iOS Roof Sketching App Using GPS for Accurate Construction Project Estimation

Customer

Millhouse 1889 is a New York based company with US and European offices that specializes in the development of SaaS solutions for the construction trades industry.

Challenge

Millhouse turned to ScienceSoft for its iOS development services. They wanted to develop a digital sketch tool for front-line sales teams that are responsible for converting leads into roof sketches with highly accurate measurements for project estimating. The Customer needed an app that can take fast and accurate house exterior and interior measurements.

Solution

ScienceSoft developed an app that produces roof sketches and accurate measurements in real time or uses saved images from the project library. The app uses the iPad’s GPS technology to locate and import an aerial site image or can sketch a roof diagram using drag and drop roofing components including roof shapes, chimneys, vents and more.

Smartplan measurement reports are immediately available to review, edit, print or email. Each personalized report includes roof section details complete with measurements (rake, eave, hip, ridge, vent, flashing), attributes (roof type, pitch, squares, facets), and wastage calculations.

Results

The app was uploaded to the AppStore, and currently it is available as a standalone application or can be fully integrated with all roof-IS products by Millhouse 1889. The app supplemented the Customer’s offering and allowed users to prepare accurate proposals on-the-spot.

The app not only found a broad response among current Millhouse’s clients, but also 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.