In a recent episode of Pearls of Union on Sama Al Ain TV, DRC’s UAE Regional Head, Majdi Ibrahim, discussed how advances in surveying, digital twins and artificial intelligence are changing the way buildings are understood and managed.

A key theme of the conversation was the importance of having accurate, reliable information about the buildings and properties being managed.

From physical buildings to digital data

DRC uses 3D laser scanning and LiDAR technology to capture buildings as they exist in reality, creating highly accurate digital representations and spatial datasets. This can provide a more reliable source of information than relying solely on architectural drawings or records that may have become outdated as a building changes over time. For complex commercial properties, accurate spatial data can be particularly valuable when it comes to areas such as floor area calculations, service charges and property management.

Majdi also highlighted DRC’s work on complex projects including Royal Atlantis and One Za’abeel, where detailed surveying and accurate measurement play an important role in understanding unconventional and multi-component structures.

Making building data more accessible with Spatial-IQ

The conversation also explored Spatial-IQ, DRC’s AI-powered platform designed to make building information easier to access and use. Rather than having to search through multiple drawings, documents or databases, users can interact with their building data through a conversational interface. Questions about assets, equipment, materials or maintenance information can be answered using the data associated with the property.

This moves building information beyond simply being a record of what exists. By combining spatial data with AI, it can become a more accessible resource for supporting everyday property management and decision-making.

The next step for Digital Reality Corp

The interview also touched on DRC’s evolution from a primarily service-led surveying company towards a technology and software business. By bringing together 3D scanning, digital twins, spatial data and AI, DRC is developing technology that can help organisations better understand and manage their physical assets, with ambitions to expand these capabilities across international markets.

The discussion offers an insight into how better building data, combined with emerging technology, could shape the future of real estate and property management.