The Importance of Aerial Utility Inspections with Drones
Drones have significantly improved the ROW clearing industry by allowing us to inspect hard-to-reach areas without putting employees at risk. At Lanracorp, safety is a top priority, and we utilize drones for aerial utility inspections so our crew members aren’t placed in dangerous situations. Not only are drones safer than manual inspections, but they also collect more accurate data and are cost-effective. As experts in the industry, we have put together everything you need to know about how we can use aerial inspections and drone work to improve your next project.
Benefits of Aerial Inspections and Assessments
Drones can complete aerial inspections on large projects much quicker than a manual inspection, saving you time and money. During manual inspection processes, the inspector collects and documents visual data. Drones take the place of the inspector’s eyes and provide high-resolution, accurate imagery of the site. Utilizing aerial inspections leads to better decision-making processes for utility contractors, costing you less money in the long run. We use drones to capture vegetation encroachment, size of vegetation, review access points, and so much more.
Data Interpretation and Analysis
Drones collect high-resolution aerial photos, allowing us to get a birds-eye view of your project sites. When paired with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, the scan collected from the drone can be used to create a 3D model of your project site. LiDAR technology is perfect for examining the ground surface of your project site to show accurate digital elevation and site hazards. Utilizing LiDAR technology for your aerial inspections will give you accurate measurements to create digital terrain models (DTM) and digital elevation models (DEMs) of your project site.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Before beginning your right of way clearing and pipeline projects, aerial inspections capture environmental conditions, such as vegetation encroachments, ecological habitats, and potential obstructions. Reviewing these conditions allows contractors to accurately assess your project site and avoid any environmental hazards that may have been missed by a manual inspection. Drones are the ideal technology to use for your project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) as they accurately show any environmental consequences that may occur from your project plan.
Stakeholder Engagement
Drones grant stakeholders the opportunity to see up-to-date images and documentation that are easy to understand so they can provide feedback and input on the project. Since both stakeholders and owners are rarely on-site, drones allow them to receive daily updates, real-time imagery, and live streams showing the progress of their projects. No matter where you may be, you can rest assured knowing your project is progressing smoothly. With these images, you can identify any issues early on and adjust them, preventing costly rework later in the project.
Secure an Aerial Utility Inspection and Drone Work
Secure drone work on your aerial utility inspections as a more accurate and cost-effective solution. Track real-time updates, review documentation, and data collection at any time, and keep your site safer by adding drone technology to your project. If you’re interested in adding drones to your next project, contact us today! We are industry leaders for a reason. We get the job done right every time. The Lanracorp way.