Construction companies are increasingly adopting drones on their job sites, and this trend is expected to grow even more with advancements in RTK and PPK positioning technologies. These improvements reduce the reliance on time-consuming ground control points, making drone usage more efficient and cost-effective.
Drone mapping is proving to be a game-changer for construction firms. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the industry is projected to invest $11.2 billion in drones between 2016 and 2020. It's highly likely that most major civil excavation and earthwork sites will soon integrate drones into their operations.
The financial benefits of using drones are evident. Survey-grade drone data can cut down surveying costs by 70-90%, expedite data collection, and enhance project tracking and management. This level of efficiency can significantly boost both revenue and profit margins, particularly for businesses managing multiple large-scale projects or handling significant earthmoving tasks.
Tech-savvy construction leaders view drones as a way to better estimate project costs throughout the process. Instead of waiting until the end of a project, drones allow for weekly and monthly progress assessments. However, why stop there? With the constant changes and complexities of a dynamic job site, having access to daily updates could offer even greater clarity and control.
Looking ahead, integrating drone data with IoT (Internet of Things) devices opens up new possibilities. IoT encompasses any device equipped with a sensor that communicates over the internet. This includes construction machinery like trucks and bulldozers, wearable tech such as smart safety glasses, and even personal items like work boots. GPS sensors are already common in vehicles to deter theft and monitor locations, but forward-thinking managers are realizing that connecting these sensors with others unlocks far more potential.
By linking vehicle sensors with IoT devices, businesses can gain insights beyond mere location tracking. These systems can monitor operational performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize inventory levels. They can also provide detailed insights into equipment usage patterns, impacting areas like worker safety and fuel consumption.
Even when viewed independently, IoT-collected data holds immense value. Yet, its true potential emerges when paired with aerial drone data. Companies leveraging drones are familiar with the vast amount of data they collect. However, for this data to genuinely drive operational efficiency, it must evolve from raw figures into actionable insights. Many firms opt for comprehensive drone solutions that include advanced software capable of generating diverse analytics. A stand-alone drone merely provides unprocessed data without regulatory guidance, technical support, or strategic insights.
At first glance, merging IoT and drone data might appear daunting, yet it offers a wealth of information to improve profitability. For instance, if a company already calculates earthmoving volumes using drones, adding truck cycle and load times enhances cost-effectiveness. Similarly, automating roof inspections via drones after detecting impacts or shifts leads to substantial productivity gains.
The construction sector isn't pioneering IoT, but it's refining its application. Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are building upon knowledge gained by fitness enthusiasts who've long understood the power of measurement. Whether tracking physical activity or cubic yardage moved, quantification drives success. By combining IoT with drone data, the construction industry achieves full visibility into job site activities, providing leaders with unprecedented foresight into past, present, and future project statuses.
For additional reading, check out "The Earthmover’s Guide to Saving Time and Money with Drone Mapping." This article originally appeared as a guest feature in Construction Executive.
This piece reflects real-time observations and thoughts, capturing the evolving dynamics within the construction industry regarding technological integration.
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