One well-placed camera covers many construction projects. Larger or more complex sites use several, and the free site survey is where we recommend the right number for yours.
What decides the number of cameras
- The size and shape of the site. A compact plot can often be filmed from one position. A long site, such as a railway or road scheme, or a development with several plots, may need a camera for each area.
- The views you want. A wide marketing view of the whole site and close views of key areas are different jobs. Many projects pair one hero view with one or two closer cameras.
- Distance. Our cameras record in 4K as standard, with 8K and 12K cameras for large sites and long-range views. A high-resolution camera can cover a wide area from further away, which can mean fewer cameras.
- Inside and outside. Fit-outs need cameras indoors as well as, or instead of, an external view.
- Where you can mount them. Neighbouring buildings, towers, brackets and tower cranes all give different views. Solar power means a camera does not need to be near a mains supply.
- Phasing. Cameras can be added as new phases start, or moved as the build changes. Camera moves are included in our service.
Examples from our projects
| Project | Cameras |
|---|---|
| Victoria Square, Woking | Started with one solar camera and grew to three |
| London Luton Airport | Three cameras over three years of redevelopment |
| Broadgate | Two long-range positions on 100 Liverpool Street, plus short-term cameras for the Fulcrum sculpture |
| Wembley Park | Cameras on all nine active plots of an 85-acre development |
Start with one and add more
If you are unsure, starting with one camera on the main view is a sensible approach. All cameras on a project feed one secure portal, so adding more later does not change how your team views the images.
Do I need live video as well?
Time-lapse cameras take a high-resolution still every few minutes. If you need continuous video for safety, evidence or logistics, our SiteStream cameras record HD or 4K video and can sit alongside your time-lapse cameras.
Planning cameras for a project?
Tell us about your site and we will recommend the cameras, positions and duration, then confirm it all at a free site survey.
Related: how long should a time-lapse run? · prices
