Four Ways Big Data Is Changing Construction Surveying
As an industry, construction is slow to adopt big data. However, it is becoming apparent that these methods help complete projects on time and on budget. Big data allows for more information collection, which will enable designers, surveyors and site supervisors to find patterns they missed before using the technology. Here are four ways big data modernizes construction surveying technology in Guadalupe County, TX:
- Drones: Drones capture aerial images that download into surveying software tools. These images cover more territory and allow a view that is impossible for humans to secure without significant expense. The software then uses the pictures for earth-moving surveying and analysis. Within seconds, it compares images from several drones and makes recommendations. Users review images for anything that skews calculation, like the presence of bulldozers, excavators and cranes. Engineers can also focus on small areas to check dirt removal. These processes cut down on inaccurate measurements that slow down traditional surveying.
- Automation: As big data evolves, more functions become automated. This development allows for quicker data collection and analysis. Geofencing keeps drones to specific areas, and depending on site size, companies employ different sizes of drones to cover the area. Drone size also determines battery life and speed, allowing better automation because a user does not need to rescue low-battery drones or employ several of them to cover an area. Users let the drones loose and simply wait for the data.
- 3D mapping: If a construction site involves dangerous or inaccessible spots, 3D mapping becomes essential. Drones safely navigate the treacherous places, and surveyors assess whether that area is too dangerous to reach by foot. This process allows people to see construction site dangers and take measures to reduce the chance of accidents. While this is not a new idea, it is catching on in a big way. The oil and gas industries use drones and 3D mapping for inspections, since it is safer than employing human workers. Now, 3D mapping helps maintain safety precautions and physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Accessibility: It used to be that humans would observe an area, take down notes and turn it into data. The results were not always available to the whole team, and processing data was a slower experience. With up to 20 million data points processed at a time, drone image data becomes available immediately. As the drone takes pictures, it also creates maps that engineers and supervisors can analyze instantly. This technology allows people to discover hazards more quickly and plan better during preconstruction phases.
Drones and big data will change the construction industry to make it safer and more efficient. Besides gathering better information, it will likely reduce workplace injuries and help workers manage challenging episodes like poor weather or pandemics. Surveying was once a time- and labor-intensive job, but it’s getting quicker and more accurate with drones.
Bettersworth and Associates, Inc. has joined the trend of reinventing the construction industry with big data in Guadalupe County, TX. Contact us today to see what construction surveying technology offers your project.
Categorised in: Construction Survey