This article about construction industry breakthroughs: drones and virtual reality (VR) first appeared in Australian Business Times. The text below has been edited and condensed. Read the full article here.
Savvy businesses in the construction industry innovate and take advantage of technological advancements to solve the challenges their industry face. Superdraft Pty. Ltd. is one of those businesses who integrated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—also known as drones and virtual reality (VR) in business operations, in pursuit to revolutionise the industry. These tech advancements are proven to reduce production costs, mitigate employee’s safety, boost production, and improve business competitiveness.
Drones in Engineering and Surveying
Some construction sites have steep grades which may potentially harm engineers carrying heavy equipment. So instead of sending a worker down to dangerous areas, engineers will pilot the drone and navigate it from a safer spot. Despite the remote operation, surveyors can still produce accurate measurements using a process called photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. The output of this process is a UAV Map—an accurate digital drawing or 3D model of the construction site which architects and engineers can use in the design and construction phase.
Drones elevated engineering and land surveying to new heights. At present, the construction sector celebrates the country's new drone regulations which allow them to practice using drones in the field.
VIZ360
Virtual reality (VR) will change the built industry worldwide. Yes, it's a new way of designing residential and commercial structures. With VR, we were able to show our clients their project or design through a computer-simulated environment.
Superdraft developed their own virtual reality experience called Viz360. It's high definition design software where the clients can experience the structure before it is built. When we shifted from interactive 3D images from the traditional 2D, we broke the barriers that clients from fully engaging themselves in the design process. Clients can now express their requests to the designer and see the real-time effect of their design decision.
Integrating technology in the business
Innovations and technological advancements deliver best results when you make it an active part of the business. UAVs and VR help companies deliver better services to the clients without stressing the employees too much. Through this, humans can find smarter, more creative ways to build structures.
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