In my previous posts, I have analysed Satellite Imagery to perform Earth Observation workflows related to detection of Pollution, Ships, Fire, Floods, Heat and Subsidence. A Satellite is an eye in the sky for us humans, operating at altitudes in excess of 500 kilometers, which captures geodata that can be processed for a variety of Remote Sensing workflows.
Just like Satellites, Drones are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) too, albeit they operate at much lower altitudes. While Satellites are better equipped to capture data over large geographic extents quickly, Drones can capture data with much finer detail and precision, but over much smaller geographic extents.
A Drone comprises of two major components - a) the Copter and b) the Payload.
While the Copter's characteristics determine the Drone's robustness, how far it can fly, up to what height and so on, it is the sensor(s)-carrying Payload which determines the applications that the Drone can be deployed for.
In this post, I will highlight 10 Industrial Applications of Drones (This isn't an exhaustive list).
1. Mapping
Survey the Area of Interest. Identify features, measure distances, demarcate zones, create a 3D model.
2. Asset Inspection
Inspect assets in hard to reach places or where human inspection is costly, time-consuming, and/or is unsafe such as electrical and telecom towers, under a bridge, at solar farm. Suitable for Petroleum, Utilities, Pharma, among several other industries.
3. Communication
Transmit messages to a crowd or subjects on the ground at events, for training, emergency response, and so on. Suitable for Law Enforcement, Factories, Festivals and Hazmat sites.
4. Vegetation Health
A Multispectral payload captures Solar Radiation reflectances from surface features in Visible light, Infrared and Ultraviolet spectral wavelengths. It so happens that Vegetation has a markedly different spectral response to these electromagnetic ranges based on the quantity of chlorophyll present (a major health marker). Therefore, the health of vegetation in an area of interest can be discerned using these payloads. A multispectral payload can even be used for Drought Monitoring, Forest Fire Detection, Damage Assessment, among several other specialized workflows.
5. Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining precise measurements of surface features from photographs which can be used for feature reconstruction purposes. With a photogrammetry payload, one can render Assets in 3D, monitor Construction progress, perform Volumetric Assessment, besides a variety of other AEC workflows.
6. Search & Rescue Missions
Scan large areas quickly to spot missing persons, monitor drowning incidents, disseminate food packets to stranded citizens. Drones can traverse terrain with ease where humans can't and this is a vital characteristic beneficial to be deployed in emergency situations.
7. Security & Surveillance
Similar to the previous workflow, albeit more specialized, Drones are extensively used to monitor humans, live creatures, assets, inanimate objects and virtually anything that needs to be visually tracked. Suitable for Manufacturing and Mining Industries, Military Establishments, Events
8. Specialized Surveys
Involves precise and exhaustive mapping of surface and subsurface features in very high resolution through specialized sensors such as LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) and GPR (Ground-Penetrating Radar). Used in Infrastructure projects, Mines, Urban Studies.
9. Spraying
A drone equipped with a liquid tank and spraying nozzles can be used for fumigating landscapes, application of fertilizers and herbicides on farmlands and sprinkling of chemicals on surfaces.
10. Supply Drops
Drones are routinely being utilized to supply small packages (Medicines, Fertilizers, Food Packets, Spare Parts) at distant locations (mostly within Line-of-Sight). Suitable for Rescue and Relief, Healthcare and Last Mile Delivery missions.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers Mapping services that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India and will aid your organization to meet its stated objectives pertaining to Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, the firm's area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities-
Our Mapping for Operations-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this brochure. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,