Drone surveys provide a high-resolution, geo-accurate snapshot of a site. This dataset is collected more quickly by drone than through visual inspection (and without the common safety challenges). Plus, a drone’s digital outputs can be used to assess a site’s evolution over time and better manage resources such as vehicles, equipment and temporary stocks.

Platforms such as the eBee X fixed-wing drone are being used by more and more contractors to speed up and, in many cases, improve the accuracy of their cut and fill measurements. This, in turn, allows staff to more effectively track quantities, control costs and maintain project schedules.

The inspection of infrastructure such as bridges, dams, industrial structures and buildings has traditionally been time-consuming, expensive and often dangerous. Construction drones provide a uniquely efficient and safe method of inspecting such sites. Plus, their digital datasets are easy to collaborate on and compare over time.

In just one flight, a professional drone can collect all the data required to generate a highly accurate 3D building model. This data can be collected more quickly than using terrestrial scanning equipment, plus the dataset is more global in nature (including colours, rooftops, external areas etc.), which enables BIM professionals to better and more quickly identify and react to problems.

Drones are an excellent tool with which to map and inspect difficult-to-monitor linear assets such as pipelines, power lines, rail routes and waterways. Documenting such corridors with a UAV is significantly quicker than via terrestrial surveying methods. Plus, the project cost is typically much lower than hiring manned aircraft services.