Drones the new kid on the block

Move over tape measure and camera, high-def drones are the new kid on the block. HG’s high-definition surveying manager, Josh Mason, attended the Reality Capture Conference across the ditch last week and found out we’re on-parr - if not ahead of the game when it comes to reality capture. Josh explains how new technology in the surveying space with the introduction of drones has catapulted the ability to digitise the previously inaccessible.

Reality capture started with laser scanning back in the 90s at Harrison Grierson. Sometimes imagery was overlayed to assist with documentation, but it was limited. Reality capture for us moved forward with the introduction of UAVs - or drones as everyone knows them - to our workflows and another step forward with the integration of online platforms for sharing data.

There is a real opportunity for drones to change the way we do business. Lives don’t need to be put at risk for tunnel and pipe inspections anymore. No more tape measures to confirm pipe sizes and inspection cameras to get the condition and location of lateral connections. Drones can combine all of these in less time, with more detail.

Take the Elios 3 drone for example, a new indoor, 3D mapping and inspection drone, it can fly into spaces as small as 60 centimetres and capture centimetre-accurate data. We're starting to talk about how it can revolutionise tunnel mapping, sewage pipe inspections, towers, tanks, and service ducts - the possibilities are endless.

Australia is doing some great things in the mining space, but when it comes to confined spaces, our team of flyability pilots and our UAVs are at the cutting edge. 

Industries like utilities, construction and asset management will see the biggest growth when it comes to the use of drones. They’ll get ahead of the game when it comes to integrating drones into everyday workflows.  

Recently we’ve been working with Kiwirail to look at its integrated design workflows using reality meshes to confirm design ideas, and plan workflows for construction, crossing upgrades and driver training. The introduction of a platform utilising cesium tiles moved the bar in terms of the quality and usability of the information for its business. 

Our work with a fire station in Arrorangi in the Cook Islands allowed us to work from New Zealand and take data captured by the fire chief on-site and create a reality mesh, modelled the information and proposed improvements in Revit. We then rendered in twin motion with interactive models to confirm the layout with the fire squad.

Reality capture will only grow as a method of capturing information. How that process is done will constantly evolve, so keeping up with the pace and implementing change is one of our biggest challenges.

Connect with Josh to learn more about drones and what they can do for your next project.