Drones have gained popularity in the construction and surveying industries over the years. Our experts are able to use drones for 3D mapping, photogrammetry, land surveys and topographic surveys from a birds-eye perspective. It’s easy to see the many benefits that drone surveying has, so it’s not surprising it’s been embraced by the industry. But what are the basics of the tool? What is a drone-survey?
Surveying is the science that determines the distances between two points. It can be done in either a 2D space or a 3D one. This information is very valuable for construction projects, as it allows you to make informed decisions regarding site planning, infrastructure, boundaries, and other issues.
This survey is completed using a drone. You take the basic principles and the drone’s cameras will capture all the details. To capture images, the drone uses down-facing sensors equipped with RGB and multispectral cameras as it hovers above the ground. Drones gather data from the Geographic Information Systems, which they use to map and visualize specific locations.
This allows for precision and efficiency, as well as a quicker process. However, these aren’t the only advantages of using a drone to survey.
Do you require a drone survey?
Why not choose drone surveys over traditional methods? While there are many benefits to drone surveys, we will only be briefly discussing the most important. Simply put, it allows for quick and precise data collection.
It is extremely efficient and you might consider using drone surveys for your next project. Our dedicated team of specialists can help you determine if the scope of your work requires this technology.
So what are the benefits to surveying with a helicopter?
Drone surveys offer many advantages, as we’ve mentioned. A drone survey is a valuable tool for the construction industry. It provides accurate results, quick data collection, and improved safety and accessibility. This technology is constantly improving so it should not be ignored. You could unknowingly delay your project by not using a drone for surveying your site.
1. You can reduce field time and survey expenses
You have a huge building that requires extensive surveying? Compiling the required information manually can be difficult for large buildings. Even if there are multiple surveyors, it could take a lot of time. A drone can do a more efficient job. A drone can collect the same data more quickly and requires less manpower. It has been proven that drones are able to collect this data five times faster than land-based surveying.
This is a great way to save time on survey completion and also money on labour. This will reduce the number of people required to do the job. You will not be charged for the same time they are on-site. The benefits of surveying by drone are obvious if you want a fast turnaround and cost-cutting solution.
2. Accessibility and safety
There may be instances when surveyors are unable to gain access to certain parts of a building. This could be due to safety or accessibility issues. You may find that you cannot retrieve any data for extended periods of times while you address the problem. Drones can be very useful in this situation. Drones from Drone Works allow for access to places that are not accessible by land-based methods. They can take off from almost any location and fly almost anywhere. It is not a problem to fly on difficult terrain.
Even if you use drones in tandem to traditional ideas, it can be very useful in surveying buildings that are more abandoned than you would like to have people enter. It is possible to gather all the information that you require without having to touch or corner any public areas. This is a great way to save time and reduce risk for your workers.
3. Roof Surveying
Similar to the point above, being able to gain access to roofs easier makes surveying safer and more repeatable. Inaccessible edges, inconsistent measurements and other issues are common. It makes measuring easier and more convenient to have aerial access. It gives you clear and precise imagery, which can be used to create CGI.
4. Reduces the need to access equipment
We can capture images of defects in buildings at a high-level, which allows us to minimize the need for costly equipment like MEWPs or scaffolding. These images will become the first port-of-call for traditional methods. However, the roofs can be accessed from above so the site does not need to hire extra workers or pay for additional machinery.
The need for less staff could lead to significant reductions in insurance costs. Drones are able to avoid the need for extra insurance and additional safety and health concerns. Drone surveys are a great way to save money and time.
5. Provide accurate, exhaustive data
A survey will typically measure specific points from different stations. This limit on the amount of data that you can collect in one go may also affect the extent of the data. The great thing about surveying by drone is the ability to take thousands of measurements, with very precise and detailed results. You can also export the data in different formats. The flexibility to present the data in a format that best suits the needs of surveyors allows them to compare and audit everything thoroughly.
The ability to see tiny details from the air allows you to add them. These data are vital for the development process. Any errors could impact the elevation or construction process. The best way to get the most coherent picture is to simplify the information while still providing as much detail as possible.
6. Multi-functionality in one tool
I’m sure that you know about the non-commercial uses of drones like home videography and the pure joy of flying. Drones are great for surveying because they can do many things that manual methods cannot. This is why we use them to access roofs and for CGI purposes.
7. Architectural CGI
After surveying the building, it is possible to use high-quality imaging to view the entire site. For architects and designers, this is an essential step in their process. A render external could be used by architects and designers to help in the design of the building or marketing.
CGI imaging is also used by local councils to create visual representations of new developments. This allows residents to see the reasoning behind construction and can predict how it will look when it is completed.
8. Land development
Drones create images that can be used to build detailed models of certain areas. This data can be used for management, demolition, and development. It is easy to take these images and update the people involved about the current state of the land at regular intervals.
9. Slope monitoring
Similar to the ability above, measurements can be extracted using information that allows us see the slope’s steepness and its changing over time. This information is vital in order to prevent landslides from happening and any other negative effects on future developments.
10. A densely populated area –
Many people live in densely built-up areas. This makes surveying difficult and requires extensive planning. One of the many benefits of using a drone to survey an area is the ability collect large amounts of data quickly. Before any development is made, planners will need to carefully evaluate the socio-economic state of the area.
Are drones going to replace surveyors in the future?
We have already covered the many benefits that drones bring to the world of surveying. Drones provide access to remote areas that are not accessible and protect our personnel. But, it is important to reflect on the job of a surveyor as well as if a drone could carry out this role. A surveyor is a professional who gives advice on various construction matters. Can a drone offer you advice? But not in the same manner. Although it may provide information that can be interpreted, the surveyor will use it to make informed decisions based on the client’s needs or the area.
Next, surveyors will be able to find and fix structural flaws in buildings and land. Although a drone may be able to point out flaws in buildings or land using certain measurements or data points it won’t offer any practical solutions. This is because it can only use the information it has gathered from colleagues or further planning. The drone will not be able put this information into action to solve the problem. A surveyor will have extensive experience in the field, which allows them to solve each problem.
Building surveyors can also help to estimate work and determine if grants are possible. Drones cannot replace the skills and capabilities of these people. However, the financial aspect of surveying is a crucial part in the overall process. Although the information provided by drones will be helpful in making the decision, surveyors must still make rational decisions based on external factors.
Finally, building surveyors may be responsible for planning applications and providing advice on legal issues such as building regulations. As we have mentioned, drones could be an issue in safety and health. The drones enable surveyors more efficient and safer work. But, they are incapable of providing advice to others. The drone does not have the necessary industry knowledge and legal background to be able to engage in these conversations.
