Efficiency is one of the key factors in the construction sector and a minor improvement in operations can save up to millions of dollars. For the last few years, drones are being used in the construction sector to increase spatial data precision and site surveillance. They are also used to transport materials. In fact, it is the most cost-effective solution.
The benefits of drones for construction projects are numerous:
Remote working
With Covid-19, remote working became the new normal. This equally applies to construction and drones have been key to successful remote site monitoring.
Especially in construction projects that have stakeholders all over the world, remote site monitoring has been adapted much faster thanks to the usage of drones. By providing a superior visual output, companies benefit from time and cost savings.
On-site image acquisition
Drones are able to capture the image of the total site just in a few hours thanks to photogrammetry. The photogrammetry software can process the data acquired by the drone and translate it into digital elevation models.
This means that whenever a contractor or a project manager asks for the progress of the works, the images can be ready the same day along with the spatial data, renders, and other visual materials.
Data accuracy and precision
Photogrammetry and other software are being used in several fields since they are able to provide accurate visualization of elements and precise data. These can eliminate the mistakes that might occur by a human and accelerate the process with precise details.
Live data and site surveillance available upfront
On a construction site, there is always a site manager that works the whole day to supervise the ongoing works. With drones, the workload of a site manager can be decreased as it allows site surveillance to be much faster and on a bigger scale.
Drones can also be used for live data whenever the contractor or the engineering company requires it. These records of images can be used to keep the data up-to-date.
Data transparency that leads to increased productivity
Thanks to the images and aerial site views, the progress of work can be better tracked by all the involved parties. This also increases the transparency of information in the project management cycle, from which all the employees can benefit.
Reduce labor and machinery time
Since the images captured by drones can be translated into 3D models and be archived in the GIS (Geographic Information System), it saves a significant amount of time from labor activity. Architects and planners can easily overlay the spatial data and identify construction errors much easier.
Reach locations and angles that are inaccessible by the workmen
Drones can reach any location in the allowed construction site. This can improve the supervision of the area and works.
Avoid thefts and provide security of the construction site
Most construction projects are now secured by drones as they provide an extensive vision of the site. Since drones can reach any location and see the site at any time, they become much more advantageous.
Not only situations such as thefts are prevented, but also dangerous conditions such as fire, floods, and other hazardous events can be eliminated much faster.
