A Dynamic Partnership Revolutionizing Cloud Solutions for Land Surveying
Faktion has had a long-standing partnership with Pythagoras, an innovative company in the field of land surveying. Together, we have worked on transforming their desktop application into a cloud-based solution called Pointorama. In this article, we share how this collaboration came about, the challenges we overcame together, and our shared vision for the future.
The Legacy and Evolution of Pythagoras in Pioneering Land Surveying Technology
Pythagoras has been active in the land surveying industry for many years, a sector focused on measuring land and infrastructure. Stijn, the founder of Pythagoras, explains, “We use advanced equipment like 3D scanners that generate enormous amounts of data. This brings new challenges, such as storing and filtering useful information from that bulk data.” Initially, their solution was a desktop application, but thanks to the collaboration with Faktion, a fully-fledged cloud web application is now available. Bart, the CEO of Faktion, reflects on the project's inception: “Pythagoras approached us with the request to migrate their desktop solution to the cloud. They were looking for a hybrid development team where their own people could collaborate and we could bring in our expertise in software architecture.”
Transforming Desktop Solutions into Cutting-Edge Cloud Applications
Transforming a desktop application into a cloud solution was a significant challenge. Pythagoras dealt with so-called point clouds, which are large data collections that form 3D models. Stijn elaborates, “The scanners generate massive amounts of data that can reach up to 100 gigabytes. It was essential to display this data efficiently, similar to how Google Maps presents its maps.” Jonathan, head of software engineering at Faktion, played a key role in translating these technical challenges into concrete solutions. “We utilized WebAssembly to compile Pythagoras's existing C++ code to JavaScript, making it usable on both the frontend and backend. This was crucial for making the transition to the web application.”
Building a Synergistic Hybrid Development Team
One of the most significant aspects of this collaboration was the hybrid team, where both Faktion experts and Pythagoras developers worked together. Bart emphasizes, “Our approach was to not only provide Pythagoras with a solution but also to strengthen their own team so that they could eventually operate independently.” Jonathan took on the roles of coach and project manager, ensuring intensive guidance for the Pythagoras team. Stijn appreciated this approach: “At first, we struggled to find the right people for web development, but Jonathan's coaching gave us the confidence we needed. Our developers have grown tremendously and are taking on more work, with guidance as needed.”
How Pointorama Is Poised to Redefine Market Potential
The collaboration has not only led to the development of Pointorama but has also opened doors for future innovations and market growth. Now a cloud-based web application, Pointorama is more accessible to new markets than the original desktop version. “We want to tap into new markets with Pointorama,” says Stijn. “In the Benelux and Germany, we are already well represented, but with Pointorama, we can conduct demos more easily and reach international clients faster.” Additionally, AI plays a crucial role in their future vision. Stijn explains, “AI will help process the vast amounts of data more efficiently, for example, by automatically recognizing objects and structures. This will save land surveyors a lot of time.”
The Keys to Successful Remote Collaboration
What makes this collaboration special is the mutual trust and smooth cooperation, even at a distance. Jonathan worked from Norway, but through a good balance of physical and remote meetings, communication remained personal and effective. “Hybrid working has worked out well,” says Stijn. “Even though we were in different countries and operate under different company names, it feels like we are one team.” Bart adds, “This project has not only led to an innovative product but also to the growth of our teams. We are proud that Pointorama now stands on its own and that the collaboration is a lasting success.”
A Partnership Built on Innovation, Growth, and Shared Success
The collaboration between Pythagoras and Faktion demonstrates how technical challenges can be transformed into valuable solutions with the right guidance. Thanks to the hybrid approach and coaching, Pointorama is now a powerful product that helps Pythagoras enter new markets and is ready for the future with AI. This partnership showcases that shared growth and innovation can go hand in hand.
“The transition from desktop to cloud was complex, but the result has exceeded our expectations.”