Advantages of Drone Surveying
Industries have seen a revolution in the way they collect geospatial datasets over the last decade with drones/Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are at the forefront of this remarkable transformation.
Traditional surveying methodologies have served industries for centuries; relying on theodolites, total stations, GPS systems, and more to collect project data. Whilst these methods are reliable and proven, they were often labour-intensive, time-consuming processes, and often involved a high risk exposure. Modern technological advancements within drones/UAS have led to a number of immediately realised benefits. What once began as experimental technology has now become an indispensable tool in modern projects.
The Drone Advantage
Modern drone/UAS surveying has dramatically reduced the time required for site surveys. What once took days or weeks can now be accomplished in hours, producing highly accurate geospatial datasets at a fraction of the cost.
One huge advantage drone/UAS surveys brings is the enhancement of worker safety. Drones/UAS can access those hard-to-reach or potentially hazardous areas areas without putting personnel at risk. One example of this is when capturing data in areas such as cliffs/steep terrain, contaminated sites, or high-rise structures.
The economic realisation of drone/UAS surveying is substantial. Despite the initial investment in training and equipment, the long-term cost savings are significantly reduced through lower labour/personnel hours spent on sites, lower equipment maintenance costs, decreased site downtime (for construction sites, for example), and enhanced project planning efficiency.
Traditional surveying methods generate one point wherever the surveyor stands or aims with their instrumentation, whilst drones/UAS are employed to survey a particular area and these data are used for certain tasks, the secondary use of these data are huge. Utilising the orthomosaic for comparison with previous surveys, generation of 3D flythroughs for further site developments, or being able to design future works and models.
The ability to alter and/or swap drone/UAS platforms and sensors offers versatile that the data collection industry has never seen before. From optical/RGS sensors, thermal and multispectral payloads, to LiDAR, these platforms allow drone/UAS users to produce comprehensive geospatial datasets for the likes of construction, environmental, agriculture, and more.
Overall, drones/UAS surveying leads to:
Safe site environment
Reduced risk exposure
Surveying efficiency
Improved economic return
Versatile platform integration
Our team are highly skilled remote pilots/drone operators with UK and EASA qualifications meaning we can operate throughout the UK and European Union. As geospatial engineers, our backgrounds reflect the knowledge and in-depth experience we have with operating drones/UAS for surveying and mapping tasks.
LAT are an award-winning, veteran-owned organisation based in Durham, North East England. We operate internationally and have supported some high profile projects such as the Ilulissat airport construction in Greenland, Remote Sensing/GIS project for the MOD, expansion and installation of renewable infrastructure in the UK, and more.
Get in touch to see how we can assist your current and future projects with drones.
