Indexing: Video recording is convenient but not very practical for capturing details. In any given video, one must watch the entire footage to pinpoint a location of interest. A single, high-quality photo is much better to capture details. Drones take many high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes. In a single mission, hundreds of photos may be captured for later use. However, organizing (indexing) these photos for easy access is still a daunting task.
Our locally-developed, proprietary software, Catalogger®, makes indexing a simple task, allowing users quick access to detailed views of areas of interest. The image at right shows a site that was photographed by a DJI Pro drone from various angles and elevations. The droplets represent locations where drone images were acquired. Once clicked, a user can view a 360-degree panorama of that location at different altitudes.
Although still gaining momentum, drone technology is already transforming the building industry. Today, drone surveys are a critical component in structural condition assessments. They provide a wealth of data that is easy to store, index, and access. That data, in the form of flight videos and still images, provides a historical record that can aid in insurance claims and future renovations. As drone use evolves, infrared and LIDAR technologies will be perfected, allowing even better management of residential, commercial, and industrial assets. "But what about manual surveys?" you ask. Like rotary phones, they will become a thing of the past.
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