In the past the sight of a multi-rotor, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with flashing colored lights may have invoked a reaction similar to spotting a flying saucer. Now Small UAVs, or drones as they are commonly called, are common and registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.
What does the future hold for use of these emerging tools in our Public Works realm? This session explores current and future utilization of both fixed-wing UAVs and rotor-wing multi-motor copters for construction monitoring, site inspections, traffic and congestion monitoring, bridge inspection, project progression, aerial surveying and many other missions—many of which have not even been conceived of yet.
Flight regulations and requirements, types of aerial platforms and best applications, and specific examples of UAV uses in public works will be discussed and shared. After participating in this program, participants will be better able to:
– Identify technical jargon and aircraft types, along with federal airspace limitations and considerations.
– Discuss uses and examples of projects and known UAV missions in the application of surveying, engineering, emergency and disaster response/recovery, construction and utility inspections to stimulate agency opportunities.
– Explain visions of future and imagined new UAV solutions, autonomous innovations and operations, and industry challenges will be considered.
Contributor(s)
Michael E. Sutherland, AAE, TLO;Seth Swaim, GISP, PLS