Aerial Data Insights Driving Business Benefits
Drones are the newest frontier to emerge in aviation. Although they started off with military applications, drones have come a long way in civilian form. When I started UASys back in 2013, I bought parts online and assembled them to make drone hardware. Then came the software to it, through the use of ArduPilot. I had to learn how to make the drone software work as well. It was very hands on and I’m not proud to say a few drones didn’t survive past a month.
However today, the drones we see in the skies are not only vastly more reliable, but they also have true value, not just from their flying capabilities, but from the huge trove of data they can collect and the invaluable insights they can provide. In this guide, we will explore how drones are transforming businesses by unlocking the potential of aerial data insights.
Enhancing Precision and Efficiency
Good quality drones are equipped with high resolution cameras (a minimum of 20MP/4k is now the standard) which can capture detailed imagery from a perspective we don’t get from the ground. This can provide businesses with a wealth of data that was once too difficult to get. Whether it’s surveying vast landscapes, monitoring infrastructure, or assessing crop health, drones enable businesses to gather accurate and up-to-date information quickly and efficiently. This level of precision enhances decision making processes whilst reducing the time and resources required for manual inspections.
Optimising Agriculture and Environmental Management
Agriculture and environmental industries are the biggest beneficiaries of aerial data insights. By utilising agriculture specific drones, farmers can monitor crop health, identify irrigation issues, and detect pest infestations in real time. These insights enable precise application of fertilisers and pesticides, leading to improved yields and reduced environmental impact.
Streamlining Infrastructure and Construction
Infrastructure and construction projects often face challenges related to monitoring progress, ensuring safety, and logistically managing resources effectively. Drones equipped with thermal cameras, and LiDAR sensors for 3D reconstruction (including photogrammetry) can provide valuable insights for surveying, site inspections, and asset management. Through the use of aerial data, infrastructure and construction companies can identify potential risks, monitor worker safety, and streamline project timelines. All this integrated into the project can help to optimise operations, minimise costs, and improve operational efficiency.
Empowering Inspections and Maintenance
Inspections and maintenance in various industries, including energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure, often involve hazardous environments and hard to access locations. Drones equipped for these purposes can safely navigate these areas and collect data on equipment conditions, structural integrity, and potential faults. This allows a proactive approach to inspections allows businesses to identify maintenance requirements, prevent failures, reduce hazards, and optimise asset lifecycles, concluding in reduced downtime and its associated costs.
Conclusion
Drones are reshaping the way businesses operate by leveraging the power of aerial data insights. Many businesses are only learning about the role drones could play within their businesses, and how it could reduce costs, increase safety, and reduce downtime. Whether it’s optimising agriculture, streamlining construction, or empowering inspections and maintenance, drones have been proven indispensable tools for businesses seeking a competitive advantage. If you’re a pilot, I hope the above points help you get across the line with potential clients, and if you’re a business who is looking at leveraging aerial data insights, embrace aerial data insights which will become a key driver to success for years to come.
