Drone technology provided the construction industry with incredible images, video, and 3D imagery. Drones can reach areas otherwise inaccessible, survey construction sites, increase the amount of data available, and detect errors in construction. They are easily able to monitor construction, the environment, hazards, inventory, and maintenance issues. The adoption of drone technology in architecture has been on the rise in recent years. One of the major uses for drones currently in construction is photography.
Drones offer significant advantages for obtaining construction images from a bird's eye view. Helicopters and cranes had been used to obtain overhead construction images for years. There are many barriers to using helicopters for construction photography that are avoided by drones. Drones are not subject to the same airspace regulations that restrict helicopters. Their low flight path allows drones to obtain incredible detail. This detail lends itself to HD photography and video. The high quality of the images allow for showcasing buildings, workers, the construction process, as well as the products used in construction.
The small size of drones give them clear advantages over any other means of obtaining construction site images. Drones are able to reach small spaces, easily reach high areas of construction and offer a full 360 degree view. Their relatively low cost allows construction companies to monitor multiple construction sites at once. This can lead to further savings by reducing the need to be on-site.
Drones have become increasingly useful on construction sites. They can get information about local traffic, and provide for panoramic shots of potential construction sites to assist in site selection. They enhance site mapping and surveying with aerial views. Camera equipped drones can survey construction sites to obtain information about inventory. Using drones to create time lapse videos of construction sites allows a viewer to take in a project’s entire construction phase. Drones can even serve a role in inspections for construction, engineering, infrastructure, or industrial purposes.
Drones are also able to decrease risk by patrolling sites for security and hazard risks. Risks to workers can be reduced by using drones to access dangerous places.
Drone photography is ideal for showcasing architectural features, landscapes, buildings, as well as the products used in construction. A construction drone photographer can provide stunning imagery and videos from various angles. Specialized drone photography services for construction are available with knowledge of the requirements of construction sites as well as specialized expertise in drone photography. Drones operated for commercial purposes are regulated and require a license. In the U.S., this is a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. In Canada, a drone pilot license is required to fly drones that weigh over 250 grams.
Building product manufacturers aim to stand apart from the competition by creating product information for the design community that will entice them to use their products in their projects. Beautiful imagery helps manufacturers appeal to the design community. Traditional photography however may be limited when it comes to showcasing some exterior products. Overhead images provide views that cannot be captured on the ground. Aerial views provided by drones can help obtain unobstructed images from various angles. High quality drone photography can provide excellent material for marketing to the design community.
Manufacturers of building products that are part of a building exterior or the site may want to consider speaking with an aerial drone service provider. There are professional drone photographers who offer specific services for industrial and construction drone photography and videography.
Isaiah Industries is a metal roofing manufacturer that uses drone videos to showcase their products. They share aerial footage with the design community and provide incredible views of their projects, each video communicating the beauty of the product from various angles with a unique perspective of their metal roofs. Isaiah has 11 videos available for designers to view and be inspired by. Each video runs around one minute and gives the viewer access to a metal roof project.
The use of drones in construction will continue to grow. Drone 3D image integrations with BIM workflow tools will improve to enhance data capture and access. Drones may be employed throughout the building lifecycle in various monitoring and inspection capacities. This may not be limited to gathering data and imagery, but involve actual interaction with buildings. While drones have already changed how we view construction sites, time may see drones doing some of the actual construction.
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