The use of drone-delivered laser scanning technologies in road surveying, for instance, can reduce the time such work traditionally takes from days to minutes. That is the order of magnitude of efficiency the Manitoba Construction Sector Council believes it can achieve broadly with greater implementation of drones and light detection and ranging (lidar) technology on construction sites across the province.
From an article in Winnipeg Free Press by Martin Cash.
With the help of recent provincial funding, the MCSC and New Media Manitoba are developing courses that should be able to get another 60 people trained-up in use of drone-delivered scanning tech over the next three years.
This program will bring the digital media and construction industries together to advance the use of digital media in the construction industry,” said Carol Paul, executive director of MCSC.
Construction industry officials say the technology — used to detect defects, ensure work is completed and map out terrain to plan the scope of work — is on the verge of becoming ubiquitous.
Many of the larger companies are already using it, with larger drones and high-end lidar equipment costing as much as $150,000.
Many of the larger companies are already using it, with larger drones and high-end lidar equipment costing as much as $150,000.
However, Roxanne Gross, senior digital construction co-ordinator for Winnipeg-based Bird Construction, says there’s a quick return on investment for the industry.
“Because of the time-saving and also the quality review we are able to complete, it saves us money at the end,” she said.
“Time and money — that’s what drives the construction industry. When it saves both, it is a no-brainer to implement it in your company.”
A recent Journal of Construction Engineering and Management article shows implementing this kind of technology can deliver cost savings of as much as 30 per cent.
For the complete article on Manitoba Construction CLICK HERE.
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