Do Drones Have a Place in Construction? 5 Potential Uses

As the uses and abuses of small drone aircraft continue to be evaluated, some construction firms are turning to these versatile flying machines to add a level of observation, security and practicality that can’t be obtained from the ground. Here are five areas for potential drone use in construction.

Drone Use in Construction

1. Overhead aerial surveys – Drones allow easy overhead observation and inspection of construction sites. The cameras and precise control of drones allow aerial surveys that can’t be matched by larger aircraft such as helicopters or light planes. Drones can be used for this purpose even in urban areas where space is at a premium.
2. Site surveillance – Owners and managers can use drones to monitor ongoing activities on construction sites. Drones can help managers ensure that safety processes are being followed and that on-site practices are within the expected standards. They can also be used to keep an eye on sites at night or on weekends to help control trespassing, theft and vandalism.
3. High-definition image processing – High-definition images from drone-mounted cameras can provide important visual data about construction sites and ongoing projects, allowing managers to see potential problems they couldn’t locate from the ground. High-definition images can be used for tracking progress and for integration with GPS data or building information management sources.
4. Lighting and light planning – A drone can help managers understand the lighting needs of construction sites. With a drone to provide a means of observation from various angles, site managers can also better understand the effects of lighting on the neighborhoods and areas surrounding construction sites.
5. Materials transportation –  Drones can be used to move lightweight materials around a construction site relatively easily. They could be particularly useful in taking materials to hard-to-reach areas such as the tops of under-construction high-rise buildings, across rivers or gaps, or in areas where ground transportation is difficult.

Construction Monitor provides the data and information that helps construction industry professionals make the best possible decisions about the uses of new technology. Contact us today for more information on drone use in construction and how these devices can be used to improve efficiency, safety and security.

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