Taking Flight: A Beginner's Guide to Using Drones for Site Surveying

Drones were once cutting-edge technology. Today, they are a common tool for surveying, tracking progress and maintaining quality control. Companies use drones to improve data-based decision-making, providing accurate site data that integrates with construction and project management software.

Globally, the surveying drone market was valued at $6.5 billion in 2023, and experts anticipate it to grow to $19 billion by 2032. If you're still using traditional surveying methods, it's time to upgrade.

Learn everything you need to know in this guide to using drones for surveying.

What Is Drone Aerial Surveying?

Drone aerial surveying is collecting site survey data using drones. These devices generally have cameras and other sensors, such as real-time kinematics (RTK) and light detection and ranging (lidar), to capture images and topographical data, which are processed in specialized software to create maps and reports for project stakeholders.

Using drones can reduce surveying time and increase accuracy. What used to take days now takes minutes, improving efficiency and productivity. However, proper planning and regulatory compliance are essential. Drone pilots must not fly unregistered drones or operate in restricted areas.

Drones are most valuable when used with software for data sharing and project management. They can streamline field layout by providing precise site data that integrates directly with your layout workflows. Connecting drone data to project management and building information modeling (BIM) platforms streamlines workflows, allowing teams to validate, visualize and collaborate on up-to-date site models.

Overall, drone surveying can help reduce costs, increase speed and improve quality control.

Benefits of Using Survey Drones

Here are some of the main advantages of integrating drones into your project:

Accuracy: High-resolution cameras and lidar sensors take detailed pictures and topographical scans to create highly accurate maps and models. They can also help measure material volumes, allowing more precise material management and cost estimates.
Efficiency: Drones can survey a site much faster than traditional methods and make it easier to document progress. Real-time overhead views can also help monitor material use and track equipment, especially on large sites.
Cost savings: Because surveys done with drones are faster and only require one person, you save on labor costs.
Safety: Drones can safely access difficult-to-reach places to conduct inspections without putting workers at risk. Check scaffolding, identify environmental hazards and monitor safety compliance with drones. In an emergency, drones can also provide video in real time to enhance emergency responses.
Documentation: Quickly and accurately track project progress, milestones and quality control. Drone imagery makes it easy to spot discrepancies early, further saving you time and money.
Communication: Real-time updates improve communication between stakeholders, allowing prompt discussions and faster decisions.

How to Use Drones for Aerial Surveying

Follow these steps for successful drone surveys, from flight planning and data capture to photogrammetry processing.

Choose the Right Drone

Select a commercial drone meant for frequent use. The model you choose should support photogrammetry and meet United States regulatory and security requirements.

Drones generally have high-resolution cameras and RTK sensors, but some also have lidar sensors. RTK sensors allow centimeter-level positioning for more accuracy than standard GPS. Lidar is useful because it can penetrate vegetation and scan in low-light conditions, enabling you to collect data where photogrammetry may fail. If the drone you want doesn't have lidar, you may be able to add a lidar scanning payload.

Comply With Regulations

You may need to get permits or permissions to comply with regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local ordinances.

Under federal regulation Part 107, commercial drone pilots must be FAA-certified and register the drone with the FAA. To become certified, you must pass a test and a TSA background check. Certification doesn't expire as long as you complete ongoing training every two years.

You can register online at the FAA's DroneZone. The registration is good for three years and has a small fee.

Plan Your Drone Survey Flight

Begin with a clear plan, identifying the area you want to survey and noting any potential obstacles or restricted zones. If possible, schedule flights for clear, low-wind days for the best lighting conditions and data quality. If necessary, set up ground control points for higher accuracy.

Ensure anyone working on-site is aware of the site plan and safety protocols. Clear expectations and communication prevent disruptions and help make data capture more efficient.

Capture Aerial Data With Your Drone

Take pictures and scans as you fly. Automated flight paths offer more consistent coverage and require minimal manual intervention. Monitor the drone in real time to ensure all planned areas are captured, and be ready to intervene if necessary.

Before you leave the site, quickly review the data to verify that you collected all the information you need.

Process the Data With Basic Photogrammetry

Transfer the data to your software or secure cloud storage. Many drones allow direct upload to cloud-based software, reducing the risk of data loss. Integrating drone data with your project controls and BIM platforms creates a closed-loop workflow, facilitating continuous feedback and improved project outcomes. Additionally, everything is stored in the same place, eliminating data silos and improving speed and accuracy.

Your software may include built-in tools to process images, create 3D models and prepare reports and other deliverables.

Analyze and Use the Survey Data

You can create drone-generated maps, 3D models and other reports to share with office and field teams. Stakeholders can use the data to visualize site progress and check quality. With drone survey data, it's easier to make quick, informed decisions.

Common ways to use the data include:

3D models: These models are useful for site planning and calculating earthwork.
Topographic surveys: Use these when developing infrastructure and preparing the site.
High-resolution aerial imagery: Identify potential safety hazards or deviations from the plans.
Maps: Get accurate, up-to-date bird's-eye views of the entire site to track progress.

Contact Duncan-Parnell to Start Surveying Sites With Drones

We hope this surveying drones guide has demonstrated the value of drones for your business and how easy they are to use. When you're ready to upgrade to the latest surveying technology, turn to Duncan-Parnell. We have a wide selection of drones that can increase your efficiency and precision when surveying a site.

We're proud to provide the latest tools for improving productivity and enhancing field operations. We bridge the gap between your office and field teams for a streamlined workflow. Reach out to request a quote or if you have any questions about our field products or services.