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Five ways drone mapping improves outcomes on a project
In 2016 we made the decision to integrate drone mapping into our planning and environmental solutions. At the time, we realised drone technology had the potential to be a useful monitoring tool for our clients, especially for coastal planning, quarries and sites where existing data was out-of-date, low quality or even non-existent.
Over the past five years, our drone mapping capabilities have expanded significantly to meet the growing requirements of our clients. Today, our drone mapping services are used by clients who require aerial photography, elevation models and accurate topographical data for their development and environmental projects.
Here are five ways drone mapping can improve outcomes on a planning, development or environmental project.
1. Excellent monitoring tool
Drone mapping (also known as or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping) delivers quality aerial photography that is also highly accurate. This up-to-date information can be relied on to monitor how a site has changed over time.
An example is using drone technology to monitor changes to quarry sites. Our team recently mapped a quarry for a client, to assist with identifying stockpile volumes and changes to the active quarry face. All of this data, which included 3D modelling, helped them make evidence-based decisions to further their project.
2. Fast turnaround on data
Using UAV technology to capture aerial data is an efficient process. Depending on where your site is located, our qualified drone pilots are able to capture and deliver data within one to two weeks. In some cases, we can turn around footage within a week.
We work with many clients in regional locations of Western Australia, and ensure data is turned around quickly, regardless of location. If you have a deadline that needs to be met, let us know and we will do our best to meet your requirements.
3. Cost effective and high quality
Drone mapping is a surprisingly affordable method of aerial data capture. This is because equipment and pilots are relatively easy to transport, and drone operation overheads are low. Despite this, the quality of data captured by drone technology is excellent.
Traditional methods of data capture, such as plane or satellite imagery, can be out-of-date, non-existent or poor quality. We operate GIS mapping software and state-of-the-art drone technology to ensure the information we capture and analyse is accurate and reliable. Information collected can also be tailored to the requirements of your project.
4. Adds value to approval applications
Integrating aerial photography and footage in a development application helps Local Councils get a better picture of your proposed development or project. As a result, your application will be more compelling.
The data we capture is often used by clients who want to increase the veracity of their application. In most cases, we edit and prepare footage for Local Council, which is then presented in an easy-to-share format. This accurate and timely information helps Local Council understand the scope of your project more effectively.
5. Supports coastal management and planning
Drone mapping is frequently used to assess changes along the Western Australian coastline. Local Governments use this information to identify how dune movement has changed through the seasons, and how significant storms and weather events have impacted coastline areas.
Our team has performed aerial mapping using GIS software for Local Government agencies, who require accurate information for coastal monitoring. This information is then used to develop evidence-based planning strategies around the effective management of coastline areas.