Drones, officially known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are changing our society in unprecedented ways, including the construction industry. Though relatively new technology, drones have already become integral tools for contractors, site managers, and others in our field. Here are six ways drones have already altered the construction industry.
- Land Surveying—Surveying land was once a time-consuming, tiresome activity, but drones have changed all that. Sent into the air, they can capture every curve, hill, gully, and dip, sending back accurate images to develop accurate plans.
- Communication and Management Upgrades—Far more than just eyes in the sky, drones equipped with microphones and speakers are evolving on-site communication, allowing managers, contractors, and the rest of the team to stay in constant visual and audio contact, even across vast workspaces. Drones also collect real-time data that can then be analyzed to improve efficiencies.
- Secure Security—Even the best-trained security guard can only monitor so many areas at once. That’s why contractors and site managers are employing drones more often to oversee their worksites at night. They’re efficient and cost-effective, and thanks to motion sensor attachments, they won’t miss anything.
- Inspect High, Low, and Everywhere—Taking a closer look at work six stories high used to require harnesses and safety equipment. The same applied if you wanted to inspect the underside of a bridge or another inaccessible location. Drones eliminate the hassle of additional accessories by letting you get up close in areas that were once difficult to access.
- Material Delivery—No longer do we need to rely on trucks and roads to bring materials to remote sites. Now specially equipped drones can do it for us, reducing travel time and cost and allowing contractors and site managers to move more materials to more places with less hassle.
- Infrastructure Improvements—Drones are adept at scanning and analyzing structures and landscapes, offering comprehensive information human eyes can’t register. This technology is helping construction crews monitor and maintain the most structurally sound designs possible.
