Planarific is providing surveying, 3D modelling and spatial intelligence analytics to support Transform-ER’s work in a new phased, area-based retrofit programme in Thames Freeport.
These insights have:
- reduced reliance on early-stage physical site visits for feasibility assessment and enabled multiple stakeholders to work from a shared, consistent spatial dataset
- supported assessment and planning across large numbers of properties in parallel
- improved the quality of information available at programme design stage
- enabled earlier identification and clustering of properties by architectural typology.
Transform-ER in Thames Freeport
The Thames Freeport Sustainable Construction Programme is a bold regional transformation initiative that brings together industry leaders to pioneer scalable approaches to green building and retrofit across Thurrock, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering.
As lead partner of the multi-stream retrofit accelerator workstream, Energiesprong UK is enabling proof of concept for Transform-ER – demonstrating the integrated delivery model for large-scale home energy upgrades, to help transform the region and improve quality of life for residents.
Drone-based surveying and data capture
Planarific has carried out drone-based external surveying across the initial pilot areas, capturing high-resolution 2D imagery of more than 2,000 properties.
Surveys have been carried out at an area and neighbourhood scale rather than on a property-by-property basis, demonstrating Planarific’s ability to improve efficiencies by batch assessing and processing thousands of homes at a time.
Residents in the survey areas were informed in advance of the planned drone flights, and all work was undertaken without visiting individual properties or disrupting residents.
3D modelling, analytics and insights
The captured imagery has been converted into individual external 3D digital building models for each dwelling. These models are point-cloud-based and suitable for remote inspection and measurement, providing a consistent digital survey layer that can be used by multiple programme partners.
From these models, Planarific has produced building-level geometric and measurement data, applied architectural typology classification across surveyed properties, and analysed roof geometry and orientation to support solar suitability assessment.
Individual properties are annotated with key external features such as windows, doors and other retrofit relevant elements, including satellite dishes and similar fixtures, where visible.
Outcomes and impact
Outputs delivered to date include drone imagery covering the pilot survey areas, external 3D digital building models for surveyed dwellings, and structured datasets including geometry, typology and roof characteristics.
Planarific has provided these datasets and API access for use by Transform-ER partners, alongside access to the 3D models via a virtual viewer to enable remote inspection and measurement.
The use of Planarific’s outputs has reduced reliance on early-stage physical site visits for feasibility assessment and enabled multiple stakeholders to work from a shared, consistent spatial dataset.
The data has supported assessment and planning across large numbers of properties in parallel, improved the quality of information available at programme design stage, and enabled earlier identification and clustering of properties by architectural typology.
User feedback
The local authorities, Thames Freeport and delivery partners have highlighted the virtual 3D viewer as particularly valuable. The ability to remotely inspect and measure dwellings has supported early-stage feasibility discussions and improved coordination between stakeholders.
The outputs are also expected to support the development of funding and delivery models.
Next steps
Planarific will continue to develop additional capabilities, including automated roof survey reports, external dwelling condition monitoring and infill site identification for new-build opportunities.
Some of these capabilities are expected to be offered as optional add-on services for customers who subscribe to continued access to the platform beyond the initial survey period.
Get in touch to see how we can help you with surveying as part of Transform-ER.
For questions you may have for Planarific, please contact hello@planarific.com