10 Benefits of UAV for GIS Mapping and Data Collection Projects

There’s many reasons to look at UAV technology for your future data collection and GIS project needs. GEO Jobe has 4 licensed pilots who have been busy all summer flying a variety of UAV based mapping and GIS update projects, taking advantage of the many benefits this technology provides for the team and for clients.

Laying in those utility updates! On-demand, ortho update capabilities allow utilities to manage their assets more effectively and respond to issues more efficiently
Laying in those utility updates! On-demand, ortho update capabilities allow utilities to manage their assets more effectively and respond to issues more efficiently

These projects have included: Pre and post construction and residential developments; utility (water tower) inspections; R-O-W mapping; airport asset inspections; ortho photography updates; College Campus planning mapping and more – Note: see more about GEO Jobe UAV projects HERE as well as on Twitter and Instagram

Why you need to consider a UAV technology for your next mapping project or 3D model creation. We share just 10 of the many reasons to consider a UAV-based collection project:

  1. UAV flights provide eyes that can reach and hover above specific sites
  2. Equipped with sensors, they can measure, transmit and store data – quickly!
  3. Data can be used to produce or update  topographic and hydrographic maps, volumetric calculations for stockpiles, and flood insurance maps, among other
  4. overhead perspective and 360° panoramas relay a real-time scenario.
  5. Data can be used and rendered in Esri’s ArcGIS online web service and integrated into ArcGIS (or other systems)  for further processing
  6. Images are high resolution and serve a variety of users (and can be integrated into any enterprise GIS platform).
  7. Drones present no safety risk for the operator and eliminate risks to ground and air personnel
  8. Surveying firm McKim & Creed estimates a 60% cost savings using Esri’s Drone2Map over conventional survey techniques.
  9. UAS improved accountability, saved taxpayer money, did not disrupt construction operations
  10. Agencies and city managers can employ affordable orthophotography update projects, by flying and updating only the areas where change has like occurred rather than a costly update project that covers an entire region, territory, or county.

Ohio University has created an interesting Infographic on benefits and Challenges of UAVs

The Benefits and Challenges of UAVs
The Benefits and Challenges of UAVs

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From our GEOPowered Cloud to custom solutions, GEO Jobe is committed to showing clients how geospatial thinking can guide them to save time, money, and make better business decisions. The power of GIS, Simplified!

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