CPM uses cloud-based photogrammetry platform for measurement, control and monitoring of infrastructure construction work in Tel Aviv neighborhood

CPM Group is a privately-held company established in 1991. With extensive experience in project and mega-project management in the residential, commercial, and office sectors, the company has handled projects worth billions of shekels. To digitize and automatically measure, track, and monitor projects throughout their lifecycle, CPM utilizes DatuBIM – our cloud-native SaaS photogrammetry and drone mapping platform.

Main benefits

Reduced time for stockpile measurements

Easier verification of sub-contractor billing

Increased accuracy in quantity calculations

Improved ability to monitor quality and accuracy of contractor work

Introduction

The infrastructure sector is often characterized by the use of traditional methods and limited technology. However, significant changes have occurred in recent years as more project management companies and contractors recognize the added value of incorporating technology into their daily workflows. This increasing adoption of technology has resulted in shorter timelines, cost savings, and improved quality throughout project lifecycles.

One example of such a project management company is CPM Group, which currently utilizes DatuBIM in multiple projects under its management. Together with the Tel Aviv Municipality, CPM serves as the project management company for the Sde Dov (Eshkol) neighborhood, developed as part of an agreement between the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Israel Land Authority.

About Israel Land Authority and CPM Group

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) manages most of the land in Israel. As part of its role, ILA oversees all development work on land under its ownership within the jurisdiction of local authorities. In the case of the Sde Dov project, CPM is responsible for all aspects of project management related to land development on behalf of ILA.

CPM Group is a privately-held company established in 1991. With extensive experience in project and mega-project management in the residential, commercial, and office sectors, the company has handled projects worth billions of shekels.

DatuBIM allows me to track my work conveniently and quickly from design to completion. I believe that it’s only a matter of time before this type of technology will be used for all infrastructure and construction projects in Israel, and all project owners, managers and supervisors will use digital software to monitor progress and get access to real site data.

David Haymes
Engineer and Project Manager at CPM

Project background

The Eshkol neighborhood occupies a prime location in Tel Aviv and serves as the initial cornerstone of a large and complex mega-project known as the Sde Dov quarter. Prior to the construction of this new neighborhood, the Sde Dov airport was situated on this land.

Through an agreement involving ILA, the Ministry of Defense, and the Tel Aviv Municipality, the Sde Dov airport was vacated, and plans were made to build a new neighborhood in its place. The Sde Dov quarter will ultimately consist of 16,000 units, with 4,176 being residential and the rest allocated for commercial and other purposes.

Main benefits of using the DatuBIM platform

CPM utilizes DatuBIM, a cloud-native SaaS photogrammetry and drone mapping platform, to digitally and automatically measure, track, and monitor projects throughout their lifecycle.

The platform employs image processing technology and a unique photogrammetry engine to analyze drone images of the worksite and generate highly accurate 3D maps and engineering reports for ongoing project management and monitoring. It has received approval from the Survey of Israel, offering the same level of accuracy as a certified surveyor.

As part of its commitment to championing innovation and advanced technologies, CPM has been employing DatuBIM since 2021 in various infrastructure development projects across Israel.

The company utilizes the platform from the planning stage through project execution to monitor the progress of all infrastructure work, measure stockpiles, verify and approve contractor billing, and coordinate among all project stakeholders.

According to David Haymes, an engineer and project manager at CPM, “DatuBIM allows me to track my work conveniently and quickly from design to completion. I believe that it’s only a matter of time before this type of technology will be used for all infrastructure and construction projects in Israel, and all project owners, managers and supervisors will use digital software to monitor progress and get access to real site data.”
He further explained that the visual comparison tool (diff tool) in DatuBIM is the most frequently used feature, enabling him to compare models from different dates on the same screen and effectively track and monitor progress.

Additional improvements to project management

Additional benefits

Information management and transparency between stakeholders, particularly in status meetings with owners and contractors

Prior to implementing DatuBIM, CPM had to rely on physical plans during meetings with project owners and general contractors to present the project status. This made it more complex to demonstrate progress, and it was often challenging to locate the most updated plan. With DatuBIM, the company can now easily present the project status to all stakeholders involved, enabling informed decision-making based on accurate onsite data.

Improved accuracy in earthwork calculations and verification of contractor billing

The platform enables precise measurement of stockpiles, allowing for easy comparison with previous dates or the final design to determine the remaining work. Contractors are aware that the platform is being utilized, serving as a deterrent as they know their measurements and bills will be verified using DatuBIM.

Grid elevation measurements

DatuBIM is employed to measure grid elevations on specific dates and verify the measurements provided by the contractor. In the past, this process involved sending a surveyor to the site using traditional methods. Now, it can be done quickly, accurately, and at no additional cost, helping to prevent conflicts with contractors by clearly identifying any deviations.

Ongoing quality assurance and control through comparison of execution to design and planning

For instance, when it comes to drainage trenches, the platform is used to easily verify whether the trench locations align with the design. This is achieved by uploading the design to the platform and comparing it to the actual execution in the field.

Timely correction of deviations

By utilizing DatuBIM, deviations are promptly identified and can be corrected in a timely manner, eliminating the need to wait for contractors to report these deviations at a later stage.

Added value

Summary

The use of technology platforms, such as DatuBIM, in the development of residential neighborhoods, roads, industrial complexes, and railways is increasingly prevalent throughout Israel.

CPM has recognized the added value of utilizing DatuBIM for both the company and project owners, incorporating the platform into multiple projects under its management.

This software helps save time, shorten schedules, reduce execution costs, and enhance quality. It also empowers project managers and supervisors to overcome the inherent challenges of managing, planning, and executing infrastructure projects.