Drone mapping is slowly becoming a household name for construction sites. They use data collected by drones to improve the quality and efficiency of work. As a result, the drone market is skyrocketing and is expected to keep rising to meet the demand. Drone mapping or aerial surveying includes taking digital photos and stitching them into maps.
The process is known as photogrammetry. Therefore, if you have a vast worksite, aerial images will provide a complete view of the surface and help you plan appropriately.
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Uses of drone mapping
Capturing images from above depends on the camera axis and the purpose of the picture. Although satellite images cover more excellent surfaces and detail, drone imaging is ideal for small-scale commercial needs. The uses of aerial imagery are diverse; agricultural, urban planning, construction, mining, forestry, and conservation.
Flying a drone above a worksite helps create a digital reflection. An efficient drone survey saves time and resources. You can plan and work even in the furthest corners of the site. Here are practical uses of an aerial survey.
- Measure reserve volumes – Mining and construction companies use drone surveying to know the materials available and what has been used or moved. Further, CompassData images make it easy to understand what needs to be extracted and the time frame of work.
- Cut measurements – earthwork contractors need to know the exact measure of dirt they’re moving or filling. This is applicable in sites where material balance is necessary. Hence, drone images make it easy to make such calculations or judgments.
- Progress tracking – Drone surveys allow you to monitor the progress of a project on every level from inception to the present stage. You can also track the progress to speculate and plan for the remaining part of the project.
Different types of aerial imagery
Aerial mapping is airborne imagery of a worksite or area of interest. Photographs are taken from the sky, and there are three types according to camera axis, sensor, and scale of the image.
Vertical aerial images
Vertical aerial photographs are taken with the camera axis in an upright position. They’re primarily used in mapping, the camera isn’t tilted, and the images cover a smaller area.
Low-slanting aerial photographs
The camera axis is tilted to more than 3°. The images are captured with an angle deviation of 15° – 30° from the vertical axis. In low oblique aerial photos, the horizon is invisible.
High oblique aerial images
The camera angle in high oblique photographs is tilted to a higher degree. Unlike the vertical and low-slanted pictures, the camera axis is inclined to 60°, and the horizon is visible. In addition, it covers a larger area of the site in the photograph.
Conclusion
Aerial survey is a new technology slowly picking up in different areas of professionalism like construction and mining. Capturing the images above is helpful for regional analysis for various purposes, like taking current measurements. The technology also provides the historical and present appearance of landscapes that are difficult to access from the ground. Further, aerial imaging also saves time when covering an extensive worksite.
