The UAV Approach – A Valuable Tool Supporting Accurate Data Collection for the Construction Industry

The GEO Jobe UAV team has been busy collecting data for clients in a number of industries, including projects for clients in utilities, local government, facilities, campus planning, and construction. Some of these projects involve working up 3D and point cloud data to perform analysis in 3D to create accurate, high resolution models and conduct volume calculations and analysis.

A strength of the team has been conducting research and developing cutting-edge practices for generating high resolution 3D models from UAV derived point cloud data. Below is a sample 3D model showing high resolution data captured and modeled for a materials holding yard.

Material Holding Yard 3D Model

Material Holding Yard 3D Model – View in 3D in Sketchfab

Benefits of UAV Data collection

The construction & site development industry has been a large and growing sector for our UAV Services group. Many benefits are realized by these clients who are electing to employ UAV data capture technologies and methods. Most notably, UAV data capture is safe and secure, can be flown relatively quickly, and data products are accurate and detailed. There are a wide variety of uses and advantages for using a UAV for construction-related projects including for example, Monitoring construction job sites keep projects on track, on budget and ensures safe practices. The following are some typical applications for UAS that GEO Jobe UAV can provide for clients in construction and site development sectors:

  • Earthwork volumetric surveys and 3D modeling
  • Topographic mapping
  • Infrastructure/deformation monitoring
  • Infrastructure inspection
  • Asset inventory surveys
  • Visualisation surveys
  • “Progress mapping” suitable for BIM
  • Environmental surveys
  • Thermal inspection surveys
  • Accurate volumetric calculations

In addition to the derivative data products, analysis and reports delivered the clients can also obtain updated ortho photography and digital basemaps for future mapping, digital contour map layers, DEM and 3D data products.

UAV collected data is valuable for accurate volume calculations & measurements

The UAV Approach

Recently, Jeff Lawrence, Business Development with GEO Jobe UAV Group, shared a report on LinkedIn that UAV to LiDAR scan efficiency comparison.  In the report the author’s noted, “A gravel pit is a typical survey site for which a digital point cloud is the most important output, being used for volume calculations, slope measurement, toe and crest detection, the generation of contour lines and more. ” The study found among other things:

  • UAVs therefore represent a valuable method with which surveying teams can reduce their data collection workloads. UAVs could therefore allow such organizations to reduce their staffing costs, offer more competitive pricing and/or complete more projects within a set time.
  • For larger surveying projects, such as this project’s gravel pit or a quarry or construction site of a similar size, RTK–enabled UAV technology provides more than acceptable levels of
    point cloud detail and accuracy, alongside greater efficiently.
  • a UAV approach can potentially improve worker safety, since survey staff do not need to traverse the terrain within a site.

Source: Lerch Weber AG

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See Also: 

Construction and Surveying Industries Seeing Reduced Costs, Increased Productivity by Adopting UAV Technology

 

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