Technology is an amazing tool in society today, one that mankind loves to utilize and explore in. At Pickering Associates we are always trying to find new and inventive ways to utilize technology in the Engineering, Architecture and Surveying worlds. One tool that has been extremely beneficial to us in all three of those areas, is our drone. Drones may just seem like a simple picture or video taker, however here at Pickering, we have been able to develop high end video and project rendering footage, to help our clients put their vision into a reality.
At Pickering Associates, operate under the Part 107 regulations and utilize the services of a DJI Mavic Pro and Yuneec Typhoon 4K for 3D modeling and imagery purposes. Within engineering and design, the applications of these systems are endless. In structural engineering, these devices can be utilized to perform routine inspections on hard-to-reach areas or burdensome structures. In the design aspect, flights over parcels tagged for future development can be turned into 3D Models and incorporated into our overall BIM (Building Information Modeling) Infrastructure to assist with master planning. This task aims to give clients a real-world rendering of the proposed development, including nearby landscape. On the construction side, these systems can be used to monitor stockpile volumes, generate topographical maps or, more generally, track construction progress on a regular basis.
Other areas that we are exploring with Drones, is the usage for stock pile measuring. When linked to the 3D Scanner the drone can take on the ground readings, while the Drone takes readings during flight of the large piles of materials, such as sand, or shale. This concept when linked in our software allows for our people to get inventory readings of approximately the amount of material in the pile. Another area that Drone work is growing into, is our Surveying equipment. The idea of being able to survey miles of land at different angles and photo feeds could allow for more innovative readings, as well as warning that can be missed at first glance. Though the idea is mature it is amazing the enhancing capabilities that Drones can have on our field of work.
Overall, drones can change society, and it is exciting to imagine the capabilities such technology can bring to our industry. It is important, however, to remember that with these services are performed in a responsible manner. Drones can only do so much and there are limits and requirements involved with using them, such as airport boundary limits, privacy issues, and various other guidelines that need to be followed. The future is here, and we, at Pickering Associates, look forward to offering these services. We do ask to keep in mind that depending on location (proximity to controlled airspace), lead times may be required for the proper submission to and authorization from FAA to perform flights in these areas safely.