INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
1. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle( UAV)- Drone Technology Imagine an engineering innovation able to successfully complete a two hectare aerial geomatic land survey in six minutes with high resolution data outputs or even producing an accurate digital 3D model with 3 cm site accuracy. This unique feat is made possible using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle( UAV) technology or commonly known as drones which are able to accomplish these demanding tasks effectively( Figure 3). The specifications of drone technology are improving rapidly complemented by a reduction in pricing. Geo-referenced aerial surveys can effectively be used to increase any land or industrial site survey, improve production or even shorten the time for accurate environmental assessment from the present period of project execution of weeks to hours at industrial sites worldwide.
2. Augmented Reality( AR) Technology Augmented reality is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment where the elements are supplemented by computergenerated sensory graphics, video, GPS-centred data or sound inputs( Figure 4). Augmented reality( AR) embeds virtual images onto real world contexts with the help of advanced digital technology such as computer vision and object recognition. The information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and thus can be digitally controlled. Some of the benefits in the application of augmented reality are:- improved production efficiency,- real-time site visualisation, and- accuracy in progressive site development.
Figure 4: Applicability of Augmented Reality
3. High-Tech Geomatics / Laser Survey The practical usage of laser scanners for topographical profiling is useful for the rapid visualisation of surveyed data. Multi-function viewfinders and the quick tagging of images recorded with co-ordinates and bearings are also beneficial for volume analysis resulting in the production of accurate 3D industrial displays for progress of any engineering project site on a daily or even weekly basis( Figure 5).
Figure 3: Drone technology and applications
10 VOL 68 OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2016