Construction Drones

Technology permeates nearly every industry around us. While software, mobile apps, and cloud hosting assist workers today, other technological advances continue to expand in use. Over the past several years, drones have seen enormous growth in the construction industry.

There are primarily two types of construction drones currently in use: the fixed-wing drone and the rotary drone. Fixed wing drones, which are capable of forward flying only, can be used for long distance mapping and scanning. Rotary drones, which can hover and even remain stable, work better for short distances when simple surveillance or inspection is needed.

Drones are equipped with GPS units, cameras, and thermal and infrared sensors to capture the appropriate data including longitude, latitude, and elevation. All the data is sent to and collected on a computer via drone software, thus providing the opportunity to analyze and interpret the data.

Now, consider the ways drones can be used in the construction process:

1. From surveys to models – drones can survey vast areas of land quickly generating data that can be turned into 3D models for project planning
2. Locate and direct – drones can keep track of equipment on the job site and record any errors or malfunctions of the equipment; before long, drones will be able to “drive” construction vehicles using artificial intelligence
3. Visible from afar – drones provide visibility for clients and contractors even when neither can be on site; the real-time data, photos, and reports minimize miscommunications and possible errors on the project
4. Eye in the sky surveillance – drones provide security for equipment and help decrease damage or theft on the job site
5. Protection for workers – drones mitigate risks of workers climbing unsteady heights and reduce the number of hazardous conditions workers might encounter
6. Final photos – drones capture the condition of the buildings through photos used for a final inspection to catch issues or to be used for marketing materials; they also provide ongoing detection for planned maintenance

Drone usage allows workers to cut costs, time, risk, and labor, all while improving workflow, accuracy, communication, and efficiency. All these advantages lead to more confidence and certainty when working on a construction project.