Not all companies integrate drones into their job sites, but the trend is definitely growing stronger. As precision improves with technologies like RTK and PPK positioning, the reliance on time-consuming ground control points for surveys is diminishing. This shift is expected to push the use of drones even higher across industries.
Drone mapping is proving to be a game-changer for profitability. Last year, Goldman Sachs projected that construction companies would invest $11.2 billion in drones from 2016 to 2020. By the next few years, almost every major civil excavation and earthwork site will likely be utilizing drones.
The advantages are clear. Using drone data for surveys can cut costs by 70-90%, expedite data collection, and allow project leaders to oversee operations more effectively. This efficiency boost can significantly enhance both revenue and profit margins, especially for businesses managing multiple large sites or extensive earthworks.
Tech-savvy construction managers view drones as a new frontier. While some already use drones to assess weekly and monthly progress, tracking daily changes could offer even greater insights. Construction sites are dynamic environments where having more data can lead to better decision-making.
The next phase involves integrating drone data with IoT devices. IoT refers to machines equipped with sensors that connect over the internet. This includes construction vehicles like trucks and bulldozers, wearables like safety goggles, and even personal items like phones or boots.
Already, GPS sensors on vehicles help deter theft and ensure efficient routes. Visionary leaders are now exploring how linking these sensors with others can unlock advanced functionalities beyond mere location tracking. These sensors can monitor performance, maintenance needs, and inventory demands, offering deeper insights into equipment usage patterns, which can influence safety measures and fuel consumption.
Even in isolation, sensor data is valuable. Yet, when paired with aerial drone data, its potential multiplies. Companies using drones are recognizing the importance of transforming raw data into actionable insights. Many opt for comprehensive drone solutions featuring cutting-edge software capable of generating diverse analytics. Without proper software, drones merely collect data without adding context, regulatory support, or strategic insights.
Combining IoT and drone data might initially seem complex, but it opens up vast opportunities for operational optimization. For instance, merging drone-derived earthmoving volumes with truck cycle times can reduce unit costs. Similarly, automating drone inspections after detecting impacts on rooftops through sensors can yield significant efficiency gains.
Construction isn't pioneering IoT; instead, it's refining its application. Architecture, engineering, and construction firms are capitalizing on the principle that measurable data enhances outcomes, whether tracking physical activity or material movement. By integrating IoT with drone data, the industry moves toward full transparency across job sites. Technology is becoming a critical differentiator, enabling construction executives to visualize project timelines comprehensively.
Related Content: The Earthmover’s Guide to Saving Time and Money with Drone Mapping
*This blog post was adapted from our guest article in Construction Executive.*
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