The problem
On complex construction projects, teams often rely on 2D views and tables to assess progress — but these can fall short when installations are layered or span multiple trades. When elements like ductwork, risers, or wall systems are tightly packed, flat visuals make it hard to judge what’s been completed or to identify clashes between trades.
This lack of dimensional clarity makes it harder to coordinate, assess installation status, or hold meaningful field-level discussions — especially when stakeholders interpret progress differently.
Pain points
Hard to see what’s built. 2D views don’t show depth, making it difficult to understand layered or vertical installs.
Trades aren’t aligned. Without a shared view, teams miss clashes and coordinate reactively.
BIM comparisons need expertise. The ability to view BIM models is restricted to a small number of trained users with BIM experience.
Value proposition
See and understand progress in 3D.
The 3D Viewer helps project teams visualize the progress of even the most complex installations. At a glance, teams can easily assess the status of ductwork, risers, or multi-trade areas in 3D. By showing color-coded progress data in a spatially accurate, realistic view, the feature makes it easier to spot issues, align teams, and plan together. Whether reviewing a floor with multiple activities or zooming into a single trade’s install, users can tailor what they see to support better coordination — all without needing BIM expertise.
Benefits
Clarity. View the status of every element — even in the most complex installations — exactly as it’s meant to be, in 3D.
Coordinate. Align faster with an easy-to-understand 3D view that gets everyone on the same page.
Model confidence. View and understand how reality compares to your most up-to-date 3D models without the need to learn a new tool
User Guide
Access the 3D Viewer from the side menu
3D viewer will load on a default level - select a different location (level and area) or skip to #3
Select the activities you wish to view, click 'Done' when ready
Activities are loaded on the floor plate and appear in the right side panel -
Pan the view by using right click+drag, Tilt and Rotate by using left click+drag and zoom with the scroll wheel
3D element coloring can be toggled based on status, unselecting a status in the bottom left legend will color the element with the unselected state in white, checked elements remain in color
Use the date picker to select earlier dates to visualize progress overtime (with 'Not Done' elements unselected)
Toggle 'Show Walls' to display architectural features for orientation purposes
Activities in the right side panel can be expanded to view different element types and toggle whether they are visible or not
Click the ⋮ button beside each Activity to hide or remove it from the view
Click 'Export' to export the current view on screen to a PDF document
FAQs
Q: Does the 3D Viewer work on mobile or tablet?
A: Not yet. The 3D Viewer is currently available on desktop only.
Q: When is 3D better than 2D?
A: 3D is recommended for complex systems (e.g. MEP) or vertical elements (e.g. risers, walls) that are difficult to interpret in 2D.
Q: Can I view more than one activity at a time in 3D?
A: Yes — you can overlay multiple activities to see how scopes interact on the same floor.
Q: How does this compare to other 3D tools?
A: The core visual experience is similar, but Buildots’ advantage is in how progress data is structured — with automated, scope-specific views tailored to real-world tracking.
Q: Is this a BIM viewer?
A: No. It uses BIM-derived geometry, but it’s not a full BIM tool — it focuses on progress, not design or federated model navigation / handling
Buildots Academy Video