iOS Roof Sketching App Using GPS for Accurate Construction Project Estimation
Summary
A SaaS provider for the construction trades wanted to give its field sales teams a faster, more accurate way to turn leads into roof estimates. INNERLUXES built an iPad app that produces roof sketches and precise measurements in real time, using the device's GPS to import aerial site imagery and a drag-and-drop library of roofing components. The app reached the App Store, expanded the Client's product offering, and attracted new categories of users.
About the Client
The Client is a US-based company, with offices in the US and Europe, that specializes in SaaS solutions for the construction trades industry.
Sales Teams Needed Fast, Accurate Roof Measurements in the Field
The Client engaged INNERLUXES for iOS development. Their front-line sales teams were responsible for converting leads into roof sketches with highly accurate measurements for project estimating, and needed a digital sketch tool to do it on site. The app had to take fast, accurate exterior and interior measurements of a house so that estimates could be prepared without a return visit.
An iPad App That Sketches Roofs and Measures Them in Real Time Using GPS
INNERLUXES developed an app that produces roof sketches and accurate measurements in real time, or works from saved images in the project library. It uses the iPad's GPS to locate and import an aerial site image, and lets users sketch a roof diagram with drag-and-drop roofing components, including roof shapes, chimneys, and vents. The delivered app provides:
- Real-time sketching and measurement on site, or from saved aerial imagery in the project library.
- GPS-based site location that imports an aerial image of the property for tracing.
- Drag-and-drop roofing components such as roof shapes, chimneys, and vents to build the diagram quickly.
- Instant measurement reports to review, edit, print, or email, each with roof section details and measurements (rake, eave, hip, ridge, vent, flashing), attributes (roof type, pitch, squares, facets), and wastage calculations.
An App That Expanded the Client's Offering and Reached New User Groups
- The app was published to the App Store and runs either standalone or fully integrated with the Client's roofing information-system products.
- It supplemented the Client's offering and let users prepare accurate proposals on the spot.
- Beyond the Client's existing customers, the app attracted new users including sales, customer service, and insurance services specialists.
Technologies and Tools
Xcode 4, iOS SDK 4.2-5.1, UIKit, HTTP+JSON service integration.