Earlier this month CBS News reported that “…drone use in construction has skyrocketed by 239 percent year over year, according to a May report on commercial drone trends by DroneDeploy”.

Affordability has made them more accessible and high quality mapping data has made them almost indispensable for some large scale construction companies. In fact, drones are quickly replacing expensive airplanes that have done a similar job in the past, and with drones you get the added benefit of real-time analytic data.

Now drones are moving down market to small and midsized construction companies. So the question is, how can you best utilize this new hypermobile technology on your job site?

According to drone manufacturer, Precision Hawk,  drones along with the right software and analytics can help optimize jobsite reporting,  track jobsite progress and productivity, measure elevation, survey jobsites, and help with security and monitoring. So it’s not just about getting photos, it’s about optimizing your time, safety, and efficiency.

However, if you’re considering investing in a drone you’ll not only need commercial grade equipment, software, training, and licensing, you’ll also need insurance and adhere to compliance regulations.

If you’re a smaller company that could use the benefits of drones, you may want to consider hiring a professional FAA certified drone pilot. We found pilots on Droners.IO with hourly rates that start at $85 per hour.

Here’s to your success!

Technology can help mitigate worker shortages, improve on the job safety, and let’s face it, some of the new tech just makes life more interesting. This includes JLG entering in the BIM market with their downloadable BIM library for some of their Boom Lifts, Scissor Lifts, and Vertical Lifts.  Currently they offer two types of ISO compliant 3D BIM files (.rfa and .ifc formats).

BIM (building information modelling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that will help you to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

Here’s an example of the BIM content library for Boom Lifts from the PDF instruction guide that comes with the downloadable file:

• All JLG­® Boom Lifts components have been created to allow the height and horizontal reach of the platform; the swing angle, platform rotation, and job rotation to be changed.
• Visibility control: The visibility of the platform working area and turning radius can be toggled on or off. 
• Modify the platform height and reach. Within the height and reach combinations, you can select a ‘Transport Condition/Stowed Position.’ If selected the machine will move to its smallest and most suitable position for transportation.
  

To learn more visit https://www.jlg.com/en/resources/bim-library/bim-files