The construction industry is well known for overpromising and under-delivering. In fact, a recent study found that, on average, large construction projects take 20% longer than anticipated to finish and are up to 80% over budget.
The good news is, by embracing drone technology, the construction industry may be able to turn these figures around. Drones bring many benefits to the table that can help to revolutionize the way we approach construction.
Read on to discover the many different uses for drones in the construction industry.
Accurate Planning
Before building starts, construction personnel need to map the site using expensive ground-based instruments as well as helicopters to take aerial photographs. This process is labor-intensive, expensive, and takes days to complete.
The introduction of construction drones has sped up this process dramatically. Drones can produce topographical maps of construction sites in mere minutes. They use GPS coordinates to ensure accurate measurements and take photographs of areas that humans can’t reach.
This data is then used to create an accurate 3D rendering of the project.
Track Progress
Drones can relay live footage of the construction site back to a command post. This creates a play-by-play record of each part of the construction process.
Investors and foremen can use this footage to track progress and identify areas of congestion or delay. They can also keep tabs on their employees and check the work being done. In fact, drones are estimated to have improved collaboration and communication on construction sites by up to 65%.
Some drones can even take part in the actual construction work. The University of Michigan has created autonomous drone software that enables drones to nail shingles to a roof.
Site Surveying
Drones can do so much more than taking pictures. Some construction drones use scanners to capture even more data. This includes infrared, geo-locating, and thermal sensors that help to map construction sites.
This data is used to create 3D models that incorporate real-world conditions. This allows builders to accurately compare the as-designed and the as-built site plans. This helps builders spot errors early on before they become a problem.
Improved Safety
Drones keep construction workers safe by inspecting hard-to-reach and dangerous locations.
Construction workers no longer have to climb electric poles or work on busy roads to conduct inspections. They simply fly a drone up to the area in question and take video footage or snap a few photos. Click here to learn more about how drones can be used for industrial inspections.
Drones can also improve on-site security. By identifying breaches in the perimeter, they can prevent unauthorized civilians from accessing the dangerous construction site.
Efficient Marketing
Gone are the days where you had to charter a helicopter to achieve 360 aerial footage of a new building. Drones have the ability to maneuver into spaces that humans can’t.
This allows marketers to take footage of a construction site from almost any angle. Not only is this safer, but it saves time and is more affordable.
Drones Are Streamlining the Construction Industry
From logistics to site surveying to improved health and safety, drones have helped to welcome the construction industry into the 21st century. As drone technology continues to advance, we can only look forward to the many innovative ways that drones will make our lives easier.
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