Soaring High: 5 Ways Uses of Construction Drones are Innovating the Industry

This post was originally published on May 18, 2017, and rewritten on September 25, 2023.

A few short years ago, the notion of unmanned robots gracefully soaring above construction sites, overseeing project progress, and contributing to cost savings would have been considered nothing short of science fiction. Fast forward to today, and these remarkable aerial assistants have become an integral part of the construction industry, wielding transformative potential.

Research shows that the global drone construction monitoring market is expected to soar to an astounding US$1,149.0 million by the year 2033. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 8% between 2018 and 2022, these statistics indicate a rapid evolution and adoption of drone technology in construction. In the present landscape, the commercial drone construction monitoring sector holds sway with a commanding 54.2% market share in 2023.

In an industry where precision and efficiency are paramount and the consequences of mistakes are high, drones have emerged as not just a promising, but indispensable tool. Construction projects, often labyrinthine and laden with tasks that can be both time-consuming and error-prone, are being revolutionized through drone technology for better efficiency and higher security.

To learn more, read our top 5 ways that drone technology is elevating construction practices:

Enhanced Project Tracking: A New Perspective

Drones have ushered in a new era of project tracking, offering sweeping, high-definition shots of jobsites. Beyond their marketing potential, drones provide a cost-effective alternative to hiring professional videographers or photographers. The flexibility to capture projects from unique angles, whether soaring high above or hovering over water, is not just visually captivating but also more cost-efficient when delivered through a drone service. Real-time data enables faster, more informed decision-making throughout construction and the ability to mitigate delays or other issues before they cost firms money.

Consider the scenario of showcasing a high-rise construction project to stakeholders and potential investors. Drones offer unparalleled panoramic aerial views of jobsites, helping stakeholders gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress. This vivid imagery is not only persuasive but also cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive helicopter flyovers or the setup of complex camera rigs.

Cost-Effective Communication: Bridging Distances with Ease

Drones are the champions of streamlined communication, particularly across geographical distances. Aerial photography and videography captured by drones can be accessed remotely from any connected device, erasing the need for investors and stakeholders to physically visit the jobsite. This not only saves valuable time, but also significantly reduces travel expenses.

Imagine a scenario where a construction project spans multiple locations or even counties. With drone technology, project managers can effortlessly keep investors, stakeholders, and team members in the loop through frequent, insightful video updates. This real-time communication doesn’t just save money, but also fosters better collaboration, as all parties remain informed, offer timely input, and make crucial decisions.

Enhanced Progress Tracking: Revolutionizing Efficiency in Labor Economics

Drones can give you a new way to track your project’s progress in sweeping, high-definition shots. While this can be used for marketing or for getting the best view of a unique project (very high up or over water, for example), it’s also more cost-effective to use a drone service than hire professional videographers or photographers.

So, how do these technologies, like drones, achieve such remarkable efficiency gains? They do so by collecting and meticulously reporting critical data throughout the construction process, thereby empowering project managers to make rapid, data-driven decisions. These informed choices help to preemptively address delays and unforeseen issues before they escalate into costly setbacks. Consequently, the accelerated project completion facilitated by enhanced progress tracking technologies enables construction firms to take on more projects within the same timeframe, resulting in increased revenue and substantial cost savings.

Improved Security and Precision Through Drone Inspections

While the notion of 24/7 surveillance by drones is not yet a standard practice, aerial devices have become instrumental in enhancing security and precision through inspections. Drones have an innate ability to access difficult-to-reach locations, conduct rapid surveys, and capture data more efficiently than an inspector navigating the site on foot.

Besides inspections, drones play a crucial role in jobsite security. They can monitor construction sites around the clock, ensuring that employees adhere to safety protocols and unauthorized activities are promptly identified and addressed. In cases of theft, vandalism, or safety violations, the photographic and video evidence captured by drones can serve as irrefutable documentation.

Competitive Differentiation: Bidding with Confidence

The cumulative impact of cost savings achieved through drone technology empowers construction firms to submit competitive bids that outshine their rivals. Drones provide access to real-time, detailed data that enhances bid accuracy and helps avoid unexpected costs. By incorporating drone-collected photography and video footage into project proposals, construction firms create a lasting impression, setting themselves apart from competitors.

Picture this scenario: Two construction firms are bidding for the same project, both offering their services at a similar cost. However, one firm includes an impressive visual package in their proposal, featuring captivating aerial footage of previous projects and video updates from ongoing projects. The second firm, lacking such compelling visuals, appears less committed and less capable.

By incorporating drone technology, the first firm has not only demonstrated a commitment to transparency but also highlighted their proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge tools to deliver results. This level of professionalism and innovation can be a key differentiator in securing contracts, potentially yielding substantial long-term cost savings through increased project opportunities.

Elevating Construction Efficiency with Drones

Construction drones are not just technological novelties; they’re indispensable tools for cost-conscious construction firms. By harnessing the power of drones for enhanced project tracking, cost-effective communication, improved security and inspections, and competitive differentiation, construction companies can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in the industry.

At TrueLook, our team is constantly striving to provide improved technology for better efficiency and higher security in the construction industry. For more information on how construction drones are innovating jobsites across the fields, check out our exciting drone service packages!