The Impact of Drones on Construction

Drone technology has taken the world by storm, allowing consumers and businesses alike to capture footage all over the globe at the touch of a button. Whether it is a young child playing with a drone in their garden or a global enterprise taking unique aerial footage of a potential new site, there is no denying that drones have transformed the way we live and work. 

However, when it comes to the construction industry, drones have had an even bigger impact. In fact, the industry has experienced a colossal 239% growth in drone use in the past 12 months, which is higher than any other commercial sector. 

Interested to find out more about drone technology in the construction sector? Read on to discover how this popular innovation has revolutionised the industry. Plus, what more they can offer in the future. 

How are drones used in the construction industry? 

If used to their full potential, drones can transform the way in which construction sites and their workers operate. Some of the most popular uses for drone technology in construction are:

To carry out topographic mapping and land surveys 

When planning a large construction project, topographic mapping is essential as it allows construction managers to be able to map vast quantities of land. That being said, this process can be lengthy and expensive. Fortunately, drones can be used to facilitate this time-consuming task by significantly cutting down the time it takes to gather the necessary information. 

To provide remote monitoring

If a client wants to check on the progress of a site, then drone technology enables them to do this from anywhere around the world. Drones can provide aerial views that are second-to-none which means they do not need to be on-site to see what is going on and how their money is being spent. 

Furthermore, drones can make collaboration between clients and teams much simpler through the sharing of data and information. 

To improve on-site safety 

Accidental death is common in the construction industry and is a concern for many construction managers. Through the use of drone technology, on-site safety can be vastly improved, and many accidents can be prevented. 

For example, drones can be used instead of workers to navigate around hazards and to climb onto unsafe platforms. They can also be used to monitor on-site safety and to share safety information more effectively. 

To improve on-site security 

Theft and damage is a major concern for those working within the construction industry, with expensive equipment being highly attractive to opportunist vandals. However, with the use of drones, construction managers can keep their supplies safe around the clock. In the last year, innovative drone photography Las Vegas has been used to great effect, enabling construction businesses to monitor both their workers and their on-site equipment. 

Furthermore, drones can be used to quickly identify any trespassers and even to notify local authorities. 

To save time 

Time is always of the essence when it comes to construction, and drones can help companies and clients alike to dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to carry out many crucial on-site tasks. 

For example, drones can provide accurate survey data in far less time than it would take a human. Why would a worker walk for hours and hours when a drone can do it in less than half an hour? It just makes sense to make the most of the technology that exists. 

Who has the most to gain from drone technology? 

Construction companies that take on large projects are the ones that will see the biggest impact from the use of drones. However, that doesn’t mean that smaller enterprises cannot also utilise drone technology. 

In particular, construction companies that manage infrastructures such as roads, railways, bridges and airports will benefit the most from drones as they can use drone data to optimise their projects and cut costs. 

What is the future of drone technology in construction? 

The future is looking bright for drones in construction, with more and more companies taking advantage of the many benefits of this technology. 

Currently, drone technology can be used to reduce costs, save time, reduce risk and improve on-site productivity, but the possibilities are endless in the future. In fact, industrial drones are already being used to lift construction weights of up to 1,000 pounds! 

What is exactly in store is yet to be revealed, but it is safe to say that drone technology is here to stay in the construction industry, and things are only set to get more exciting!