As technology keeps advancing, we are seeing more and more machines in the workplace performing tasks that used to be done manually by people. For instance, some factories now use robot arms in assembly lines to speed up the work process and cut down on costs.
Similarly, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones, is dramatically increasing in many industries today. Drones have found their way in the hands of law enforcement agencies, agriculturists, filmmakers, and even contractors.
5 Ways Construction Companies Benefit from the Use of Drones
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Visual Data Collection
Before any construction is started, it is important for contractors to gather the necessary data for a particular site for a planner or designer to use in coming up with the project’s schematics. The traditional way of acquiring the said data — property boundary lines, topography, land areas, and other similar data needed to carry out construction.
Employing the help of drones allows for the surveying process to be a lot faster and cheaper compared to the traditional surveying method. The data provided by UAVs are proven to be more accurate and less prone to human error and misinterpretation.
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Communication and Updates
With modern technological advances, communication between parties is a lot faster. Thanks to the help of aerial drones, constant contact, and communication between worksites are more effective and efficient. Even clients can be kept in the loop regularly about a project’s progress and keep tabs with the project manager to ensure that things are going as planned.
One of the positive impacts of drone use in construction is its collection of real-time data which allows for management to supervise on-site workflow and development 24/7.
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Safety and Security
Since drones are able to monitor and collect visual data in a faster manner, they are used more often to conduct aerial surveys to see the real-time conditions on-site. This allows management to stay on top of things and identify any potential threat to workers or public safety. Drones also help in securing an area from civilians who would accidentally — or intentionally — wander into the construction premises and expose themselves to the risks that a construction site has.
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Monitoring and Surveillance
As mentioned, aerial drones are also used to monitor the progress of the project. It is now easier to keep the construction site under surveillance instead of just relying on CCTV cameras and manned patrols. These machines can be used to check how crane operators are doing in a skyscraper construction or oversee the proper installation of aluminum gates in a driveway.
This helps management reduce inefficiency and avoid waste of equipment, energy, and time.
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Inspection and Transportation
Much has already been written about a drone’s ability to secure a site and monitor the events in real-time, which is beneficial in minimizing accidents and increasing workforce efficiency. But on top of that, because of a drone’s size and its maneuverability, it is also utilized as a means of transporting goods and equipment (up to a certain weight) in different locations around the site, especially the hard to reach places.
With the way things are going now, it’s just a matter of time when drones will take over more than half of the workforce on construction sites faster results and lesser expenses.
