During drone surveys, images of the ground are captured from various vantage points and are tagged with geo-information. This data can then be imported into photogrammetry software, which produces geo-referenced orthomosaic maps and elevation models of the site.
Drone survey company London can greatly accelerate and simplify topographic surveys for land management, allowing engineers to work off a 3D model and eliminate high-risk ‘working at height’ scenarios. However, the R157 restricted zones around London City and Heathrow airports pose a significant challenge for drone survey operators.
What is a Drone Survey?
A drone survey is the process of collecting geospatial data via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with downward-facing sensors. The sensors can include RGB or multispectral cameras, LiDAR payloads, and more. The resulting data is then processed into orthomosaic maps, 3D models, digital surface models, and other specialized outputs.
Unlike traditional survey methods, drones can quickly acquire data from vantage points that would be difficult to reach using humans. As a result, the time required to complete a drone survey is drastically reduced.
Drones are also safer to use, which eliminates the risk of human operators being exposed to hazardous or difficult-to-reach locations. Additionally, it eliminates the need to measure points in these hazardous areas physically, which reduces the chance of human error and increases efficiency.
The accuracy of drone surveys can be improved by leveraging ground control points (GCPs) or Real-Time Kinematic Surveying (RTK) technologies. This can provide accurate corrections during the flight to improve positional accuracy.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
UAVs are often used to capture images. These images can then be processed using photogrammetry software to calculate the exact surface area and volume of physical objects. This information can then be used to create accurate bills of quantities for construction projects. This helps to reduce disputes between contractors and clients by clearly defining the scope of work and reducing the chances of misinterpretation or mathematical errors.
The capacity of a UAV to carry accessories such as sensors, cameras, and other hardware is referred to as its payload. Larger payloads increase the capability of the UAV, but come at the expense of shorter flight times and higher power capacities.
The use of multi-UAVs can enhance the inspection capabilities and efficiency of infrastructure and construction monitoring. However, multiple UAVs can be prone to human error, machine error and obstacle collisions. Therefore, there is a need for swarm intelligence algorithms that can improve the operation of multiple UAVs.
Flight Restrictions in London
Drone surveys produce a massive amount of very accurate data. They can create 2D and 3D maps of a site, provide thermal imaging and generate terrain information for surveyors, architects, engineers and builders to use in their work.
The accuracy of drone surveying and the ability to quickly and easily analyze the data with a software platform like Propeller helps construction companies keep track of complex projects that involve multiple, interconnected subcontractors. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and helps ensure that the project will progress smoothly, on time, and to budget.
Drones are also non-intrusive, which makes them ideal for examining older buildings that may be fragile or protected. They can inspect the roof and chimney without the need for climbing, which greatly reduces the chance of damage to the structure. Lastly, the drone inspections are fast and cost-effective.
Legal Requirements for Drone Surveys
There are a number of legal requirements that must be met for drone surveying. These include obtaining the correct drone training, flying within the appropriate operational category and having third party insurance. In addition, it is important to stay away from airports, military bases and royal palaces.
The UK's new drone laws require that a remote pilot maintain continuous visual line of sight when flying VLOS. This can be accomplished through a combination of technologies, including ground-based cameras and monitors or by a live video feed from a drone's camera.
Drones are increasingly used by surveying and mapping companies for topographic and contouring surveys. Several construction firms have also adopted drones for their volumetric measurements. One such firm said that their drones have taken all the argument out of billing for their work because they can produce a cut and fill report directly from the field. This eliminates any inaccuracies from human error. This saves time and money, as well as improving employee safety.
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