Three Years Later, the Digital Twin That’s Changing AEC

In just three years, MJ4D has evolved from an internal tool into a powerful client-facing platform that’s transforming how AEC professionals capture, share, and experience project data. Purpose-built to meet the real-world needs of architects, engineers, and surveyors, MJ4D is more than a digital twin viewer—it’s a platform that’s changing how teams work.

Three years after the launch of the MJ4D web app, Mike Pianka, GISP, Associate and Director of Software Development, reflects on the evolution of MJ’s in-house digital twin technology and what’s next for the platform.

The Spark Behind MJ4D

For over two decades, MJ has used laser scanning to capture reality with precision and detail. Over the years, we tested a variety of platforms to share this data—point clouds and panoramic imagery—but we kept running into the same limitations. Most tools weren’t intuitive for non-technical users, lacked the flexibility needed by diverse project teams, and fell short when it came to supporting data from multiple collection methods such as static, mobile, or aerial scanning.

We knew there had to be a better way.

Before MJ4D, our technicians would collect immersive scans and imagery to support a variety of deliverables, such as floorplans for architects, GIS databases, survey base mapping, and 3D models for BIM integration. The final deliverables, however, didn’t include that rich visual data—clients never had access to it. It was a missed opportunity to communicate context and detail.

MJ4D changed that. Now, when we scan a space, we can easily share that immersive experience with everyone involved—whether it’s our engineers and architects or the clients themselves.

Changing the Way AEC Teams Work

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored just how valuable it is to “be there without being there.” Teams had to work remotely, often without access to project sites. MJ4D filled that gap, allowing users to virtually tour and analyze environments from anywhere in the world.

Even now, major projects often involve collaborators and specialists from across the country. MJ4D enables them to explore a site together—virtually—through a shared digital twin.

Clients familiar with other point cloud and pano tools are consistently impressed by how MJ4D is tailored for AEC professionals, while remaining simple enough for non-technical users. We also listen—many of the app’s features come directly from client feedback.

The demand speaks volumes. Clients regularly request MJ4D on follow-up projects, and in some cases, we’ve secured work because they knew MJ4D would be part of the package—even when it wasn’t the primary deliverable.

What’s Ahead for the Digital Twin Platform

Originally launched as a research and development initiative in 2018, MJ4D has since become a core part of how we work. Even when it’s not part of a formal deliverable, it’s deeply embedded in the workflows of our engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Looking forward, we see MJ4D expanding beyond its current role as a virtual tour viewer. The goal is to evolve it into a full platform, offering broader capabilities that support the entire lifecycle of a project.

MJ4D is constantly evolving. New features are already in development to better serve the needs of the AEC industry, from enhanced collaboration tools and annotation capabilities to integrations that streamline project workflows. As our clients’ needs grow, so does MJ4D, with each update informed by real-world use and direct feedback from the people who rely on it.

A Founder’s Perspective

I’ve always believed that if something doesn’t work the way you need it to, you should try to fix it. MJ4D began as a side project, driven by that mindset and the belief that we could build something better.

Instead of adapting an off-the-shelf product to fit our workflows, we built MJ4D from the ground up to serve the needs of AEC professionals, and I think that’s been key to its success.

For me, working on MJ4D has never felt like work. I genuinely enjoy it. But none of it would have been possible without the incredible people on our team. I’m beyond grateful for their support and creativity. MJ4D is what it is today because of them.

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