In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular in the photography world. Professional photographers and videographers use them to capture aerial shots that would otherwise be impossible to get without a helicopter and a bit of bravery! Now, construction companies are also starting to use drones to take pictures and videos of their job sites. Construction drone photography is becoming an occurrence on more and more sites every day!
While most of my work with drone photography is based around photographing buildings that have already been finished, I’ve often worked with construction companies to get them setup with their own drones!
If you’re an MD or foreman at a construction company, here’s why you should think about making the switch over to drones.
How is drone photography an improvement on traditional construction photography methods?
Drones offer a number of advantages over traditional construction photography methods, including:
1. Drones provide a wider perspective, which can help construction companies get a better idea of the progress of the project and how individual parts of the construction site are coming along
2. They can be used to capture footage and pictures of construction sites from difficult to reach angles, which can be helpful for tracking equipment or assessing damage
3. Construction drone photography can be used to create detailed land surveys, which can help construction companies plan projects more effectively
4. Using drones to take photographs and videos of construction sites can help construction companies save time and resources
5. Finally, drone footage and images can be shared with clients and other interested parties in real time, giving them a better understanding of the progress of a project
On-Site Safety
One of the biggest advantages of construction drone photography is that it can help improve on-site safety. By using drones to capture footage and images of construction sites, construction companies can reduce the need for workers to enter dangerous or difficult-to-reach areas.
In addition, construction companies can use drones to create virtual reality simulations of construction sites. These simulations can be used to train workers on how to safely navigate the construction site and avoid potential hazards.
Finally, and most practically, drones with video cameras can detect in real-time if there are any safety concerns such as unsteady or loose materials, structures, climbing equipment or anything else that could prove a danger to workers.
Land Surveys with photography drones
Another advantage of construction drone photography is that it can be used to create detailed land surveys. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can be flown over a construction site to capture accurate measurements and data. This data can then be used to create 3D models of the construction site.
These models can be helpful for construction companies in a number of ways, such as:
1. Helping them to plan construction projects more effectively – by having a detailed model of the construction site, construction companies can plan their construction projects more accurately and avoid potential problems.
2. Giving them a better understanding of the construction site – by having a 3D model of the construction site, construction companies can get a better idea of the lay of the land and any potential obstacles that they may encounter.
3. Allowing construction companies to share the construction site with interested parties – by sharing the 3D model of the construction site, construction companies can give clients, architects, engineers and other interested parties a better understanding of the construction site and the project.
4. Helping them to identify potential hazards and construction risks – there have been many examples over the years of a site looking clear during surveying and ground-level checks, until ground is broken and complications appear! Drones can give accurate photographs from directly above, to give an idea if there are hazards that wouldn’t be seen, including buried structures, waste pipes, underground structures and anything else that would be unhelpful!
Tracking Equipment
Construction companies can also use drones to track equipment on construction sites. By doing fly-overs with photographic drones, construction companies can keep track of where their equipment is at all times. This information can be used in a number of ways, from ensuring that the correct equipment is in the correct place for the next stages of a project, to removing equipment that’s no longer needed to clear the area.
Remote Viewing of the Site With Drones
Construction drone photography can also be used to provide remote viewing of the construction site. By setting up drones with live streaming cameras, construction companies can provide interested parties with a live feed of the construction site. This can be helpful for construction companies in a number of ways, such as:
1. Giving clients and investors a better understanding of the construction project
2. Helping to generate interest in the construction project
3. Helping to identify potential problems and construction risks
Overall, drones have a lot of advantages over traditional methods like helicopters, planes, cranes & finding a high spot when it comes to taking pictures and videos of construction sites. They’re cheaper, safer, & quieter. So if you’re looking for a cost-effective, safe way to take aerial photos and videos of your construction site, drone photography is the way to go.
I personally provide construction drone photography services all over Florida, as well as training for any members of your team that start to use drone photography in your business! I have decades of experience as an architectural & building photographer and over 7 years of flight experience as an FAA certified drone pilot. If you’d like to find out more about my services, get in touch!
