Drone technology has revolutionized the way owners and the AEC industry interact with their projects by providing unparalleled data into the modern-day job site. Today's drones can create a ‘digital twin’ of your project in less than a few hours that in turn provide a wide variety of data, from point clouds, contours, orthomosaics and plant health to name a few. These data sets allow all parties to analyze their projects before, during and after the construction process. For example, Seamon Whiteside uses drone models of potential project sites to help during the planning and conceptual phases. The insight these models provide is very useful during these initial phases, especially when working with today's stringent Architectural review boards and public meetings. During the construction process, Seamon Whiteside uses drone captured data during OAC meetings and to provide a window into the job site. When the project is complete, an SWA drone pilot will take professional level photographs to showcase the work in social media, project cut sheets, and examples when pursuing new projects.

First Steps

There is no doubt that drone data is a very useful tool for the AEC industry, but how does one start a drone department?  The first step is to become an FAA certified commercial drone pilot, by taking the ‘FAA certified part 107’ Certification Exam.  The license is required bylaw if you plan to fly for any of the following reasons:

·        Flying any project for compensation.

·        Flying in restricted airspace

·        Flying over people or vehicles

·        Flying over 400’ above ground level

·        Request a waiver from the FAA. 

Insurance companies will not insure your drone if you are not a part 107license holder, yet another reason for taking the exam. More information can be found on the FAA website, as testing requirements and study materials are constantly evolving.  The certification technically never expires, however the FAA requires drone pilots to keep their knowledge up to date every 24 months through free online recurrent knowledge tests. 

Picking your Drone

Choosing the right drone for your needs can be confusing, although the 2main categories are photogrammetry and Lidar. Photogrammetry drones are the most common and affordable, while Lidar drones are more accurate but also more expensive.

• Photogrammetry drones use a series of images to create a model of a site. They are the easiest to use and the most affordable option for most projects.
• Lidar drones use laser scanning to measure distances between the drone and the ground. They are more accurate than photogrammetry drones, but they are also more expensive and more difficult to use.

If you are just starting out, a photogrammetry drone is a good option. If you need the most accurate data possible, a Lidar drone may be a better choice.

The Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK (the drone Seamon Whiteside uses)is a photogrammetry drone that is specifically designed for the AEC industry. It is easy to use, accurate, and affordable. It is also supported by the majority of third-party mapping software companies.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the right drone for your needs.

Determining Software Needs

In addition to a drone, you will also need software(s) to plan and execute your flights and process your images and/or laser scans into usable data sets. Seamon Whiteside currently uses Drone Deploy and Site Marker to help plan their flights and process our images into drone maps and models. Drone Deploy also allows SWA to share project data with their designers and clients all via a web browser.  SWA uses Site Marker overlay drone aerials with project design files and accurately mark Ground Control Points (GCPs) to increase accuracy on all maps.  There are many different software options to meet your needs, from web browser-based solutions to desktop applications that require a high-powered computer. Once you determine which software platform works best for you, be sure it supports the drone hardware before you pull the trigger on either solution.

Click here for some options

Register Your Drone

Recent laws require all drones to be registered with the FAA before flying.  As of September 16, 2023 all drones must be remote ID compliant as well, this requirement is geared more towards older drones, but aftermarket modules are available to bring old hardware into compliance with the FAA. 

RTK's and GCP's

Although all drone maps are accurate within themselves, there is always a caveat.  Just because one can create a digital twin of a project, does not mean it can replace a survey.  Surveyors alone are capable of stamping documents that certify their accuracy and the contents of their exhibit. In order to increase the accuracy of your drone maps, all pilots should use ‘Ground Control Points’ (GCP’s) and/or subscribe to a correction service, such as RTK. 

Time to Fly

As with many aspects in life, real world project experience in addition to literary research is a superior way to learn, so get some flight time your belt to sharpen your skills.  Being a drone pilot is always a learning experience, the hardware, software and laws are always evolving.  Before you know it, you will have the knowledge and experience of a seasoned drone pilot!

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