CPD - Drones in Construction: Surveying & Site Monitoring

The construction industry is one of the oldest industries in the world. It has used the old methods to build houses and bridges. Now in our modern times, this industry has adapted to newer methods, including using drones in construction specifically in surveying and site management. This method has alleviated the task and made it efficient for all.

In this course, CPD - Drones in Construction: Surveying & Site Monitoring, you will learn how to use drones in surveying and site monitoring. Discover the different types of drones in construction and where to use them effectively. In addition to that, you will learn the qualifications before flying your drone.

What is a Drone?

A drone is a flying machine without an onboard pilot. That is why people also call drones Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the UK. However, internationally, they are known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Drones often carry cameras for surveillance, photography, filming, and search-and-rescue operations. Besides cameras, they can also transport various payloads, making them useful for delivery services.

Drones are considered high-tech devices. In fact, they use several advanced systems. These include 5G for fast communication, GPS for navigation, AI for smart controls, and powerful batteries for longer flights. When combined, these technologies make drones work better and easier to use.

Drones in construction

Drones are used in construction for surveying and site management. With the use of them, construction professionals have worked in the construction industry with more efficiency, safety, and accuracy. In addition to that, drones monitor progress, inspect structures, and track materials and equipment. They also help identify potential hazards, reducing risks for workers. By providing real-time aerial data, drones make construction projects faster and more cost-effective.

Flying a drone in construction is not a walk in the park. This means that it requires skill, knowledge, and licence. There are raining programmes to apply now to gain the necessary expertise and certification. 

3 Types of Drones in Construction

The three main types of drones used in construction surveying are: multirotor drones, fixed-wing drones, and fixed-wing/VTOL drones. Each type has unique features that make it suitable for different tasks in surveying and site management.

In addition, understanding their differences helps construction professionals maximise benefits and select the right drone for the job. However, using the wrong type of drone can lead to inefficiency and inaccurate results. Below is a list of the different types of drones, their unique features, and how they are used in the construction industry:

1. Multirotor Drones 

These drones have multiple spinning blades (rotors), like tiny helicopters. They can hover in one place and move up, down, or sideways, making them great for taking pictures, inspecting buildings, and flying in small areas. But they can’t fly very far before the battery runs out.

2. Fixed-Wing Drones

These drones in construction look like small aeroplanes and fly forward instead of hovering. They are great for mapping large areas because they can stay in the air longer than multirotor drones. But they need space to take off and land, just like real aeroplanes.

3. Fixed-Wing/VTOL Drones

These are a mix of both! They can take off and land like a helicopter but fly like an aeroplane, making them fast and easy to use. Construction workers use them to survey big areas quickly.

Course Summary

The course CPD - Drones in Construction: Surveying & Site Monitoring teaches how to fly and use drones for construction, surveying, and site management. You will learn takeoff, landing, and flight planning, as well as how to capture aerial images, create 3D maps, track construction progress, and improve site safety. The course also covers drone data analysis and UK drone regulations.

This course is for architects, geodetic engineers, construction managers, surveyors, and other professionals who want to integrate drones into their work. This course will help you conduct efficient surveying and site management.

By the end of this course, you will be able to fly drones in construction with confidence, capture and analyse aerial images for mapping and site monitoring, and use drone data to track construction progress and enhance safety. You will also learn to create 3D models and reports while ensuring compliance with UK drone laws.

Lesson Schedule

This course provides a simple, step-by-step guide to using drones for surveying and site monitoring in construction. Each part of the course focuses on a specific skill, giving practical knowledge that can be used immediately to make construction work safer, faster, and more accurate. Through engaging lectures, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, participants will learn how drones help collect data, check sites, and manage projects. Below is an outline of the course content:

• Learning to Fly a Drone – Learn the basics of drone operation, including takeoff, landing, and hovering. Understand how to plan flights, handle emergencies, and maintain your drone.
• Using Drones for Surveying – Discover how to use drones in construction to capture aerial images to create 3D maps and analyse topography.
• Using Drones for Site Management – Use drones to track construction progress, measure materials, and identify site risks to improve safety.
• Drone Data Analysis – Explore software for turning drone images into digital models. Learn how to use software to measure distances, compare site changes, and integrate drone data into maps for better planning.
• Drone Rules and Safety – Understand UK drone laws and how to fly safely without violating privacy regulations.

Needed Skills or Knowledge

There are no skills or knowledge requirements needed to join this course. However, basic computer skills will help work with drone software. This course is for everyone but will be most beneficial for architects, geodetic engineers, construction managers, surveyors, and other professionals who want to integrate drones into their work. 

Unlock the Future of Construction with Drone Technology

Drones in construction have changed the way industry works, making things possible that were once very difficult or even impossible. By adapting to change and modernisation, surveying large areas, checking building progress, and improving safety are now faster, easier, and more accurate. In addition to that, learning this technology can boost your career. 

The College of Contract Management offers the CPD - Drones in Construction: Surveying & Site Monitoring course. Discover how future technology is transforming the construction industry. Start your journey with us and master drone technology today!

The schedule for CPD - Drones in Construction: Surveying & Site Monitoring course is almost ready for you! All the materials and tools needed will be provided during the lecture for an engaging and informative session. For any questions or support, don't hesitate to contact us via email or live chat.