When it boils down to it, the primary reason construction companies are embracing drones on their projects is the data they provide. Drones deliver detailed insights that can significantly enhance a business's efficiency and profitability.
How exactly does drone data improve a construction company? The most apparent advantage is speed. With drones, you can gather data much faster than traditional methods. This speed leads to several downstream benefits, including better budget management, reduced guesswork, and quicker cash flow. However, to maximize these benefits, it’s essential to analyze the various analytics and reports provided by your drone mapping software.
The purpose of this article is to help you understand the specific analytics available, their functions, and why they're critical for your projects. To illustrate this, we'll use our own cloud-based platform, Site IQ, and its features as an example of what to look for when selecting a drone software provider, especially if you're part of an enterprise-level operation.
While there are many analytical elements not covered here, don't worry—this post will highlight the key features that can have the biggest impact on your projects!
Here are five distinct types of analytics and reports that construction firms should expect from drone mapping:
1. **Understanding Current Topography with Drone Maps**
Drone maps are the foundation of your data collection. They provide a visual representation of the job site combined with geospatial data. These maps are compatible with CAD software, allowing you to verify topography and compare older maps with the latest drone data to identify changes. This capability is essential for precise bidding. For instance, if you base your bid on outdated data, you might drastically underestimate the actual scope of the project. By reviewing the drone map, you can adjust your bid accordingly, ensuring accuracy.
2. **Accurate Bidding and Invoicing with Cut/Fill Analytics**
Understanding the amount of material cut and filled on-site is crucial for both bidding and invoicing. Drone software provides these analytics swiftly and accurately, which is vital since payments often depend on cubic yards of material moved. On Site IQ, you can generate a detailed cut/fill quantities report, comparing progress over time, from the start of the project, or against a design file. Additionally, heat maps visually represent earthworks across the site, making it easier to visualize progress and confirm subcontractor work.
3. **Tracking Progress with Change Detection Technology**
Change is constant in construction, so change detection technology is invaluable. Similar to cut/fill tracking, this tool highlights areas where changes have occurred, rather than focusing on specific quantities. On Site IQ, these changes are color-coded—blue for cuts and red for fills—allowing you to quickly see where work has been completed and how much remains. This technology offers a clear picture of daily activities without needing to visit the site, helping you stay on schedule.
4. **Billing Accuracy with 3D Volume Calculations**
If you bill clients based on material volume or manage inventory, 3D volume calculations are indispensable. These analytics provide detailed insights into material quantities on-site, breaking them down into individual piles with corresponding reports. The volume report includes density, volume, tonnage, and even monetary value, ensuring accurate billing and faster cash flow.
5. **Staying on Track with As-Built vs. As-Planned Overlays**
A critical tool for monitoring project progress, these overlays allow you to compare real-time construction with the original design plan. Using Site IQ's blueprints tool, you can overlay the design plan onto the current state of construction. This comparison ensures that your project stays on track and aligns with expectations.
So, what’s the most important tool for construction projects? For earthmoving and construction projects, change detection technology paired with cut/fill tracking is essential. This combination provides real-time insights into your project’s progress, helping you determine whether you'll finish on schedule. Without a drone mapping solution, obtaining this level of detail this quickly simply isn’t possible.
In conclusion, mastering the data from drone mapping can revolutionize your construction projects. It empowers you to make informed decisions, stay on schedule, and optimize cash flow. By leveraging tools like Site IQ, you can efficiently process this data and achieve greater success on your projects. What do you think is the most crucial dataset from a drone mapping provider? Let us know in the comments below!
To learn more about drone mapping for construction, download our free guide below.
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