Exploring the Sky: How Drones Are Revolutionising Modern Surveying

Drones have swiftly become some of the most crucial – and visually captivating – tools in the modern surveying arsenal. Their emergence has dramatically transformed the surveying profession, unlocking a multitude of possibilities that surveyors of the past could scarcely imagine.

Beyond their revolutionary capabilities, drones also offer substantial savings in both time and money for surveyors.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of drones in surveying. We will explore their applications, accuracy, and the industries that can benefit from drone surveying. But first, let’s take a journey through the history of drones.

A Brief History of Drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have a longer history than many might expect. To find their origins, we journey back to the mid-19th century.

In July 1849, during a war between Austria and Italy, a fleet of unmanned balloon carriers was launched. These 200 Austrian balloon carriers were each equipped with a bomb, intended to drop on Venice. While at least one bomb hit its target, most of the balloons were blown off course by a change in wind direction.

Over the years, UAVs evolved, often driven by military needs. World War I saw the development of pilotless aerial torpedoes, and the first remotely piloted vehicles emerged during World War II, created by a model airplane enthusiast. UAVs were used for reconnaissance, combat, and decoy missions.

By the late 20th century, drones had diversified in shape, size, and capability. Their potential extended beyond military uses, becoming valuable tools for data collection and agriculture. The commercial availability of drones soon followed, marking their entry into the private sector.

Today, drones deliver packages, assist in policing, and even participate in drone racing. For surveyors, drones have opened a world of topographical surveying possibilities.

The Many Applications of Surveying Drones

Topographical surveying creates a three-dimensional map of land, detailing both natural and man-made surface features. This data provides crucial information on land elevation, size, and fine details.

Surveying drones, equipped with RGB cameras, capture data from the air. To ensure accuracy, drones photograph the ground multiple times and from various angles, with each image tagged with geo-coordinates.

This base data, processed through photogrammetry software, can generate 3D maps, elevation models, and more.

Drones can achieve a lot in the realm of surveying:

• Automated Mapping: With sufficient ground control points, drones can follow automated flight paths.
• Cadastral Surveying: Drones efficiently capture property boundary data, benefiting real estate and property development.
• LiDAR Mapping: Drones create highly accurate representations of buildings, topographical features, and objects.

Making Life Easier for Surveyors

The advantages of drones for surveyors are manifold:

• Timesaving: Traditional surveys can take days or weeks, but drones can collect data in hours, allowing for thorough data analysis.
• Cost-Effective: Drones reduce the need for extensive on-site personnel and are cheaper than manned aircraft or satellite surveys.
• Accessibility: Drones can reach remote, rugged, and otherwise inaccessible areas with ease.
• Accuracy: Equipped with advanced scanning technology, drones produce high-resolution images and collect topographic data from various angles, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The Future of Surveying Technology

Two centuries ago, the idea that UAVs would revolutionise surveying was unimaginable. Today, the applications are vast and varied. What technological advances will surveyors harness next?

The surveyor’s toolkit continues to evolve with technologies like GPS and 3D scanning. For a comprehensive view of surveying technology, explore our other articles on the subject here.

Drones have undeniably changed the game for surveyors, bringing the profession into a new era of efficiency, precision, and innovation. The sky is truly the limit for what drones can achieve in the world of surveying.