New technology propels the construction industry forward, and none do so more effectively than drones. According to a 2021 Dodge Data & Analytics survey, 37% of respondents reported using drone technology on their worksites, with 6% of general contractors expecting to incorporate the tool for future use. Considering the sector’s historically slow adoption of new technology, this figure represents a sizable step away from manual surveying, paper documentation, and long, billable hours — and looks ahead toward a brighter future.
For construction stakeholders both large and small, drones provide unmatched, irreplaceable value amongst clients, contractors, tradesmen, and workers alike. Whether improving safety on-site or enhancing decision-making in the back office, drone imagery and its accompanying software streamlines time-consuming processes and cuts back on costly site visits, physical inspections, and rework. By enabling remote monitoring and simultaneous progress tracking, contractors can instead focus on meeting deadlines with proactive project scheduling and maintenance. Let’s take a look at how some of the most involved project stakeholders can benefit from drone technology.
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Clients & Owners
Because they’re rarely on-site, both clients and owners often miss out on day-to-day updates and real-time imagery related to project progress. While large accomplishments and major builds are shared, simple tasks completed rarely receive recognition or acknowledgment. In this way, drones serve as effective site monitoring tools, granting visibility to offsite stakeholders who may be too far away or otherwise unable to visit frequently. With a variety of options, including orthomosaic images, high-resolution videos, or even live streams, owners can be assured that the project is progressing smoothly and as-described.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
Similarly, visually seeing blueprints, building designs, or 3D models via a cloud-based drone software further involves clients in the construction lifecycle. By limiting travel and over-communicating project plans, project managers are able to ensure lower costs. Identifying issues early and making adjustments to meet each client’s preferences also helps prevent costly rework later on.
General Contractors
These same principles apply to the roles of general contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople. Drone technology offers an unparalleled, single source of truth from which to work from, allowing GC’s to build trust with everyone in the supply chain. Time-stamped imagery settles disputes and communicates progress, while topographic maps identify site grades, trucking routes, and stockpile volumes. With hundreds or thousands of data points easily accessible at any given moment, contractors can make the best, most informed decision for their site. Plus, they can virtually share these details with others in just a few clicks.
Related Article – Why Technology Adoption is Slow in Construction (And How to Overcome It)
As a contractor or project manager, safety also falls under your jurisdiction. Although drones can perform remote inspections completely from the air, they can also be used for smaller, less comprehensive tasks, like spotting hazards before they become outright dangerous. This can include shaky scaffolding, unstable stockpiles, or material leakage. By optimizing these processes, project managers have the opportunity to be proactive, rather than reactive.
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Surveyors & Engineers
Beyond simply adding color to project plans, drone technology benefits project engineers, technicians, and on-site surveyors through reliable data collection and precise measurements. Traditional methods employ teams of laborers and encompass multiple days traversing uneven or undeveloped construction sites, taking photographs and gathering measurements pre- or post-build. Drones automate this process, establishing a baseline or terrain reference in a fraction of the time — and with far more detail.
When equipped with LiDAR, grading, elevation, and advanced topography come to light. Most drones on the market today can measure cut/fill volumes with perpetual accuracy, and complete volume calculations in the same movement. With this immediate information at their disposal, engineers can reduce waste, cross-check their manual work or project plans, and correctly allocate earthwork material.
Developers
For developers, drone technology enhances decision-making with proper project oversight, even amidst competing priorities. Remote monitoring, live streams, and repeated progress reports minimize site visits and ensure efficient due diligence. If each build in one’s portfolio supplies this kind of insight, developers can be heavily involved in multiple projects at one time — a true first for the industry. Despite an initial investment, drones make up for their costs with continuous automation of long-held, analog tasks, giving workers the chance to move into more specialized roles and learn new technology.
Investors & Bankers
Point blank: investors and bankers need to be assured of the bottom line. To gain confidence in the decision to invest, drones provide evidence of a project’s value throughout each stage of its build. Pre-construction, an aerial survey unveils the land’s potential, and paints a clearer picture of the work needed to make project plans a reality. During construction, site photos and videos convey progress, and communicate unspoken timelines or budget restrictions. Inspections post-build act as insurance, proving that work was completed as-designed, on-budget, and within deadline.
These factors lessen the perceived or actual risk of investing, and give bankers the validation they need that the project and its owners will be accessible for questions and concerns. With the versatility of drone technology, investors are able to make a safe, informed decision regarding their finances.
Unlock Countless Possibilities: Consult a Drone Expert
To stay at the forefront of the industry, it’s imperative to keep innovating. Drone technology is an invaluable tool for enhancing communication, documentation, and site planning — and is far more accessible than one might think.
At The Drone Life, we work with numerous construction companies throughout the U.S. to create personalized drone solutions for your project’s diverse needs. If you’re interested in exploring drone technology for your business, schedule a free consultation with one of our drone experts.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
