Drones are fast becoming a mainstay in the construction industry, playing an important role at many construction sites throughout the world. The use of drones continually proves to be beneficial across a spectrum of many and varied construction projects.
Drones, otherwise known as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), are relatively small electronic devices that are often equipped with high-resolution cameras. They are operated by licensed, professional pilots who undergo special training to obtain the knowledge necessary to navigate all aspects of construction sites.
Drones use photos and videos with data on latitude, longitude, and altitude to provide clear, comprehensive information. They do so by giving precise digital representations of the ground, objects, and buildings. The information they provide includes image and geo-referenced mapping as well as data services.
Drones have the advantage of being fast and easy to deploy, and can seamlessly collect data that is critical to the success of a construction project, tracking its progress across the entire job site.
Drone use in construction has garnered considerable publicity for its many benefits that make the jobs of builders and construction managers easier. They also serve to instill property owners with a secure peace of mind. Drones can offer accurate photographs that are high resolution and can provide valuable data for construction sites.
Many different types of software and tools help facilitate and improve the process of building during construction projects. Drones can be used to enhance these tools and to provide an important element that other tools simply do not have. This is done by gathering aerial information in ways previously not available and by going where it was once inefficient or unsafe for workers to go.
With their high-resolution cameras, drones can take still shots and video from the sky while transmitting real-time data to an operator or base station. This results in lower costs than using human surveying crews.
In addition to being able to accurately survey and collect job site data, drones are instrumental in monitoring job site progress and asset management. They can be used for inspections, resulting in improved safety conditions, as well as keeping projects on track and on budget.
Furthermore, drones can be used to create 3D models and comprehensive maps of construction sites. They can even be used to establish geo-fences to control the movement of heavy equipment by incorporating aerial data into electronic mapping systems and to receive accurate information on a more frequent basis.
Whether drone imaging is needed for a client, a construction site owner, or the financier of a construction project, it gives a much better representation of the project than any other imaging modality. Drone images provide a vast amount of intricate detail that other methods do not include.
Using drones as tools to see all areas of a worksite helps get the operation and the client on the same page. Construction site aerial photos help everyone see the overall scope of any construction job, making the job more time and cost efficient.
There is little question that drones are already making their presence known in the construction industry. However, their full impact is yet to be felt. At the job site of the future, drones will hover over projects gathering data that will trigger numerous important decisions.
If a problem is detected, managers will be able to receive instant notifications in the form of real time information regarding assets, inspections, or deliveries. Drones will enable construction managers to self-assess in a more timely manner, and to use data analytics to track more accurately.
DroneBase works with customers in the construction industry, as well as other industries, with an expansive network of drone pilots providing outstanding aerial imagery and data. DroneBase stays on top of the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices to help professionals in the construction industry collaborate more effectively and to make every construction job safer and more efficient.
For more information, please visit our AEC page at DroneBase.com