Measured building survey (MBS) and inspection of residential building using drone technology

ProDroneWorx carried out a visual inspection of a confined space area under a bridge and directly over water using the Elios 2.

The Elios 2 is a unique tool at the forefront of innovation, it is able to achieve results and collect data that no other drone system can. It operates in both complex and dangerous environments reducing risk and increasing the opportunity to collate previously unseen data.

The primary data collection method from the Elios 2 is 4K RGB video (with thermal overlay) and it is from this video still images are able be captured.

In addition to simple 4K video is it possible to use the Elios to take 2D measurements from the raw video capture and also create 3D point-cloud models. However, these 3D models are very challenging to create and thus not always 100% reliable, as the system is operating without GPS. The accuracy of these models is therefore largely reliant on the ability to add scale to the model from supplementary or existing data information for example known dimensions of components, or laser scan data at the portal entry points etc.

For this reason, we must stress that the Elios 2 is first and foremost a visual inspection tool, this level of information is already invaluable in conditions where humans cannot safely access and any further outputs as 3D models should be treated as a valuable add-on, however, the ability to create these is at the limits of this technology and should be approached with this in mind. Careful planning and operation is required to achieve good outputs.

The drone can be operated in most conditions successfully and the pilot has live feedback of radio strength so they can accurately assess when the drone is reaching physical limitations of signal strength. Unfortunately, due to the signal limitations it is not always possible to access all the elements of a structure if the radio strength is dramatically compromised by physical local conditions. The range of the system is not limitless, control is reliant on the strength of the radio control link and therefore, the drone cannot go beyond the point of radio control.