scanning and cloud-based collaboration.
At Hitechniques, we have supplied the Irish market with surveying instruments and technical services since 1991. Our customers range from DIY users and construction professionals to large-scale quarries, renewable energy projects and engineering firms. As the authorised distributor for GeoMax in Ireland, we not only provide instruments such as manual and robotic total stations, GNSS and RTK equipment, but also deliver training, hire services and calibration support. This combination ensures surveyors have the confidence to adopt new technology and apply it effectively to their projects.
This article traces the journey of surveying equipment, from the early reliance on manual total stations to the advanced robotic solutions available today. It also looks forward to the technologies shaping the future and explains how Hitechniques continues to play a central role in supporting professionals across Ireland.
Did you know that switching from manual to robotic total stations can reduce field crew size by up to 40 per cent?
Surveying has long relied on the ability to measure distances and angles with precision. For centuries, surveyors used chains, tapes and compasses, often combined with theodolites to measure horizontal and vertical angles. These tools demanded significant skill, time and manpower, but they laid the foundations of modern surveying practice.
The development of electronic distance measurement (EDM) in the mid-20th century revolutionised the field. EDM technology employed light or infrared beams to measure distances more accurately and far faster than manual chains or tapes. This advance paved the way for the total station, an instrument that combined EDM with angular measurement in one unit.
Manual total stations quickly became indispensable across construction and civil engineering. Their operation required at least two people: one to aim and record readings at the instrument, and another to hold a prism or reflector at the measurement point. The process included:
These instruments provided excellent accuracy, often within millimetres, but they were labour-intensive. Any miscommunication between operators could cause errors, and data still had to be transferred to processing software back in the office. Despite these limitations, manual total stations represented a major leap forward from traditional methods and remain in use today where budgets are tighter or simplicity is preferred.
The leap from manual to robotic solutions was made possible by a series of incremental but important innovations.
Accessories also played a role. Lightweight tripods, sturdier poles, and reliable prisms all contributed to more efficient workflows. At Hitechniques, we continue to supply these essentials, ensuring surveyors can rely on complete solutions, not just the core instrument.
Robotic total stations marked a decisive turning point in the evolution of surveying. Unlike their manual predecessors, which required at least two operators, robotic instruments are designed for single-person use. A motorised mechanism automatically locks onto and tracks the prism, while the surveyor controls the instrument remotely using a field controller.
In a traditional manual setup, one operator would manage the total station while another held the prism at the measurement point. Communication between the two was essential, and mistakes could occur if instructions were misheard or data was noted incorrectly. Robotic total stations eliminate much of this inefficiency. A single operator can move freely around the site with the prism, taking measurements that are instantly captured and stored digitally.
This transformation has a clear effect on productivity:
The GeoMax Zoom95, supplied by Hitechniques, demonstrates the advantages of robotic technology. It offers motorised automation, automatic prism tracking and compatibility with both Windows and Android field controllers. Combined with software integration, this allows surveyors to manage projects with a high degree of control, even in demanding field conditions.
Robotic systems do come with challenges. The initial investment is higher than that of a manual total station, and surveyors require training to make full use of the advanced functions. Regular calibration and servicing are essential to maintain accuracy. Battery life and field conditions must also be managed carefully.
Despite these considerations, the overall return on investment is strong. Reduced labour costs, faster project turnaround and greater accuracy lead to long-term efficiency gains for firms that adopt robotic total stations. For surveyors in Ireland, the availability of local sales, training and servicing from Hitechniques ensures these challenges are well supported, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective.
Modern survey workflows rarely rely on just one technology. Instead, surveyors often combine robotic total stations with GNSS and RTK systems.
This hybrid approach allows:
Field controllers and cloud-based platforms now allow surveyors to check data on site, share it instantly with colleagues and feed it into design workflows with minimal delay.
At Hitechniques, we provide both GNSS/RTK instruments and the accessories needed to make these integrations seamless, including poles, prisms and data loggers. With this combination, surveyors can switch smoothly between methods, choosing the most efficient tool for the task at hand.
The future of surveying is increasingly defined by automation and digital capture. While robotic total stations already provide significant improvements, the industry is moving further towards integrated and data-rich solutions.
These advances highlight that surveying is no longer just about capturing measurements. It is now about producing rich datasets that support planning, design, construction and maintenance.
Investing in robotic and integrated surveying solutions has tangible benefits:
For many firms, the decision to move from manual to robotic systems comes down to balancing initial cost with long-term return on investment. By partnering with Hitechniques, surveyors gain not only access to equipment but also the training and support needed to maximise efficiency.
Despite their advantages, robotic and advanced systems also bring challenges:
These challenges highlight the importance of choosing the right supplier. Having access to hire options, technical support and training ensures that limitations are minimised and surveyors can focus on delivering results.
Consider a construction firm in Ireland that had relied on manual total stations for many years. A typical job required a two-person crew: one at the instrument, another handling the prism. Fieldwork often took a full day, and manual note-taking meant additional time was needed in the office.
After upgrading to a robotic total station:
While training and initial investment were necessary, the long-term gains were clear. The company achieved a return on investment within a short period, and the quality of deliverables improved. This example illustrates why more and more firms are making the transition.
Since 1991, Hitechniques has been supplying surveyors, engineers and construction professionals in Ireland with trusted measurement solutions. We are proud to be the authorised distributor for GeoMax equipment, providing both manual and robotic total stations as well as GNSS/RTK instruments.
Our offering goes far beyond equipment sales. We provide:
Our customer base spans DIY enthusiasts, construction professionals, quarries, wind farms and large engineering firms. In every case, our goal is to provide the right tools and the right support to ensure accurate and efficient results.
The journey from manual total stations to robotic solutions represents a major step forward in surveying technology. Accuracy, efficiency and flexibility have improved dramatically, and the ability to integrate GNSS, RTK and 3D scanning means surveyors can now achieve results that were previously unthinkable.
Looking ahead, we expect to see further automation, improved digital capture, and even tighter integration of data across platforms. For organisations, the key will be to invest wisely, train staff effectively, and work with trusted partners.
At Hitechniques, we are committed to helping surveyors embrace these advances, ensuring they have the equipment, support and training needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Discover how Hitechniques can equip your projects with robotic total stations and provide the expertise to deploy them with confidence. Contact us today to find out more.
For some Matterport Pro3 users, projects don’t always happen just down the road. Whether you’re scanning property abroad, documenting construction projects across Europe, or capturing commercial spaces further afield, it’s essential to understand the rules and best practices for travelling with your Pro3 camera and accessories.
Airline regulations around lithium-ion batteries are strict, and failing to follow them can cause major delays at the airport—or worse, confiscation of equipment. Below, we’ve outlined the key regulations and some practical packing advice to help you travel with confidence.
When flying commercially with the Matterport Pro3, you must follow these rules:
These rules are in line with international aviation safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. Always double-check with your airline, as specific carriers may impose additional restrictions.
Based on experience, here’s a tried-and-tested approach to dividing equipment between carry-on and hold luggage:
Carry-On Bag
Hold Luggage
This setup keeps all sensitive electronics and batteries with you while freeing up valuable cabin space for the essentials you’ll need in transit.
If you travel to the same location regularly, it may be worth investing in duplicate equipment that remains on site. Over time, this can save significant hassle and reduce baggage costs. Items that are ideal to duplicate include:
Not only does this strategy lighten your travel load, but it also speeds up your workflow when you arrive—your equipment will already be waiting.
Travelling with the Matterport Pro3 doesn’t need to be stressful if you plan ahead and follow airline regulations. Keep your batteries in your carry-on, pack strategically, and consider leaving larger accessories at your regular destinations. By doing so, you’ll protect your investment, save time, and ensure you’re always ready to capture high-quality scans wherever your work takes you.
_1920.png "3D vs 2D Machine Control: Choosing the Right Unicontrol Solution for Precision Excavation")
Precision in excavation is not just a question of speed, it is a determining factor in project quality, safety, and cost efficiency. Digital machine control technology has moved the construction sector forward by replacing guesswork and manual checking with accurate, real-time positioning data directly in the operator’s cab. At Hitechniques, we provide Unicontrol’s 2D and 3D machine control systems, giving contractors of all sizes the flexibility to choose the right level of technology for their current projects and to grow into more advanced systems when needed.
In this article, we explain the differences between 2D and 3D machine control, how each system works, the benefits and limitations of both, and how contractors can plan a technology pathway that protects their investment.
Unicontrol 3D lets you work directly from 3D design files with centimetre-level accuracy.
Unicontrol 2D is designed for contractors who want to take a step into machine control without the higher initial cost of GNSS-based systems. The system provides instant height and slope guidance using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors installed on the machine’s moving parts and, optionally, a laser receiver for height reference. The data is displayed on a large, rugged tablet that sits in the cab, allowing operators to see their bucket position in real time.
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Most operators can become proficient with Unicontrol 2D in under an hour. The interface shows the bucket tip position relative to the target slope or depth, and audible cues can be set to alert the operator when the target is reached. This means fewer stoppages to check with a grade rod or laser level.
Unicontrol 3D is a fully featured machine control system that uses GNSS for accurate three-dimensional positioning. Dual GNSS antennas mounted on the machine, combined with IMU sensors, track the bucket’s location and orientation at all times. Operators can import full design files, work to complex models, and create as-built records without leaving the cab.
Training time is short thanks to Unicontrol’s clean, icon-based menus and minimal button count. Operators can switch between plan view, profile view, and 3D perspective to match their preferences. In-built calibration routines ensure accuracy, and remote support can help troubleshoot or guide users in real time.
A common concern when upgrading technology is operator readiness. With Unicontrol’s interface, both systems have a learning curve measured in minutes rather than days. For 2D, operators quickly grasp depth and slope indications. For 3D, the added complexity is balanced by clear graphics and easy-to-access menus.
Hitechniques offers on-site training and remote assistance, ensuring that both new and experienced operators get the most from the system.
Unicontrol systems are designed to fit into existing contractor processes. For 2D, this means working alongside basic site surveying tools. For 3D, integration includes importing design files from engineers, syncing via the cloud, and exporting as-built data for verification.
Workflow advantages of 3D integration:
Starting with 2D is a sensible approach for many small to medium-sized contractors. The same sensors and tablet can be retained when upgrading to 3D, with the main additions being GNSS antennas and associated cabling. This approach means no wasted investment in hardware.
Subscription models, such as Unicontrol OnDemand, allow contractors to access 3D capabilities for a fixed monthly fee, which can be useful for specific high-value projects.
Case 1: Small Civil Contractor
A contractor specialising in residential drainage works adopts Unicontrol 2D. Within weeks, project times are reduced by 20% as fewer checks are needed, and over-excavation is eliminated.
Case 2: Large Infrastructure Project
A civil engineering firm working on a bypass project equips excavators with Unicontrol 3D. With complex cut-and-fill designs and tight tolerances, the system enables direct execution from digital models, reducing surveyor input by half and keeping the project on schedule.
Both Unicontrol 2D and Unicontrol 3D deliver measurable gains in productivity, accuracy, and cost efficiency. The right choice depends on your current project needs, future growth plans, and working environments.
Hitechniques ensures that whichever path you take, you’ll benefit from robust hardware, intuitive software, and full support throughout the system’s life. Contact us to arrange a demonstration and see how Unicontrol can transform your excavation workflow.
Contact Hitechniques today to arrange your Unicontrol demonstration and see how precision machine control can transform your projects.
Unicontrol 2D uses IMU sensors and an optional laser receiver to provide accurate height and slope guidance, making it ideal for simpler grading and levelling tasks. Unicontrol 3D adds GNSS positioning and the ability to work directly from 3D design files, making it suitable for complex projects and larger sites.
No. Unicontrol 2D does not require GNSS signals and can be used in areas where satellite reception is unavailable, such as covered sites or urban locations with obstructions.
Yes. The system is designed to be scalable. You can keep the existing sensors and tablet from your 2D setup and add GNSS antennas and associated components to enable 3D functionality.
Unicontrol 2D can achieve accuracy within ±2 mm when properly calibrated. Unicontrol 3D delivers centimetre-level accuracy using multi-constellation GNSS positioning.
Both systems are compatible with a wide range of construction equipment including excavators, wheel loaders, and dozers. Unicontrol 3D also supports specialised attachments such as swing booms and tilt rotators.
Most operators can become confident with Unicontrol 2D in less than an hour. Unicontrol 3D, despite its additional capabilities, has a similarly short learning curve thanks to its intuitive interface.
If GNSS signal is temporarily unavailable, Unicontrol 3D can switch to 2D mode so work can continue without interruption.
As a guide, Unicontrol 2D starts from approximately €8,200, rising to around €10,300 with the optional laser receiver. A full Unicontrol 3D system is typically around €22,200 including GNSS hardware. Subscription options are also available.
Yes. Hitechniques can arrange demonstrations and trial periods so you can experience the benefits of Unicontrol before making a full purchase decision.
