When you think about drone mapping, what usually comes to mind? A lot of construction professionals we've talked to initially focus on the drone itself. And yes, it's crucial, but there’s so much more to drone mapping than just the hardware. That’s why we sat down with Dan Veres, a drone mapping expert here at Identified. Dan knows everything about what drone mapping can offer and how it can benefit construction projects.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Below, Dan discusses several aspects of drone mapping that many construction and earthwork companies might overlook. Keep reading to discover his thoughts on staffing, data accuracy, safety, and more!
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**Q: Finding skilled workers is tough. How does drone mapping help construction firms take on more projects without hiring more staff?**
A: The labor shortage in construction is a big issue. Many companies are asking themselves, "How can I expand my business with my current workforce?" It doesn't take long for them to realize that drones are the answer. For companies conducting their own surveys and mapping, drones allow teams to achieve maximum productivity. Traditional tools often limit crews to how much ground they can cover on foot in a day.
Being able to maximize the output of your internal survey teams is one of the key advantages of drones in construction. If you have 10-15 job sites, it might take one or two weeks—or even longer—to map each location manually. With drone mapping, you could easily complete the mapping in a single day with your existing team.
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**Q: Is it worthwhile to get a drone map of a site before submitting a bid? What’s the main goal here?**
A: For nearly every project, it’s beneficial to conduct a drone flight either before bidding or afterward to confirm quantities.
The goal is to understand exactly how much earth needs to be moved to verify whether your bid was accurate. It’s not about sending a surveyor to walk the entire site or measure every 20-25 feet. A drone can capture a point every few inches if needed. We’ve seen amazing results from this approach for companies already using drones.
By taking precise insights from the drone data and comparing it to your final grade model or initial surface, you gain clarity about the project’s scope. This helps ensure that your bids align with reality.
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**Q: For construction companies already using drones, what common challenges do they face during various stages of a project?**
A: Capturing survey-grade drone data at the very beginning of a project helps with planning. How often do we start a project and realize midway through that we need additional help? Usually, we recognize this after the fact, and by then, the damage is done.
This isn’t the case with a drone mapping solution. By flying the drone at the very start and creating an accurate map of how much dirt needs to be moved, you can better plan the project and set realistic timelines. Ideally, there won’t be any surprises requiring you to bring in extra manpower, but if there are, you’ll be prepared.
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**Q: How does drone mapping influence cash flow?**
A: The aim is always to collect payments as quickly as possible while billing accurately for the work completed. Drones immediately benefit construction companies by eliminating the need to guess earthwork quantities. All you need to do is fly the drone on a Friday (or Saturday), send the data to your billing team the following Monday, and they’ll know the exact quantities moved that week, month, or day.
With a drone-based solution, you no longer have to worry about overbilling or underbilling, which could lead to issues months later. Now, you can confidently inform clients of the completed work for the billing cycle and the amount owed. This improves both project progress and cash flow management.
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**Q: What are the primary factors affecting drone mapping accuracy?**
A: Every job site presents unique challenges, such as elevation changes or obstacles. When it comes to flight planning, the placement of ground control points is far more critical than the sheer number of them. Proper placement ensures data accuracy and precision.
If you're unsure or new to this process, your customer success representative from the drone mapping solution provider can guide you on where and how to place the ground control points for optimal results. Remember, your final results are only as accurate as the data you collect. Correct flight setup is just as vital as post-processing and analytics.
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**Q: How does wind affect accuracy? What weather conditions should users consider?**
A: My general advice is, if you’d send a person out in the weather, you can likely send a drone out as well. Flying on a perfect 70-degree day is straightforward because conditions are ideal. But what happens when it’s -13 degrees? Or -20 degrees with wind chill and 30 mph winds?
That’s when things get challenging. One of my first drone flights was in Wisconsin in December, and conditions were far from ideal. We had to adapt to ensure a safe flight. On less-than-ideal days, my best tip is to plan smaller drone flights when temperatures are between 20-30 degrees. Battery life will be shorter, so bring battery heaters and keep them warm—either in a heated truck or near the dashboard—until it’s time to fly. Most drone mapping providers can supply heaters upon request.
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**Q: When speaking with executive leadership versus operational specialists, how do their priorities differ?**
A: Executives may have varying use cases in mind, but they all prioritize the speed, safety, and cost savings that drone mapping brings compared to older methods. In today’s construction industry, embracing innovation and staying ahead with technology is essential for survival. If you’re not implementing these solutions, chances are your competitors are.
For operational specialists, I emphasize improving safety culture. Many have experienced injuries while climbing piles. Drone mapping can prevent accidents, keeping everyone safe. If it avoids even one injury, the technology more than pays for itself. No one wants to see the number of injury-free days reset to zero due to an accident.
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These conversations highlight the versatility of drone mapping in construction, proving it’s not just about the hardware—it’s about transforming workflows, saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring safety.
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