About, Ordering, Placing, Registering and Aligning
Registering and Aligning QR codes with BIM
About QR codes
We use QR codes to check-in to your jobsite and enable all of our location-based BIM tools. Currently QR codes are the only method available for localization—in our experience, the ease-of-use downstream makes the initial setup well worth it.
General Process
Size
Our primary codes are 2.0" wide x 2.5" high. This size allows them to be placed on most surfaces and scanned from about 2-3ft away.
Origin Indicator Arrows
In the top left corner you will see 3 arrows and a small circle. This indicates the origin point of the QR code. When a device scans your QR code, it's this top left point that is used for alignment. Be sure to measure while referencing this point rather than the center of your codes.
QR ID
The unique QR ID for each code is printed near the bottom. For example: STL1234. For some alignment workflows you may need to keep track of your QR IDs.
Note: You cannot use the same QR code ID more than once in a project. IDs are sequential which make it easier to record in the field (typically you can note the last 2 digits of your code and apply the prefix later).
Custom Requests (Robotic printing, custom size or material)
If you have a unique need or opportunity for your project, please contact your Client Success Manager and we would be happy to assist.
Ordering QR codes
You can request QR codes using this link: https://www.sitelink.ai/request-qr-codes.
There are three ways to obtain codes:
1) Order rolls of labels through Sitelink at cost.
2) Print from a PDF and cut them out.
3) Order rolls of labels yourself (using our printer or your own printer).
Rolls of construction-grade labels
- Each roll contains 50 codes.
- Tear-resistant vinyl, aggressive adhesive, Spot UV coating.
- Rolls are provided at-cost ($32.50 each), plus shipping.
PDF of printable QR codes
Print -> Cut Out -> Laminate (optional) -> Place w/ Tape
- Each sheet contains 9 codes.
- Color printing is not required.
- You cannot reuse codes, so avoid printing more than 1 copy of each sheet. You are welcome to request as many sheets as you need at no cost.
- For best results, it's important to print the sheet at actual size with no scaling.
- By following the cut lines you'll have ample room for tape around the edges.
Print your own construction-grade labels
- If you would like to use our printer, we can provide all of the data and specs you'll need to place orders directly with them.
- If you would like to use your own printer, we may be able to provide print-ready files. Please contact your Client Success Manager.
Placing QR codes onsite
Every jobsite is different. Your QR code placement strategy will depend on your intended use cases, phase(s) of construction, and jobsite conditions.
We generally recommend placing QR codes every 20-30ft so that users can check-in frequently and correct for drift.
Looking for more detail? Learn more about QR code placement onsite
Registering and Aligning QR codes with BIM
Currently, there are four methods available for QR code alignment:
| Difficulty (low to high) |
Equip. Cost (low to high) |
Typical Accuracy (low to high) |
Setup Speed (slow to fast) |
|
| Manual (Portal) | 🔵🔵⚪ | ⚪⚪⚪ | 🔵⚪⚪ | 🔵🔵🔵* |
| Model Points | 🔵⚪⚪ | 🔵⚪⚪ | 🔵🔵⚪ | 🔵🔵⚪ |
| Total Station | 🔵⚪⚪ | 🔵🔵⚪ | 🔵🔵🔵 | 🔵⚪⚪ |
| Robotic Layout | ⚪⚪⚪ | 🔵🔵🔵 | 🔵🔵🔵 | 🔵🔵⚪ |
*Manual Alignment is fast with a few points but loses efficiency as the number of points increase
Manual Alignment (Sitelink Portal)
Start by placing your QR codes onsite. Then launch the Sitelink app on your iOS device and use the "Add QR Codes" feature to scan each code. Once scanned, you can align them with your model in the Sitelink Portal.
Learn more about Manual Alignment
Place and Export QR codes from Revit/AutoCAD
This workflow offers a fairly high degree of accuracy and the use of BIM tools you are already familiar with. As you place your QR codes onsite, note the QR ID and location on a floorplan. Then place points in your model matching each location. Export your points as a CSV and upload to Sitelink to create and register your QR codes.
We offer detailed workflows for placing QR code points in Revit and AutoCAD.
Learn more about Model Point Placement
Total Station Survey
If you are at the right phase of your project and have access to a total station, shooting QR code points will give you the best possible accuracy without any fussing. Simply shoot the top-left corner of each code, log the QR ID, export a CSV of points, and upload to Sitelink.
Learn more about Total Station Survey
Robotic Layout
For jobsites where a robotic layout printer will be used, you may be able to print QR codes without much effort. We can provide a list of QR code ID URLs which can be embedded in points at the desired locations in your CAD file. Once the layout and QR codes are printed, you are ready to go.
Please contact your Client Success Manager if this is a workflow you are interested in.