All walks of life have begun to use some high-tech tools to optimize operating processes and improve efficiency. Among them, RTK drones combine the need for centimeter accuracy, which is very suitable for the construction industry. Construction drones help real estate contractors or house planners to work efficiently faster and safer, gaining an invaluable source of necessary data from the air.
Using the latest drone RTK technology, contractors can revolutionize their processes, from surveying and 3D geospatial mapping to traffic management, security inspections and more.
How Are Drones Fitting Into Today's Construction Industry?
The drone's aerial perspective provides us with a wide range of data information, and the RTK drone further refines these drone data to the centimeter level.
Site measurements and 3D modeling: Construction crews create accurate 3D maps from aerial drone measurements. Frequently updating these maps and sharing drone data with all stakeholders keeps departments aligned. Having such a comprehensive record of construction progress enables teams to detect potential hazards, track project performance against forecasts and make adjustments as needed.
Volume calculations: Calculating inventory volumes allows for more precise planning when determining how to manage inventory on a construction site. Whether using photogrammetry or lidar, this is one way to increase the efficiency of key workflows on construction sites. Knowing how much of a given material is left (and where it is) helps with logistics.
Asset Tracking: In addition to tracking material inventory levels, construction crews can use aerial photography and models to track the movement of large assets across expansive construction sites. Knowing the location of assets on a daily basis can help keep workers safe on construction sites and keep the equipment itself safe.
Building Information Monitoring (BIM): BIM is a digital design process that runs in parallel with physical construction work. Contractors can ensure their designs are on track by capturing real-world geospatial data from drones and comparing it to their pre-visualized BIM designs. LiDAR drones can even be used to gather information about the interior of structures under construction and add this data to BIM systems.
Inspections: Inspections via drones could allow contractors to gather information from construction sites without forcing workers into hazardous areas, exposing them to potential risks. Some advanced drones have a marker feature, which allows objects within the terrain to be marked, and the operator can reduce the risk of missing anything due to human error.
Master planning and organization: Construction drones complement master planning to a certain extent. When contractors need additional insight into a part of their job, they can deploy an advanced drone to gain a new perspective. This flexibility helps to work efficiently.
Difficulties in collecting information and data in the construction industry
Lack of digitization and data usage: Construction is not a highly digital industry from a record keeping and planning perspective.
Following the general trend of collecting and using accurate data can save contractors money and increase efficiency, as documentation is slower, less precise and can create compliance challenges.
Barriers to Collaboration: In addition to a general lack of digital data for contractors to use, these companies also often cannot share information quickly and efficiently. Teams can be siled and disjointed, with no standardized approach to data visibility.
Application examples of construction drones
STRABAG SE, a European contractor specializing in the construction of transport infrastructure such as motorways, has been using drones since 2015. RTK drones provide convenience for huge surveying needs and optimize workflow.
STRABAG SE is able to utilize RTK drones to provide aerial coverage of the vast area being transformed, making it easier to collect data and integrate it directly into the company's digital platform.
3D models created from aerial geospatial data have a high point density, so workers have better quality digital plans than if they were only working with land surveyors.
What Are the Must-Have Drone Technologies for Construction Drones?
real-time kinematics
In the construction industry, manual repeated data measurement is for accuracy, and RTK drones can ensure centimeter-level accuracy. An RTK drone is essentially a drone with an RTK module installed. The Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) module enables centimeter-level precise measurement quality.
The method of triangulating the positions of base stations, drones and satellites generates geospatial data that can be imported into mapping software. RTK requires fewer ground points than other drone surveying methods, relies on a single base station, and automatically corrects errors during flight. RTK drones can also be equipped with Post-Processing Kinematics (PPK), an alternative method that is especially useful in areas with obstacles or weak satellite signals.
photogrammetry
Photogrammetry involves taking multiple photos and combining them using software to create a high-resolution 2D or 3D digital map or model from which accurate measurements can be made. This requires drones with high-resolution camera lenses for sensitive photogrammetry.
lidar
In some cases, 3D modeling measurements of workplaces can be performed using light sensing and measurement (LiDAR) modules. LiDAR relies on pulses of light, directly passing through those pulses to sense the position of a point in space, rather than assembling a 3D model from aerial imagery.
A complete drone kit includes more than the latest in mapping, scanning and sensor technology. These drones are also equipped with flight automation and smart flight features to assist operators and ensure safety and stability. Similarly, current commercial drones are further improving battery technology, including self-heating battery packs.
Which Autel drones are suitable for the construction industry?
The most suitable RTK drone for the construction industry, and Autel RTK drones include Autel EVO II Pro RTK and Autel EVO II Dual 640T RTK, the former has a high-definition 6k camera, and the latter has an 8k thermal imaging, which is divided into RTK V2 series and RTK V3 series. But the RTK V2 series and RTK V3 series use the same RTK module, and the difference between them lies in the difference of the drone.
Summarize
Construction drones with RTK technology are undoubtedly one of the most complete drone equipment in construction. The adoption of drones in construction and various roles is increasing. It can fully improve workplace efficiency while ensuring worker safety. , which has attracted numerous contractors as well as drone organizations. If your organization is ready to start using drones but not sure where to start, take a look at the Autel Drone RTK Series.
