How is drone software for construction changing the way earthworks and civil construction teams manage their day-to-day operations? No matter the scale or complexity of a construction project, 3D models created using drone data support the three-pronged goal of precision, timely delivery, and safety.
By flying construction sites regularly—and relying on the Propeller Aero platform to create accurate 3D models using data collected in-flight—you can reduce project costs, improve safety on job sites and even promote sustainability in your operations. Read on to gain an understanding of how 3D renderings are useful before, during, and after construction.
Pre-construction phase
Drone surveys provide useful data even before breaking ground on a project. After the Propeller Platform processes data collected during flight and creates an accurate 3D rendering, construction teams have access to valuable information that improves the bidding process.
Referring to 3D models, contractors have an exact measurement of volumes that need to be moved based on the project’s final design, allowing them to precisely gauge materials and labor needed to successfully manage the project. Not only does this help contractors avoid underbidding—leading to a potential loss for the project—but also overbidding, resulting in a lost opportunity for the work.
Drone surveys also improve safety on the jobsite before boots and machines even hit the ground. Pre-construction inspections identify potential hazards remotely. Traditionally, this was a dangerous job as some areas can be unstable or hard to access. Site inspectors no longer need to traverse potentially dangerous areas—with remote monitoring, it’s easy to spot hazards from the sky, promoting safety throughout the duration of the project.
Construction phase
As you start moving earth on the project, 3D models continue to provide significant benefits. Flying the site regularly—even weekly, in some cases—gives construction crews an up-to-date look at conditions on the ground. The current 3D renderings can be compared to final design, ensuring that the project remains on track and on budget.
Propeller’s Timeline feature makes it easy for teams to check whether key project milestones are progressing according to schedule. Site managers have all the information they need to make important decisions that affect the timeline and, therefore, the profitability of a project. With regular progress checks, they can quickly determine if crew, material, or equipment is being properly deployed. Not only are there financial advantages for your business, but the regular updates also assure stakeholders that the work is progressing as planned.
Post-construction phase
3D models remain useful even after project completion. Whenever a construction project needs to be retrofitted, updated, extended, or modified in any other way, contractors have instant access to all historical information stored in Propeller’s cloud-based platform. Any time modifications need to be made to the property, the additions can be inserted right into the existing 3D models, giving construction teams an accurate rendering of how the changes fit into the design as it currently stands.
Drone data is useful throughout all construction phases
Construction teams around the world are already reaping the benefits of accurate 3D models created with the help of drone data and Propeller’s helpful processing platform. The 3D models are helping architects, engineers, site managers, and teams on the ground better manage construction projects by enabling better bidding, more frequent progress tracking, and insight into future design adjustments. When it comes to keeping projects safe, on-time and profitable, the small but mighty drone is swiftly bringing positive change to the construction industry.
