Construction projects present a perfect use for drones. Since the FAA has made it easier to use drones in commercial applications, drones are relatively inexpensive, and you can now buy insurance coverages for drone use, you should consider whether to implement drone technology to improve the quality of services that you offer on your next construction project. If you do not embrace this new technology, you may get left behind! Savvy owners will be requesting drone use on their complex projects because of the relatively low cost and benefits to using this new technology.
Record images: Aerial images and videos can be taken across the project site and “stitched” together to create a comprehensive image of a site. The images are more detailed than those taken by traditional means, and drones can reach areas that were previously inaccessible without cranes or other equipment. The images can be used to record actual progress and conditions on site at certain times and in the same GPS locations each time. Depending on the frequency of drone observations, you can routinely monitor and have a record of what was completed on a project.
Asset Management: Drone images could also be key in asset management on a construction project. Aggregates, materials, equipment, temporary roads and structures, and other items can easily be inventoried from a comprehensive aerial image. An indisputable image depicting everything on site is much more reliable than a hastily written equipment log or other inventory sheet. If you are a contractor, this would help you documents the equipment and materials that were on site. If you are responsible for site observations or payment, you could reference the images to confirm progress and materials on site.
Safety: Safety can be improved by using drones. Drone images and video can help identify unsafe conditions before they cause injury or damage. Should a safety issue arise, the images could also be utilized to rebut the assertion that an unsafe condition had been present for an extended period of time.
Enhanced Site Visits: In addition, the images can be used to report to clients, investors, and project lenders. Detailed and frequent project images could be instrumental in enhancing client satisfaction – especially for clients that are not local – and in keeping the project funded without issue. What better documentation regarding the progress of a project than complete quality imaging?
Surveying. Drones are particularly useful for surveying. Some drone and technology companies advertise that their drones are capable of flying an entire 150-acre site in less than 30 minutes and collecting millions of data points during flight. The additional data points can track progress on a project site with an unprecedented level of accuracy. With additional data, 3D models, topographical maps, and volumetric measurements can be created. In turn, the models can be used to cut costs by more accurately estimating site conditions, necessary fill and equipment. Currently, technology companies are working to develop software that can utilize the data gathered by drones in more innovative and cost saving ways.
Lawsuits. Should a lawsuit or claim arise from a project, drone images could be key in resolving that litigation. The images would assist in resolving claims relating to payment for delivered and stored materials. The facts relating to claims relating to delays could be more readily resolved because project status would be more fully and completely documented.
Check out these YouTube videos which show drones being used on projects.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVHBtCo0KgI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCaVX5yJj6A
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwSUXIjeXzI
If you have any questions about the FAA guidelines for commercial drone operations, we would be glad to help you. The attorneys of Gibbes Burton are passionate about helping professionals and businesses to minimize risk and build success.