My first step as a hobby with drones started in 2014. Now, ten years later, I have grown to become a licensed drone pilot! With my new venture I will conduct drone operations in the built environment. Droneprops & Media focuses on inspections, environmental management and 3D mapping. The company also has a media section. We record footage and help other companies further expand their reach with the use of drones and cameras.
My first real assignment was for the Trudo housing association. We were given the opportunity to inspect the Trudo Tower in Eindhoven (Strijp-S). The Trudo Tower is based on the Milan construction project Bosco Verticale. The architect is called Stefano Boeri and is from Italy. The 77 meter high Trudo Tower was completed three years ago. This building is a real eye-catcher for the Strijp-S area in Eindhoven, and I am very pleased that I was able to work on this project!
Purpose of the inspection
The purpose of this inspection with the drone was to record and analyze the current condition of the trees and plants of the Trudo Tower in order to make it as efficient, insightful, data-oriented, flexible and future-oriented as possible. Because the plants improve air quality and the well-being of residents, it is very important to monitor the health of the plants. In addition, we want to predict problems such as pests or diseases of the plants and trees, so that the gardener can take action quickly.
How did we achieve this?
A point cloud model is created by flying a drone around the building and scanning it at the same time. The scan produces a realistic (digital) 3D model, which reflects the current state of the building. The 3D model is always accessible via an online portal. This means that the data can easily be shared with each other, instead of continuously sending emails back and forth. Observations can be digitally marked in the portal with the “pin” function. This can be used to indicate the health and current condition of the plants and trees. A scan will be made for the third time this year in July. This allows us to determine whether the trees and plants have grown compared to the previous inspections.
What are the benefits of this?
The use of drones offers a number of advantages that traditional methods cannot provide. Some advantages are:
Safety
The use of drones for such inspections has many advantages. Safety comes first. Previously, inspectors had to undertake dangerous climbing on the higher floors to examine the greenery. With drones this is no longer necessary. Furthermore, drones can work efficiently and quickly, significantly reducing inspection time. This saves time and money. Furthermore, drones reduce human error by allowing them to fly standardized and repeatable routes.
Accuracy and Data Analysis
The accuracy of the data collected is also extremely important. Drones have cameras with a large sensor and can therefore capture detailed images. Drones can also be expanded with advanced sensors such as a LiDAR sensor. This allows the building or another object to be recorded one on one (digitally). These applications make preventive maintenance possible. Even the smallest changes to, for example, a tree, plant or facade can be observed. Observing and monitoring this change is done with special software. This allows us to see whether there are trends surrounding the change(s) to the object. By performing regular scans, the results become even more accurate.
Smart cities and environmental management
Smart city is the term in which technology is used to ultimately improve the quality of life of citizens in the city. Using drones to track buildings such as the Trudo Tower falls within the definition of a smart city. With drones we can not only collect data for the maintenance of trees and plants. In fact, if we think on a larger level, we can also monitor air quality and biodiversity in the urban environment.
Collaboration and innovation
We have been able to demonstrate (through the collaboration with housing association Trudo and Du Pré Groenprojecten) that it is possible to integrate innovative technologies into the management of urban green spaces. Our service can serve as an example for other cities and organizations looking for safer, cheaper and more effective ways to manage their green spaces.
Do you also have an interesting case with the use of drones? Then take Contact Contact us so that we can see together what we can do for you!
