Enhancing Construction Efficiency with AGTEK’s Innovative Drone Workflow
Workflows are the backbone of every successful business, ensuring standardization, minimizing errors, and fostering collaboration. In the construction industry, the integration of technology has revolutionized how projects are planned and executed. At AGTEK, we have been at the forefront of this transformation for over 40 years, developing industry-specific workflows that empower heavy construction companies around the world to efficiently manage their projects from inception to completion.
One of the most exciting technological advancements in construction is the use of drones. Although relatively new to the industry, drones have dramatically reshaped workflows. Recognizing the potential of drone technology early on, AGTEK embarked on a journey to identify the best drones and software solutions to streamline data processing. Staying true to our motto of dirt simple solutions, we launched a simple drone workflow designed to deliver precise, repeatable results for our clients in three steps.
1. The Right Drone
Our Drone Workflow begins with selecting the right drone. We recommend the Anzu Raptor RTK, a versatile commercial drone equipped with a mechanical shutter, rapid interval shooting camera, and an RTK module for centimeter-level precision. Paired with the Anzu RC Pro remote controller and the integrated Aloft Air Control software, flight planning becomes a seamless process. Simply tap around the project area, specify the flight parameters, and launch the drone. It will autonomously fly its pre-determined path, capturing high-resolution images every few seconds, which are stored on a removable microSD card. Once the mission is complete, the drone returns home automatically, ready for data processing back at the office. Benefits of the Anzu Raptor RTK Drone include:
- Adaptability and Cost-Effectiveness: The Anzu Raptor RTK offers exceptional versatility at a competitive price, making it an ideal choice for various construction applications.
- Precision and Consistency: Designed to deliver accurate and consistent results, the drone ensures data is recorded within the same reference frame, achieving point cloud accuracy comparable to RTK GPS Rovers.
- Advanced Features: Equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance sensors, and extended flight time, the Anzu Raptor RTK enhances safety and efficiency on every mission.
By integrating our tried and tested drone workflow, construction companies can achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy and efficiency, ensuring project success every time.
2. Advanced Processing with the Reveal Platform
AGTEK has revolutionized its processing capabilities through the innovative in-house Reveal Platform, designed to streamline construction data management. Reveal comprises two powerful modules: Maps and Clean. The Maps module transforms RTK drone flight data into 3D point clouds and orthomosaic maps using workflows that are both simple and intuitive. Users can effortlessly drag and drop their photos, press a button, and receive visual and numerical comparisons to ensure high confidence in surface quality.
When combined with Reveal Clean, the platform leverages AI to categorize and separate heavy construction objects within the point cloud. This allows for easy removal or editing to produce bare earth models, essential for volume calculations and planning in Gradework. Reveal Maps also verifies localization by establishing known survey points, aligning the point cloud and orthomosaic imagery with the specific coordinates of the job site.
Reveal Clean + Maps provide:
- User-Friendly Workflow: Optimized for civil construction, offering a straightforward process for users.
- Precision Data Capture: Compatible with RTK drones to ensure accurate and efficient data collection.
- Accuracy Assurance: Provides both visual and numeric confirmation of control points, enhancing confidence in the precision of resulting maps and point clouds.
- Seamless Integration: Works effortlessly with Gradework and Materials, ensuring smooth data transfer between platforms for comprehensive project management.
The Reveal platform provides enhanced processing capabilities, delivering precise and reliable data that supports effective project planning and execution.
The final stages of our workflow leverage the power of the Gradework and SmartDirt Applications, streamlining drone data into precise, actionable insights. These tools provide project teams with near real-time site data, enabling them to address site conditions and challenges swiftly and effectively. Critical project questions, such as the quantity of materials moved, remaining construction tasks, and stockpile volumes, are answered through the analysis of both orthoimages and point clouds. Volumetric analysis from the point cloud is crucial for assessing displaced soil quantities, evaluating stockpile volumes, and determining the remaining earthwork needed for project completion.
Gradework simplifies this process by delivering clear, concise reports accessible both in the field and in the office. When paired with our SmartDirt mobile application on smartphones or tablets, teams gain a new level of processing power and 3D graphical information, allowing them to make quick, informed decisions on the ground and keep the project moving forward efficiently.
A Complete Workflow Solution:
- User-Friendly Interface: Transforms drone data into actionable insights with ease.
- Optimized for Large Data Sets: Gradework efficiently handles extensive drone data.
- Accurate Progress Tracking: Facilitates precise monitoring of earthwork and materials.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Easily create, store, and analyze multiple drone flights throughout the project duration.
- Seamless Collaboration: Enhance field communication with the SmartDirt Mobile App.
- Robust Support: Access extensive training resources and customer support to fully leverage the software’s capabilities.
AGTEK is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that simplify complex processes, helping our clients build a better future. If you have any questions about how to implement your own drone workflow, contact your local AGTEK sales representative or fill out this form.