Over the past 5+ years the use of a sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial System), or commonly referred to as a drone, in the commercial construction industry has become a necessity. Due to the versatile nature of a drone it can provide an abundance of data in a fraction amount of time. Drones are capable, in some instances, of providing a look at the entire build site in a single photo or video. Drones are being used in many aspects of construction to include pre-planning, build progress monitoring, improved safety and asset protection, just to name a few.
You may wonder how a drone can help in pre-planning a job site. The use of a drone in pre-planning can help to identify potential land drainage spots to make sure the site doesn’t succumb to the need to regrading causing build set backs. Some overlooked aspects, such practical and aesthetic viewpoints of surrounding areas, can be identified with the use of aerial photography and videography.
One of the most common uses of drones in construction is real time data, on build progress, that can hep increase the build efficiency of 10-15% or more; depending on how that data is used. Visual updates can be shared with some of the most important people involved in the build progress to include project managers, stake holders and investors. Aerial data can be used to help focus on areas that may go overlooked, due to locations of the site that are less visited, that may need extra attention and possibly delay the project. Equipment locations can be identified to verify the efficient use of assets and may help to reduce the amount of equipment needed due to being able to locate a position better than previously identified. Another key and exciting feature of aerial media is seeing the build come to life. With periodic reports, using aerial photos and videos, the timeline of the build can be closely monitored to make sure milestones are met and the build is on time.
Believe it or not, the use of a drone for safety, can be one of the most important features they can provide. Drones inspections, using drone aerial images and drone aerial videos, can identify gaps in a perimeter fence in a fraction of the time it takes for one person to walk the fence, identify weaknesses, make a list, report the list, and then call the appropriate team to fill the gaps. With a drone you have all the inspection steps completed in one pass. Specific locations of gaps can be outlined on an easy to read map within a matter of time; that time depends on the size of the perimeter of course. Drones can be used to identify hazards in areas, such as sink holes and washouts to point out a couple areas; eliminating the need to put someone in a dangerous situation trying to capture a photo with their phone. Places that are of interest, but out of reach of a ladder, can be safely inspected using a drone’s camera to capture photos and video; instead of having to rent another lift to put someone in or a crane to hoist a man basket creating an even more potentially dangerous situation.
These are just a few key highlights of using the capabilities of a sUAV. The capabilities of drones and their payloads are expanding at an astonishing rate in all aspects of their use. Not only do they provide real time data on build status, and sometimes more importantly safety of a site, they can help reduce or eliminate unneeded costs when points of waste are identified and controlled in a timely manner. Drones can provide information to you and your stakeholders so that everyone can track the progress on their investment; whatever level that may be. Don’t hesitate, call today to get a free consultation on building your plan to efficiency and success.
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