Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Surveying: What You Need to Know

Reconnaissance drones are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to generate high-resolution orthomosaics and detailed 3D models of areas where low-quality, outdated or even no data is available. This makes it possible to produce high-precision cadastral maps quickly and easily, even in complex or difficult to access environments. You might be wondering if a drone is better than traditional methods. There are many ways in which they are most beneficial.

These drones can acquire data at strategic points that are not accessible to humans, especially in areas with challenging terrain. There is no need for human operators to physically measure points in hazardous locations. However, those traditional methods require pre-planning before arriving at the site. When a drone flies over an area, it can capture the same amount of data in a shorter period of time.

Drone topography

allows the surveyor to collect data more safely and quickly than traditional methods.

If you're looking for a more efficient way to survey those areas, it might be time to consider using a drone. Like traditional topography, drone surveys have a wide range of applications. Typical land studies establish boundaries, define lines, capture historical evidence, and create records for legal documents, such as deeds. Construction surveys determine where a road, structure, or building will be located, or define how land should be classified before construction begins. Drone topography is the next generation of site surveying.

With the help of a commercial drone, contractors can capture aerial images and site data for topographic purposes. Then, the drone survey data is processed and visualized on an interactive 3D map to track progress, measure volume, improve team collaboration, and more. Surveyors and engineers use drones more frequently to assess and map terrain. The idea of using photogrammetry for this industry is not entirely new, but the concept of implementing drones has made inspections and mapping much more cost-effective. Accuracy is a critical factor when using drones in this industry.

One of the most important considerations when using drones in topography and mapping are the tools needed for adequate accuracy. During drone inspections near reconnaissance sites, pilots deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A drone pilot flies it over the field and uses sensors such as multispectral and RGB cameras to capture data. Like other technologies that have revolutionized industries, drone surveying will not eliminate surveyors, but will dramatically change the methods of surveying, the skills and tools with which surveyors must be trained to remain competitive. Drones won't replace the need to locate corners of properties by hand, but they are beneficial in many other labor-intensive areas, making drones much more efficient. Yes and no, a better answer to this question would be that drones are not wiping out surveyors, but are radically changing the way inspections are carried out.

When you want to complete a drone survey, you follow those basic principles, but you use a drone to gather the information. The versatility of drones allows them to reach areas and perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible for humans to perform, which is why they are used in different industries for topography. When the drone surveys the land, it will use the RGB camera to photograph the ground from different angles. Thanks to its ease of use, reliable accuracy and positive effect on worker safety, many contractors are moving from traditional topography of bases and explorers to drone topography. Hot water lines, water supply pipes, steam supply pipes and condensation return lines can be precisely monitored with the help of drone reconnaissance.

Whether you want to add another tool to your services or want to learn more about the world of drones, here's everything you need to know about drone topography. The software and, more importantly, the equipment connected to that software can have an enormous impact on the outcome of drone topography programs. When the drone is equipped with this software, data is collected to produce a high-density point cloud for the survey site. The term drone study refers to the use of a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to collect aerial data with downward-facing sensors such as RGB cameras, multispectral cameras and LIDAR loads. While multi-rotor drones are easier to fly, those fixed-wing models will shine when you need them to survey a few hundred acres at a time.

Now unmanned aerial vehicles can be configured with high-resolution drone cameras and drone software instead of sending images to a photogrammetrist. However depending on what you need to achieve; the software you use can make your drone surveying experience a success or a failure.