Bluesky launches aerial survey drones service
Bluesky has launched a fast response aerial survey service using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones. The technology, originally developed by the military, includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided autopilot, high resolution integrated camera and environmentally friendly rechargeable propulsion system, the company said in a 23 May, 2012 statement.
Potential applications of Bluesky's UAV solution include open cast mines or quarries or even landfill sites where large volumes of material are extracted or moved on a regular basis. The geographically accurate imagery would provide a record of activity at a given point in time and the highly detailed height models could be used to measure stockpiles, cut and fill volumes and for facilities management and safety monitoring. Autonomous take-off and landing ensures the system is easy to use and with a wingspan of less than a metre it can be transported without the need for complex assembly.
Large scale construction sites can also be surveyed, at regular intervals or predetermined points in time, providing data for project management, reporting and funding, the company said. The height data can be used for line of site calculations to ensure compliance with planning applications or cut and fill calculations for project invoicing and for the creation of realistic 3D images for marketing or KPI reporting.