In the ever-evolving environment of land development, the pursuit of sustainable, efficient, and risk-mitigated projects stands at the forefront of industry objectives. With each endeavor comes a host of challenges, ranging from environmental assessments to regulatory compliance, community engagement to terrain analysis. In recent years drones have emerged as a transformative force in overcoming these hurdles. These aerial drones equipped with advanced imaging, mapping, and LiDAR sensing capabilities have revolutionized the way land developers, financial partners, and general contractors can approach their projects.
A Real Estate Development is based on the expectation of a future demand which comes with risk and uncertainty. To be a successful property developer, you must become astute at getting your development to the market at the right time and the right price.
Table of Contents
In this article, we will examine mitigating risks in land development, uncovering several ways drone technology is reshaping the land development industry. By examining critical aspects of the development process, from identifying unbuildable terrains to mediating contractor disputes, we highlight the pivotal role drones play in mitigating risks and optimizing outcomes. Drones are not only important, but indispensable tools to empower developers with unparalleled insights, enabling them to make informed decisions that shape future projects.
Identifying Unbuildable Areas
The initial stages of any land development must be able to distinguish the buildable from the unbuildable. Discovering hidden complexities beneath the earth’s surface, such as wetlands, floodplains, easements, creeks, rugged terrains, or unstable soil conditions, is paramount. These unbuildable areas, if not identified early on, can lead to costly setbacks and unforeseen complications later in the project.
Traditionally, this task has been accomplished through ground surveys and manual inspections, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and potentially hazardous, especially in rugged or inaccessible terrains. With the integration of drone technology, developers now have a game-changing tool at their disposal.
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.
Equipped with the proper imaging technology, drones capture high-resolution aerial imagery and employ LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. LiDAR, known for its exceptional efficiency, can cover up to 300 acres per hour, ensuring swift data acquisition. This dynamic combination allows for the creation of detailed full-site topographical maps in a matter of days, rather than weeks.
Drones, with their ability to access difficult-to-reach areas, can venture into spaces that would otherwise be hazardous for surveyors. This capability is particularly crucial for regions with steep slopes, dense vegetation, or bodies of water. By surveying these areas from above, drones ensure a comprehensive understanding of the site’s constraints. Creating detailed mapping of the area will ensure that no unbuildable area goes unnoticed.
Community Opinion & Planning Approval
Community engagement and obtaining planning approval are pivotal milestones that can significantly impact the trajectory of a project. The harmony between a development project and its surrounding community often determines its long-term success and acceptance. Drones can facilitate a seamless presentation of the development proposal to regulatory bodies. The visual documentation and data collected by drones provide a compelling case for the project’s adherence to zoning laws, environmental regulations, and other planning requirements.
One recent example of success between developers and its surrounding community is the Hercules property in Roxbury, NJ. The developers were able to visually present their plans during a community meeting to explain their vision of transforming the property into a thriving warehouse space. The developers did this by utilizing drone footage to showcase the designated development area with several different types of aerial drone imagery. This gave attendees and city officials a clear view of what the finished project would look like, and how it would impact the surrounding area.
Related Article – How Developers Leverage Drone LiDAR in Preliminary Design
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT droneS? START HERE.
Drones are able to provide a vivid representation of the finished project, which can be used not only for stakeholders to understand the scope and scale of the development, but also to foster transparent communication between developers, local communities, and regulatory authorities. Concerned parties are able to voice concerns, propose adjustments, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions, much like what transpired in the Roxbury case.
In essence, drones serve as a catalyst for aligning community opinion and obtaining planning approval. They transform abstract blueprints into tangible visuals that facilitate meaningful engagement with stakeholders and the community. This open discourse minimizes the likelihood of community opposition and fosters a sense of ownership and inclusion with the project. All of this aids in expediting the approval process, reducing administrative delays, and ensuring compliance with local ordinances.
Environmental Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
The commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to regulatory requirements are non-negotiable principles. These facets not only reflect responsible development practices but also ensure longevity and a positive impact of projects on the surrounding ecosystems. EPA compliance requirements for real estate construction and property development span a wide range of regulatory demands regarding land, water, and air. These requirements are outlined within the EPA’s Construction Section (NAICS 23), but it is up to each developer to adhere to the requirements.
Drones provide a dynamic means of compliance monitoring throughout the construction phase. They can detect deviations from planned designs and flag potential environmental risks in real time. This proactive approach empowers developers to take corrective action promptly, thereby avoiding costly legal entanglements and ensuring adherence to regulatory mandates.
While aiding compliance, the aerial view drones offer are crucial for environmental assessments as well. Drones are now used to understand wildlife habitats, vegetation cover, and potential ecological sensitivities. The high-resolution imagery and thermal sensors enable developers to identify and monitor critical ecological zones, ensuring that they remain untouched or receive the necessary mitigation measures.
Topographic drone LiDAR map of construction site
Terrain & Topographical Analysis
The time-honored saying “location, location, location” still rings true in land development today. Selecting the right site for a land development project is a critical decision that can significantly impact its overall cost, timeline, and feasibility. One of the primary factors influencing this choice is the terrain and topography of the land. Flat, easily navigable land is typically favored for development, while heavily sloped terrain may necessitate extensive and costly earthworks.
Traditionally, conducting a thorough terrain and topographical analysis involved expensive and time-consuming ground surveys, or fixed winged aircraft flights if aerial imagery was required. These surveys, while crucial, often posed a financial burden and delayed the initial stages of the project. Even worse, committing substantial upfront capital to these surveys before confirming the property’s feasibility for development was a risky proposition.
Those costs, and risks, have been almost completely mitigated with the use of drone technology. When using LiDAR technology, drones are capable of swiftly and accurately mapping out the contours and elevations of the land. This data is then transformed into detailed point clouds and 3D models, providing developers with a comprehensive understanding of the terrain without the hefty upfront investment of traditional survey crews.
The result in the efficiency of drone-based terrain analysis is they expedite the overall project timeline. Developers can quickly assess multiple potential sites, narrowing down options based on concrete data rather than relying on speculative assessments.
Contractor & Tradesman Disputes
Navigating the intricacies of a land development project often involves coordinating multiple contractors and tradesmen, each with their own responsibilities and timelines. Unfortunately, disputes can arise from misunderstandings, differing interpretations, or unforeseen challenges. All of these pose a significant amount of risk and could cause lengthy delays in the project.
Drones have emerged as invaluable tools for mediating and even preventing these disputes by providing an objective, real-time record, of the entire construction process. Data collected from a preliminary design phase all the way through the completed project serves as visual documentation, an unbiased reference point, in case of disputes related to work quality, adherence to specifications, or compliance with timelines.
If a disagreement arises over the installation of utilities or the placement of structural elements, the aerial footage captured by drones offers an unambiguous record of the construction site’s state at any given point in time. This visual evidence can be crucial in resolving disagreements swiftly and fairly. Enabling a proactive approach can help prevent disputes from arising in the first place, as issues can be addressed before they escalate.
Getting Started with Drone Technology in Land Development
The integration of drone technology has made an undeniable impact in the business of land development. From identifying unbuildable areas to mediating contractor disputes, drones have proven to be an indispensable tool in mitigating risks and optimizing outcomes. Their ability to provide precise data, enhance communication with stakeholders, and streamline various aspects of the development process promises a new era of efficiency and sustainability.
When considering drone technology for your land development project, it is highly recommended to hire a drone service provider with experience in this field. The Drone Life pilots are highly trained, licensed, OSHA-certified, and experienced in navigation and safety around construction sites. By hiring an experienced drone service provider, you can ensure your plans are carried out by professionals who understand the nuances and complexities of your land development project. Schedule a free consultation today with The Drone Life for more information.
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.
