Land surveying is a process that needs to be done before accomplishing various activities involving land; for instance, buying, selling, and subdivision. Basically, it is the mapping and measurement of a certain portion of the environment using technological equipment. Land surveyors are professionals who have undergone formal education and various trainings to acquire the exceptional knowledge and skills required for their jobs.
What are Drones?
Assuming you are someone who isn’t familiar with this whole thing, a drone is basically an unmanned aircraft. It is also called an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a flying robot. It can be remotely controlled or fly by itself through flight plans that are software-controlled. Such flight plans are in their embedded system that works with GPS. Drones are known to be used for military purposes, but they are also used in different activities like traffic monitoring, weather monitoring, surveillance, fire fighting, search and rescue, film-making, recreational activities, etc. It is also used in surveying, which we will further discuss in this article.
UAV vs. UAS
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they define two different things. Technically, UAV is the airplane or the hardware itself; while UAS is the complete solution – GPS, cameras, route planning software, etc. UAS means unmanned aerial system. In hindsight, UAV is only a part of UAS which is a broader term that covers various equipment and ideas. As mentioned earlier, UAVs can be used for various purposes. On the other hand, each UAS is designed based on the application it is intended for.
UAS and Surveying
UAS comes with two types that can be used for surveying. The first type is a fixed wing model which is suitable for one-man operations. It can be used for aerial mapping, topographic surveys, and terrain modelling large areas; for instance, stock piles and mine sites.The second type is the propeller-based system or a rotary blade. It can fly in any direction or in a fixed position. It is suitable for thorough inspections and surveying areas that are hard to reach like bridges, power lines, and pipelines.
How do UASs Work?
Knowing how highly technological UASs are, it is really interesting to know how they work. What needs to be done before using such systems? What determines whether they are ready to be used?
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Setting Up the System
First off, route planning is done through the software that comes with the system. Then, the takeoff and landing area are programmed; and the area to be mapped is outlined.
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Preparing the UAV
The route program is loaded to the UAV. Presuming you are the user, you should check if it is functional and ready for use. Carefully read the checklists provided with the kit; check all components, the battery level, and all necessary concerns.
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Launching the UAV
Please take note that the launching process depends on the model you are using. You may opt for one that only needs to be thrown in the air provided you stand in the proper takeoff location. Some models give you the choice of manual takeoff or an automatic one.
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Controlling the UAV
Meanwhile, you may opt for models that allow you to manually control the drone anytime. You will need to do this during detailed inspections wherein you can move the UAV to certain objects and avoid collisions. Do you want to do real-time viewing using video display goggles or a ground station? This is also possible in some models. Although not always required, manual controls are important and useful. They can prevent unexpected problems and obstacles; for instance, during landing.