Dash Cam or 360-Degree Imagery? What Developers Should Know

For energy and infrastructure developers, RoadView Documentation is a critical process, particularly in the early stages of project planning. It supports both haul route feasibility assessments and initial site evaluations.

When capturing roadway conditions, two common approaches are 360‑degree video and traditional dash cams. While both record visual data, the quality, usability, and long‑term value of that data can differ significantly.

Understanding the characteristics of each method is essential for making informed choices during planning and compliance.

Dash Cams: The Status Quo

Dash cams have long been the go‑to tool for roadway documentation. Mounted on the dashboard, they record forward‑facing video of the route.

Advanced versions of dash cams generally have overlays such as:

• Date and time stamps
  
  
• GPS coordinates
  
  
• Route names

These details help viewers know exactly where and when the footage was captured, providing useful but limited context.

Limitations of Dash Cams

• Limited Visibility: Narrow field of view that cannot capture driveways, utilities, or side features.
  
  
• Difficulty Spotting Details: Subtle pavement issues are often missed.
  
  
• Single Perspective: No option to pan or zoom for closer inspection.
  
  
• Reduced Value for Remote Teams: Less useful for remote stakeholders who need a more comprehensive view of site conditions.

What 360-Degree RoadView Documentation Offers

360° cameras capture high‑resolution panoramic video, allowing users to pan, zoom, and view conditions from multiple angles. 

Mounted on a small car, Jeep, ATV, or even carried on foot, this approach adapts to almost any terrain.

Advantages of 360° Imagery:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Pan and zoom to examine signage, utilities, and side features.
  
  
• Haul Route Planning: Confirm whether trucks can safely navigate access roads.
  
  
• Pavement Condition Documentation: Compare before‑and‑after footage to establish responsibility for any claims of damage during the project lifetime.
  
  
• Street View integration: Publish directly to Google Maps so teams can access visuals instantly. If multiple videos are available, viewers can check earlier dates and easily switch between them for comparison.

Public vs. Confidential Access

While publishing 360-degree footage to Google Street View makes it publicly accessible, some developers prefer confidentiality to prevent competitors from using the same data. 

Secure client‑specific web portals address this concern, allowing teams to keep data private while still benefiting from easy remote access.

Why Are Dash Cams Still Used?

Given the clear benefits of 360-degree video documentation, why do dash cams remain in use? 

The answer is usually awareness and habit. Many stakeholders simply don’t know that 360-degree technology is readily available and easy to use.

That said, dash cams can still serve as a practical backup, ensuring there is always a record in case of equipment issues with a 360 camera.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right method for roadway documentation can have a significant impact on project planning, compliance, and accountability. 

Dash cams offer a familiar and straightforward record, but their limited field of view and single perspective make them less effective for complex infrastructure needs.

By contrast, 360‑degree RoadView Documentation provides comprehensive coverage, supports haul route planning, and delivers reliable pavement condition records.

While dash cams still have a place as a backup tool, 360‑degree imagery is non-negotiable for delivering the clarity and adaptability that modern projects demand.