How Drones are Used By Architecture and Engineering Firms?

The Architectural Engineering and Construction industry lacks proficiency in collecting and processing data. The construction data is of utmost importance in the AEC industry. Hence, drones offer a wide range of benefits in this sector which we will explore in this blog.

Aerial imaging solves many inspection issues by capturing 3D maps for analysis. These UAV devices are used to collect maps and provide better clarity for navigation.

You can either invest in training your team members or project supervisors to control drones or hire drone services. Since drones are a newer introduction, hiring drone services is a great option.

But, we will now see what drone construction services bring to the table.

Top 5 Benefit of Aerial Site Inspections

We use drones in the construction industry equipped with LiDAR technology (light detection and ranging) that helps with precise land surveying. When investing in drone services, you have to look for a couple of features.

You can hire FlyGuys drone services that offer you a licensed drone pilot with all the qualities you might need for proper inspection. This way, you will save time that you can rather invest in other essential tasks.

1. Drone covers more area than human inspectors.
2. Drone surveying gives precise angle measurements.
3. Drones LiDAR technology documents the site in High Resolution.
4. Construction drones highlight factors for safety and the environment.
5. Drone surveying costs less than other available options.

If we see the bigger picture, construction drones are a revolutionary introduction to the AEC industry. You get accurate surveys with zero loopholes, saving time and money invested in the process. Reduced risks and better evaluation are the rewards you get by employing LiDAR technology like drones in your projects.

Let’s also direct our attention towards the use cases of construction drones in today’s engineering and architectural world.

Drone Use Cases in Architecture and Engineering Firms

Engineering jobs need ultimate attention because one loophole can lead to major dysfunctionalities in the final structure. Hence, more and more engineering firms are concluding to include advanced surveying technologies like drones.

1. Aerial Imaging or Photogrammetry

One of the major areas that drone LiDAR technology has changed is site surveying. The LiDAR sensor is smart enough to catch a site’s entire structure from above. Aerial photography provides 3D models of property in HD in full color.

Some aerial images also support thermal imaging, which helps with better construction management. Using drones for aerial photography provides high-resolution images that help inspectors view photos in great detail.

2. Ground Quality Assessments or Geotechnical Assessment

Using LiDAR drone technology for surveying a property helps engineers and architects evaluate the ground’s stability. The LiDAR sensor checks for ground slopes and details of the construction field.

When engineering firms use drones for property surveys, everything is uncovered in high definition. These assessments of the ground are also referred to as geotechnical assessments. Drones also support the topographic maps to provide a broader view of the property.

3. Digital Twins or Virtual Representation of the Property

Drones give you a 3D property scan of a physical property that includes the property’s real-time data. The collected data is a digital twin of the physical property. This twin has building construction information that helps engineers develop insights on the project.

Architects and firm engineers use these digital twins to analyze the construction site and plan the project accordingly. The twinning also works as a road map for engineers to develop a building.

4. Site Inspections

Construction sites are wide plain areas that need proper mapping before starting property construction. Since the zones are huge, measuring the area angles can take humans some time. While using a drone to survey a property, you cover around 700 acres daily.

Aerial inspections analyze the site from a height that generally covers more area in less time and with fewer costs. You don’t have to buy a drone but hire drone services or fly guys to do the job professionally.

5. Site Safety

Satellite imaging, through topographic surveys, is used to check if the construction site is safe to handle for construction. Your laborers don’t have to risk their lives to supervise the area. If there are any dangers involved, you will know about them beforehand.

Construction site engineers use a drone with a remote controller that a pilot controls from a safe distance. With the help of a 3D model of the building to assess the project thoroughly, you can see the dangers of soil dumps on the property.

6. Low-cost Surveying

Traditional property surveying costs you around $700, according to HomeAdvisor. The surveyor’s fee for additional time stands alone. Imagine what the costs will add up to with the construction. But, with drone surveys, the stats are completely different.

A drone property survey costs around $100 to $200 per acre, which is lower than traditional surveys. Also, you save some bucks that you’d rather spend on the surveyor’s service charges.

7. Efficient Insights

With drone surveys, you get access to property insights that help with in-depth analysis of the site you inspect. The construction team doesn’t have to employ any man force, and you have more time to deploy the labor in a more prioritizing task.

3D maps, colored photogrammetry, topographic maps, digital twins, and precise site measurements will lead to the project’s successful completion.

Conclusion

Property surveys have a crucial role to play in real estate. Whether you are buying a property, a plot, or selling your building, you need to have a property survey. The property survey adds to the overall value of the site so it helps you make the right investment decision.

Drones have made this entire property surveying process easier. You don’t have to pay hefty amounts and buy a drone. Instead, you can hire drone services that make the whole process hassle-free.

Drone surveying is a productive, cost and time-saving approach that a person can opt for with the help of experts. What matters most is the successful and error-free property survey, and drones with LiDAR technology give you just that.