Advantages of site inspection and monitoring with drones

Site monitoring with drones is an emerging trend in the construction industry. However, in no time at all, it has earned itself a place as a tool that can be used to inspect any project. The possibility of remote access, immediate availability and short lead times represent a significant advantage for management. For all these reasons, using this technology offers a host of benefits and conveniences that traditional systems do not.

What is the process of monitoring construction sites with drones?

The process of inspecting construction sites with drones strives to revolutionise the way in which construction is monitored. In the past, monitoring work at heights called for temporary lifts or helicopters. These solutions were very expensive and time-consuming.

Today, in order to monitor the progress of a construction project, all you need is a drone at hand and a certified operator. This procedure can be summarised in the following steps:

  1. Location of the operator: This first step is the key to carrying out a good inspection. The pilot stands somewhere safe to fly the drone. This site must be within range.
  2. Drone settings: As there are a large number of these devices on the market, the operator must be familiar how the tool works. The drone must be configured depending on the needs of the project.
  3. Relevant security measures: In order to carry out this activity safely, make sure the batteries are fully charged. Otherwise, it needs to have the minimum to ensure that the drone has sufficient power to operate properly. The take-off and landing area must be free of objects that could interfere with communication between the pilot and the device. Finally, the camera must be adjusted and configured for the requirements of the inspection.
  4. Reconnaissance tour: The operator will check out the entire site to identify the different areas. It is advisable to take some photos, but not detailed ones. These will give an overview of the project as a whole and identify the trickiest areas.
  5. Supervisory tour: Once the terrain to be explored has been identified, the work is supervised. At this stage, photographs or more detailed data will be taken, according to the needs of the inspection.
  6. Analysis: This is done on the ground with the photos downloaded to the supervisor’s computer or smart device. An initial check will be made to ensure that the shots are of the desired quality and that all the footage required is taken. Afterwards, the office will confirm that the projections coincide with the progress of the work shown in the photographs. Similarly, any anomalies detected must be reported at this time.

This work can usually be carried out by one person, although some split it into two parts. On the one hand, the pilot is responsible for flying the drone and taking the relevant photographs or videos. On the other, the inspector interprets the information and draws up a site report.

Advantages of inspecting the progress of a construction site with drones

Despite their versatility, many experts still question the effectiveness of drones in construction supervision. This is because flying these devices is not as simple as it might seem. What’s more, this procedure is subject to the weather conditions at the time of the inspection and to any AESA flight restrictions in the area to be inspected.

Otherwise, this work is highly effective and, although it has its detractors, it is starting to become more widespread. The reasons why it has become so popular are as follows:

  1. Efficiency and time saving: Drones can access places that sometimes an inspector cannot reach. As they are lightweight, they can fly at high speeds around the site and gain unique perspectives. This results in considerable savings in monitoring time.
  2. Reduction in occupational hazards: Some construction sites can be dangerous and expose workers to different kinds of hazards. However, with the use of drones, this risk is completely eliminated, even in extreme cases such as landslides.
  3. Accuracy of the information obtained: Thanks to image capturing technology, these devices are equipped with high resolution cameras. With this information, real 3D models can be developed for the engineer in charge to interpret.
  4. Reduced costs Streamlining management processes cuts down on the costs involved. This is mainly down to the reduction in execution time. These savings allow us to carry out more inspections in the same working day.

Overall, the advantages outweigh any doubts drone sceptics and naysayers might have. At this point, it is worth analysing and discussing the return on investing in a drone.

Return on investment in drones for the construction industry

Using drones in the construction industry is financially rewarding. It is well known that buying and operating one costs quite a lot of money, although prices are coming down due to the increasing number of players in the market. However, there are also advantages that make this activity a highly profitable business.

Using this technology for construction project management is a medium-term investment project. This has to do with the speed with which the initial capital can be made back. On average, starting a business like this requires injecting fairly large amounts of money (a few thousand euros). This capital expenditure will be offset against profits earned during a first year of operation.

In the end, using drones in this industry has more upsides than downsides. Firstly, because of how precise they are. Secondly, they can be used with relative ease. Finally, although staff need to be trained on how to use them, this training is straightforward and can be given quite easily. Therefore, this activity is promising and its popularity will only continue to rise. If you would like to know more about monitoring construction sites with drones, please contact us. We have the perfect service for your construction project!

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