What Is a Survey Drone?
A Survey Drone is a drone designed for surveying geographical information, such as terrain.
By combining terrain data obtained through sensors like cameras or lasers mounted on drones with position information acquired through GPS, dedicated software can analyze and process the data. This process enables the creation of accurate maps and 3D models. The efficient and rapid data collection capabilities allow for surveying large areas in a short period.
Moreover, Survey Drones enhance safety in construction sites and disaster areas by enabling data collection without the need to climb hazardous or elevated locations. It also offers potential cost reductions in terms of labor and equipment expenses, particularly in large-scale surveys.
However, it’s important to note that legal regulations regarding drone flights may exist in different regions. Proper licenses must be obtained, and operations must comply with the law. Compliance with regulations related to privacy and data protection is also essential.
Uses of Survey Drone
The primary use cases for Survey Drones are as follows:
1. Construction and Civil Engineering
Survey Drones are commonly used for pre-construction site surveys. They collect information necessary for construction plans by understanding the current state of the land and identifying differences with the design. They are also utilized for progress monitoring and reporting during construction.
2. Environmental Survey
Survey Drones monitor the health of forests, detect growth rates, and identify areas with dying trees. This contributes to sustainable forest resource management and early warning systems for forest fires. They are also employed to survey wildlife habitats, providing data for wildlife conservation efforts.
3. Mining
Survey Drones are used in mineral exploration. They observe not only the surface but are also employed for mapping underground structures. They can detect changes in terrain and differences in rock composition, facilitating the identification of mineral deposits and types.
4. Disaster Sites
In the aftermath of natural disasters, Survey Drones are used to assess disaster sites. They accurately evaluate the scale and impact of disasters such as floods, landslides, or forest fires. This information aids in formulating emergency response plans.
Principles of Survey Drone
There are two types of Survey Drones: Photogrammetric Drones and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Drones.
Photogrammetric Drones use cameras onboard to capture multiple aerial photos, which, when combined with GPS-based location information, allow for accurate geographical information through analysis. Photogrammetric analysis requires specialized software, along with markers visible from above and software for analysis. Markers come in inexpensive printed types and those with built-in GPS. The software can be installed on a PC or used in the cloud.
LiDAR Survey Drones, on the other hand, replace camera sensors with LiDAR, emitting laser beams from above to collect highly accurate terrain data while eliminating the impact of vegetation.
The drones often utilize GPS for self-positioning, allowing for flight route planning and location information tagging on data.
The core technologies supporting these operations include the drone’s flight control system. This system, using components like gyroscope and accelerometer data, helps maintain stability during flights, even in windy conditions.
How to Choose a Survey Drone
When selecting a Survey Drone, consider the following factors:
1. Measurement Accuracy
Choose a Survey Drone that aligns with the required precision for your intended purpose. Particularly in construction projects or land surveys, high accuracy is often crucial. The precision of the drone’s position information acquired through GPS can impact the accuracy of survey results.
2. Sensors and Cameras
The sensors and cameras of the Survey Drone significantly affect the quality and efficiency of data collection. Typically, RGB cameras collect visual data for generating maps and 3D models. The resolution of camera sensors, along with the performance of the gimbal mechanism to reduce lens distortion and vibrations, influences survey accuracy. For creating accurate terrain data unaffected by vegetation, LiDAR sensors can be chosen.
3. Flight Time
The typical flight time of a Survey Drone ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. Select a product with an appropriate flight time based on the survey area.
4. Durability
It is essential to confirm the drone’s protection rating against elements like dust and rain, especially when used outdoors. Additionally, models with high wind resistance can maintain stable flights in unstable weather conditions.