Dave Stewart, Vice President of Keystone Consultants—a respected engineering firm based outside Pittsburgh, PA—recently shared his thoughts on drone mapping within the engineering industry. With over three decades of experience under his belt, Stewart offered candid insights into how drones are reshaping data collection and operational efficiency.
As a relatively small firm with around 100 employees, Keystone strives to provide the same cutting-edge technological solutions as larger corporations. Clients began expressing curiosity about drone mapping, prompting Keystone to explore purchasing their own equipment. However, after meeting with Identified, they decided to collaborate instead. Stewart highlighted the appeal of the rapid deployment offered by Identified, noting that handling licensing and training themselves could have taken six months to a year.
Keystone’s primary use of drone mapping involves analyzing earthwork quantities and post-construction restoration. A current project involves a pipeline in Pennsylvania where drones are used to compare pre- and post-construction conditions, aiding in future bidding processes. Stewart emphasized the seamless integration of drone data into existing workflows, allowing them to import outputs into standard CAD packages and GIS applications almost immediately.
The demand for quick results is particularly acute in industries like oil and gas, where every day counts financially. Drone mapping has drastically reduced turnaround times compared to traditional methods. For instance, a recent 10-mile pipeline project would have taken two weeks to initiate using a fixed-wing aircraft due to scheduling constraints. By contrast, Keystone's drone allowed them to start mapping right away, reducing costs by 30% and accelerating completion.
Stewart believes that having drone mapping capabilities in-house provides a significant competitive edge. It ensures timely delivery while maintaining quality control. He also praised the support provided by Identified, citing frequent visits from the CEO and their commitment to continuous improvement.
For those considering adopting drone mapping, Stewart recommends embracing the technology wholeheartedly. He described the partnership with Identified as exceptional, noting their collaborative approach and dedication to enhancing the product. Listening to their live interview with Dave reveals a wealth of practical wisdom that extends beyond the numbers. This Q&A was adapted from the insightful webinar titled "What is the Real ROI of Drone Mapping?"
Drone mapping isn’t just about faster data collection—it’s about transforming workflows entirely. By leveraging such tools, firms can stay ahead of the curve without sacrificing precision or flexibility. As Stewart pointed out, the ability to manage resources internally creates opportunities that external contractors simply cannot match.
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