A construction timelapse camera is chosen based on five criteria: project duration, available power supply conditions on site, network connectivity, required image resolution, and the end use of the images (communication, reporting, contractual proof). The Tikee solution by Enlaps is designed to meet these constraints on long-term outdoor construction sites.

What project duration justifies buying a timelapse camera?

A renovation or construction project justifies deploying a timelapse camera starting from 3 months of work. Below this threshold, a manual photo report produces a comparable result at a lower cost.

For a project lasting over 3 months, a timelapse camera produces three deliverables that manual tracking cannot generate: a compressed progress video spanning the entire project duration, time-stamped images usable as contractual proof, and an automated image stream without daily on-site intervention.

The Tikee 4X is calibrated for long-term deployments. It is used on new construction sites, historical building renovations, infrastructure developments, and industrial projects. Notably, Enlaps helped a local authority reduce its site visits by 30% while maintaining a real-time overview of its projects through remote construction monitoring.

Power Supply: Autonomous or Wired?

Power supply is the most constraining technical criterion on a construction site. Two configurations exist:

• Wired camera: requires a permanent electrical connection. This type of setup is viable only if the site has a stabilized electrical installation from the very beginning of the project. During the structural work phase, this condition is rarely met.

  
  

• Autonomous battery camera: works without a power connection. The Tikee 4X features an internal battery and an integrated solar panel that extends its autonomy over several months without intervention. This setup covers the entirety of a project, including phases without available electricity.

The choice between the two depends directly on the installation timeline: if the camera must be in place before the building's final electrical connection, battery autonomy is non-negotiable.

Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, or Local Storage?

On a construction site, Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks are only available in advanced stages of work. Three connectivity options exist for timelapse cameras:

• Built-in 4G: the camera transmits images in real time to a cloud platform via the mobile network, without depending on the site's network infrastructure. The Tikee 4X includes a 4G SIM card and works anywhere mobile coverage is available. This is the recommended configuration for outdoor sites or peripheral areas.

  
  

• Wi-Fi: viable only if a stable network is available near the camera location. This constraint excludes the majority of sites in the structural phase.

  
  

• Local storage (SD card): images are stored on site and retrieved manually. This option eliminates connectivity costs but requires regular site visits to extract data, which negates the benefit of automation.

  
  

What Image Resolution Should You Choose for a Construction Site?

Image resolution determines the usable quality of captures for three distinct uses:

• For site communication (presentation video, website, social media), a resolution of 5 to 8 megapixels is sufficient.

  
  

• For contractual purposes (proof of progress, claim documentation, litigation), a minimum resolution of 12 megapixels is required to allow zooming into specific areas of the site without loss of quality.

  
  

• For security surveillance or PPE detection (risk zones), a high resolution combined with a wide angle is necessary to cover the entire site from a single capture point. This type of feature fits more broadly into a site safety approach.

The Tikee 4X captures at 12 megapixels per lens with a 220° field of view, allowing complete documentation of an entire construction site from a single point, including for contractual use.

Field of View: Wide-Angle or Standard Lens?

The field of view dictates the visual coverage of the construction site from a fixed installation point:

• A standard lens (60° to 90°) covers a limited area. On a medium-sized project, multiple cameras are needed to document the entire site.

  
  

• A wide-angle lens (180° to 220°) covers an entire site from a single elevated point. The Tikee 4X features a 220° field of view thanks to its two combined lenses, making it a solution suited for large-footprint sites (buildings, infrastructure, industrial sites).

Robustness and Weatherproofing: Which Certifications to Check?

A construction site exposes the camera to extreme conditions: dust, humidity, impacts, temperature variations, and rain. The certifications to check before buying are:

• IP66: total protection against dust and powerful water jets from all directions. This is the minimum recommended certification for an outdoor construction camera. The Tikee 4X is IP66 certified.

  
  

• IK rating (mechanical impact resistance): relevant if the camera is installed within reach in a work zone.

  
  

• Operating temperature range: an outdoor construction camera should operate between -10°C and +50°C to cover winter and summer conditions in Europe and North America.

Cloud Platform: Why Is It a Selection Criterion in Its Own Right?

The camera alone is not enough. The associated cloud platform determines the operational value of the timelapse system over the project's lifecycle.

A cloud platform dedicated to construction timelapse must fulfill four functions: secure image storage throughout the project, automatic progress video generation, production of exportable reports for project teams and clients, and multi-user access with permission management.

myTikee integrates these four functions. It automatically generates time-stamped visual reports and makes them accessible to project teams without manual image processing.

Purchase or Rental: Which Business Model to Choose?

Two business models coexist in the construction timelapse camera market:

• Purchase: the camera is bought outright. This model is relevant for companies managing multiple projects simultaneously or continuously. The Tikee 4X is available for purchase starting at €1,650 excl. VAT, with a separate myTikee subscription for the cloud platform.

  
  

• Rental or Subscription: the camera is provided for the duration of the project, with the cloud platform included. This model suits project owners or developers managing a single project without needing to reuse hardware. Enlaps does not offer rentals direcly, but has a Preferred Partners network.

FAQ

How to choose a timelapse camera for a construction site?

Five criteria structure the choice: project duration (minimum 3 months to justify deployment), available power on site (autonomous battery if no electrical connection), connectivity (4G recommended), resolution (minimum 12 MP for contractual use), and the associated cloud platform for automated image management.

Which timelapse camera to use for a site without electricity?

An autonomous battery-powered camera is essential on a site without permanent electrical power. The Tikee 4X operates on an internal battery with an integrated solar panel, without cabling. It also features built-in 4G connectivity, eliminating reliance on site Wi-Fi.

What image resolution is required to document a construction site?

A minimum resolution of 12 megapixels is required for contractual or professional communication use. The Tikee 4X captures at 12 MP per lens with a 220° field of view, enabling complete site documentation from a single point.

Is it better to buy or rent a timelapse camera for a construction site?

Purchase is a good fit for companies that manage multiple construction sites simultaneously. Renting or hiring a service provider is suitable for project owners or developers working on a single project.

What is myTikee and what is its purpose on a construction site?

myTikee is Enlaps' cloud platform dedicated to managing construction timelapse images. It stores images, automatically generates progress videos and exportable reports, and provides access to project teams and clients without manual file processing.

Which IP rating to choose for an outdoor timelapse camera?

IP66 certification is the minimum recommended for an outdoor construction camera. It guarantees full protection against dust and powerful water jets. Enlaps' Tikee units are IP66-certified.

How much does a professional construction timelapse camera cost?

A professional construction timelapse camera like the Tikee 4X is available starting at €1,650 excl. VAT for purchase. Subscriptions to the myTikee Cloud Platform start at 52€ excl. VAT / per month & per camera.