Drone mapping is a method of creating 3D models using drones. These models are usually created for engineering, construction, or mining purposes. Drone mapping is a relatively new technology that has only been around for a few years. The military first used it to create 3D models of battlefields and enemy positions.
However, it has since been adopted by the private sector for commercial use. For instance, when you look at the dioram website, you will realize that drone mapping is fast, accurate, and affordable to create 3D models of large areas. Drone mapping is a process that starts with the collection of data. Designers convert such data into a 3D model using special software. The final product is a 3D map or model that can be used for various purposes. Some of the most common applications include:
Real estate
As real estate brokerage companies develop land for new construction or renovation projects, they are at risk of overlooking unforeseen structural faults that cost them money and time and can also result in injury. Employing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Lidar scanners helps managers collect the data needed to produce detailed three-dimensional models and site plans before development begins. This way, they can avoid costly delays and prevent workers from being exposed to hazards such as weak foundations and unstable soil.
Further, by having a 3D model of the site, it is easier to see how the project’s different parts will fit together. Mapping construction projects can also help with safety, as it is easier to see if there are any potential hazards. For example, a construction site might be mapped to check that all the required safety measures have been considered.
Archaeology
Drone mapping is also being used in the field of archaeology. The technology can help identify and map archaeological features that would otherwise be hidden by vegetation or difficult to see from the ground. By creating 3D models of ancient sites, researchers can better understand how they were constructed and which elements are in danger of being damaged due to modern construction projects.
These models can also recreate sites from the past or provide set designers with accurate reference materials for creating sets that resemble real-life historical locations. For instance, scientists used drones to map sites such as the ancient city of Petra in Jordan and the Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico. One merit of using drones is that they can collect data over a large area in a short amount of time, which would not be possible with other methods.
Bathymetry
In addition to using drones for earth surface modeling, researchers are also employing them for bathymetry or the measurement of water depths. By using drones equipped with sonar or other water-measuring sensors, scientists can collect data on lakes, rivers, and even the ocean floor that would be difficult or impossible to obtain. This information is important for studying climate change, coastal erosion, and marine life.
Search and rescue operations
Using drones in search and rescue operations is an emerging drone mapping application. A drone could be used in areas that may not be accessible by other means or where it would be dangerous to send people into an area. For example, hikers who get lost can use their phones to contact emergency services, but this might not work if they do not know their location or their phone battery runs out before help arrives. Using drones can improve safety by reducing the time between when someone goes missing and when they are found.
Disaster response
In addition to helping with search and rescue, drone mapping can also be used in disaster response efforts. After a major event like a hurricane or an earthquake, emergency responders often have to deal with chaos and confusion. For instance, when an earthquake occurred in Nepal last year, drones with 3D imaging capabilities were sent into the affected area almost immediately after the first tremor struck. These aerial devices provided emergency responders with vital information about the damage done and allowed them to set up relief efforts quickly.
Further, in the United States, drones are being used to help assess damage from wildfires and to track the spread of invasive species. Therefore, with the help of drone mapping, they can quickly create maps of the affected area that show the damage done and help them plan their response accordingly. That can include everything from setting up temporary shelters to delivering food and water to people in need.
Wildlife monitoring and research
Drones are also being used for wildlife monitoring and research. That involves using drones to track the movement of animals or to count them. Drones can also be used to take pictures or videos of animals, which can help with research projects. One example of this is a project carried out by the University of Minnesota, which uses drones to study how elk move around in a national park. Using drones can get information that would not be possible with other methods.
Land surveying and mapping
Drones are useful for land surveying. By using a drone, they can be flown over an area of land in a short amount of time, with a high level of accuracy. There is also low cost involved in the process, making it more accessible to smaller companies that would not have been able to afford this type of equipment before. An example company that uses drones is APX Labs, which designs geographic information systems (GIS) software to customize drone data for land surveys. Scientists can use the data collected for different purposes, including disaster response or construction planning.
Mapping changes in land use
In addition to capturing images of the earth’s surface, drones can also be used to map changes in land use over time. By flying a UAV over an area at regular intervals and then comparing the resulting maps, researchers can track things like the expansion of cities, the spread of forests and fields, and the effects of climate change on the landscape. That information can assist them in making better decisions about managing resources and planning for the future.
As you can see, drone mapping is a powerful tool that can be used for various purposes. As this technology evolves, you should expect to see even more amazing things done with it.
