Drones are becoming a common tool on job sites, though not every company has adopted them yet. However, their usage is steadily growing, especially as new technologies like RTK and PPK positioning systems become more accurate. These advancements reduce the reliance on time-intensive ground control points during surveys, making drone usage even more appealing.
Drone mapping is proving to be a game-changer for profitability in the construction industry. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, construction companies are projected to invest around $11.2 billion in drones between 2016 and 2020. By the next few years, it's highly likely that nearly all major civil excavation and large earthwork projects will utilize drones. The business case for drones is clear—they can cut surveying costs by 70-90%, speed up data collection, and improve project tracking and management. This efficiency boost can significantly impact businesses, particularly those managing multiple large sites or handling significant earthworks, driving both revenue and profit margins.
For tech-savvy construction leaders, drones open up new possibilities. While some executives already use drones to assess weekly and monthly project progress, there’s potential to go further—measuring progress daily. In fast-paced environments, having more detailed information can make a world of difference.
The next big step in construction technology involves integrating drone data with IoT (Internet of Things) devices. IoT encompasses any machine equipped with sensors that connect over the internet. This includes construction vehicles like trucks and bulldozers, but also extends to wearables like safety goggles, phones, tablets, and even work boots. GPS sensors are commonly fitted in vehicles to prevent theft and ensure efficient routing. Progressive executives are starting to realize that connecting these sensors with others opens up more advanced applications beyond just location tracking. These sensors can monitor performance, maintenance needs, and inventory requirements, offering deeper insights into equipment usage, which impacts safety and fuel efficiency.
Even standalone, the data collected from IoT devices is valuable. However, when paired with aerial data from drones, its worth multiplies exponentially. Companies using drones already know the vast amount of data they can gather. The most forward-thinking executives understand that for this data to drive real efficiency, it needs to be transformed into actionable insights. Many opt for comprehensive drone solutions with advanced software that deliver a range of analytics. A basic drone setup only provides raw data without any processing, regulatory support, or strategic insights.
At first glance, combining IoT and drone data might feel overwhelming, but it offers immense opportunities to enhance business operations. For instance, if a company already calculates earthmoving volumes via drones, pairing this with dump truck cycle times can lower unit costs. Similarly, automated roof inspections triggered by sensors detecting impacts or shifts can lead to significant efficiency gains.
Construction hasn't invented IoT, but it's refining it. Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are building on lessons learned by fitness enthusiasts who’ve long embraced wearable tech: measurement leads to improvement. Whether tracking steps and sleep or cubic yards of soil moved, the construction sector is taking IoT a step further by merging it with drone data for full operational transparency. Technology is becoming a key differentiator, enabling construction leaders to visualize past, present, and future project statuses clearly.
*Related Content: The Earthmover’s Guide to Saving Time and Money with Drone Mapping*
*This blog post was adapted from our guest feature in Construction Executive.*
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