Not all companies deploy drones on their job sites, but the trend is steadily growing. With advancements in precise RTK and PPK positioning technologies, the reliance on time-consuming ground control points during surveys is diminishing. This means that drone usage is poised to expand significantly in the near future.
Drone mapping is proving to be a game-changer for profitability. According to a report by Goldman Sachs last year, construction companies are expected to invest $11.2 billion in drones between 2016 and 2020. It's quite likely that nearly every major civil excavation and large-scale earthwork site will incorporate drones within the next few years.
The advantages of using drones in construction are clear. By leveraging survey-grade drone data, companies can slash their surveying costs by 70% to 90%, expedite the collection of actionable data, and improve project tracking and management. This efficiency boost can greatly benefit businesses, particularly those managing multiple large sites or handling significant earthmoving operations, driving both revenue and profit growth.
Tech-savvy construction leaders see this as an exciting new frontier. Those accustomed to estimating project costs based on educated guesses are now embracing drones as a tool to measure weekly and monthly progress. But why stop there? Day-to-day progress tracking could offer even more insight. Construction sites are dynamic environments, and having more detailed information can only enhance decision-making.
The next phase involves integrating drone data with data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT refers to any device equipped with a sensor that connects to other machines via the internet. This includes construction machinery like bulldozers and haulers, but also extends to wearable tech like safety goggles or even workers' boots.
Already, GPS sensors are commonly fitted on construction vehicles to deter theft and ensure efficient transport. Progressive leaders are starting to realize that linking these sensors with others opens up possibilities beyond simple location tracking. These sensors can provide valuable insights into performance, maintenance needs, and inventory requirements. They can also reveal how frequently equipment is utilized, impacting factors like worker safety and fuel consumption.
Even in isolation, the data collected from IoT devices is beneficial. However, when combined with aerial data from drones, its potential is amplified exponentially. Companies utilizing drones are aware of the vast amount of data they can gather. The most forward-thinking executives understand that for this data to drive true efficiency, it must be converted from mere data points into actionable insights addressing key business questions. Many opt for comprehensive drone solutions with advanced software capable of producing diverse analytics. A standalone drone simply delivers raw data without any processing, regulatory support, technical assistance, or enterprise-level data management.
At first glance, merging IoT and drone data might appear overwhelming, yet it offers a wealth of information to enhance business profitability. For instance, if a company is already calculating earthmoving volumes through its drone solution, the data becomes even more valuable when paired with the cycle and load times of dump trucks to reduce unit costs. Similarly, if drones are used for roof inspections, automatic deployment upon detecting impacts or shifts can yield substantial efficiency improvements.
Construction may not have pioneered IoT, but it’s refining it. Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms are building on the knowledge that fitness enthusiasts have long embraced: measurement leads to enhanced effectiveness, whether it's tracking steps or cubic yards of soil moved. The construction sector is uniquely positioned to take IoT a step further by combining it with drone data for full operational transparency. Technology is becoming an increasingly vital competitive edge, enabling construction executives to visualize the past, present, and future of their projects with clarity.
Related Content: The Earthmover’s Guide to Saving Time and Money with Drone Mapping
*This blog post was adapted from our guest feature in Construction Executive.*
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