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Construction Monitoring and Reporting using Drones and Unmanned Aerial

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Conference Paper · July 2018

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The Tenth International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-10)

July 2nd-4th, 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Construction Monitoring and Reporting using Drones and Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (UAVs)
Naveed Anwar
CEO/Executive Director AIT Solutions, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Pathumthani, Thailand, Email: nanwar@ait.ac.th
Muhammad Amir Izhar
Senior Software Developer, AIT Solutions, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Pathumthani, Thailand, Email: amirizharkhan@gmail.com
Fawad Ahmed Najam
Assistant professor, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
Islamabad, Pakistan, Email: fawad@nice.nust.edu.pk

Abstract
The use of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has been increased in recent years for
surveying, facility management and other relevant fields. However, more recently, the technological
progress in the design and navigation of low-weight and autonomous drones and UAVs have resulted in
their more practical and cost-effective operation in the fields of architectural engineering and construction
management and monitoring. This study presents a framework for the development of a fully automated
smart construction monitoring and reporting system based on real-time data obtained from drones and
UAVs. The data in terms of drone images from multiple locations and point clouds (from 3D scanning of
construction site) can be used to construct a 3D model using the photogrammetry techniques. This so-
called “drone model” can be compared to BIM model at various construction stages to monitor the
construction progress. Beside construction scheduling and costing, this comparison can be expanded to
include real-time recording, reporting, billing, verification and planning. Using the example of a case
study construction project, the effective use of drone data is demonstrated in terms of smart construction
monitoring and comparisons between drone model and BIM model. It is shown that this fully automated
system can significantly reduce the effort required in traditional construction monitoring and reporting
procedures. The system not only provides convenient and smart ways of site supervision and management
but also results in better operations, planning and effective on-site adjustments.

Keywords
Smart construction monitoring, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, smart reporting, photogrammetry

1. Introduction

With recent technological advancements, the use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is
continuously increasing in various fields. Many industries are embracing the rapidly improving scientific
tools and introducing smart solutions to solve real-world problems (ENR, 2015). The planning and
monitoring of construction activities is one of the key areas where the drones and UAVs can significantly
improve the performance and speed. In fact, the construction industry can take the advantage of such
technologies in almost the whole range of practical aspects. For example, the drones and UAVs can be
potentially used at several stages in a construction project including pre-planning, detailed survey and
mapping of job site, construction process monitoring, post-build checks, and sales and marketing (Liu et
al., 2014). Similarly, the drones can serve as a real time tool for the planners to monitor if their
construction projects on the ground are conforming to their vision or not. The data acquired from drones
can also help developers and construction firms to keep a track of their inventory and plan out the entire
construction site.

This study presents a framework for the development of a fully automated smart construction monitoring
and reporting system based on real-time data obtained from drones and UAVs. Figure 1 shows the key
steps in traditional approach towards construction monitoring and planning. In conventional monitoring
approach, the construction drawings are used to construct the BIM model which is then used to plan the
construction sequence and monitor the progress. In the presented approach, the data in terms of drone and
UAV images from multiple locations and point clouds (from 3D scanning of construction site) will be
used to construct a 3D model using the photogrammetry technique. This so-called “drone model” can be
compared to BIM model at various construction stages to monitor the construction progress. Figure 2
shows various stages of an example construction project demonstrated using a sequence of 3D models.

Construction sequence,
schedule and planning;
specification
3D model with all the details
(BIM)

Conceptual and detailed

drawings

Figure 1: The key steps in traditional approach towards construction monitoring and planning

Figure 2: Various stages of a construction project as demonstrated by a sequence of 3D models

2. Smart Construction Monitoring using Drones and UAVs

The traditional approach for monitoring of construction projects involves a strict execution of plan
without the possibility for any last minute changes. In this approach, the availability of accurate real-time
data (showing the construction progress) is very limited. On the other hand, a smart monitoring system is
based on organized real time data which is collected using various advanced tools e.g. drone- or UAV-
mounted sensors (photo/video camera, thermal imaging camera and IR sensors etc.). The data is then
analysed using advanced software which allow for better operations, planning and adjustments (Figure 3).
Some of the important applications of drones and UAVs in construction monitoring include the following.

a) 3D Map Creation: Aerial monitoring provides data for 3D object creation and area's
orthophotographic map. The data can be continuously updated and stored as an online map for
interactive viewing of objects. This provides a better control over the work progress and the
ability to provide investors and clients with the most recent visual information. This also equips
and provides the ease to the government agencies to detect illegal construction detection.

b) Aerial Photography & 3D Scanning of Construction Projects: Aerial photo and video can be used
to provide clients with impressive visuals such as the view out the future window at the earliest
stages of construction. A 3D model of a construction project makes every fine detail available for
viewing online. The model can also be used in further planning, including that of landscaping and
interior design

c) Routing Construction Progress Monitoring: Throughout a development’s construction phase (and

even before), agreed flight paths over and around the site can be made to provide almost real time
visual progress reporting for developers, stakeholders and even the people on site as an engaging
record of how the project is going. Either monthly or fortnightly visits with a number of ad-hoc
visits throughout the development to capture key milestones.

d) Volumetric Measurement: Using accurate aerial photogrammetry techniques, large areas (2D and
3D) can be measured to within accuracy in centimetres. This can be accomplished quickly, cost
effectively and with minimal disruption to the day to day workings of the site.

Fine-tuning of the
Real-time data Advanced data processing
construction

Gathering preliminary
information
Preparation of visual
Construction site
demonstration items for
preparation
investors and clients

3D mapping of the area, Additional source of data

Work progress control determination of for decision making and
geophysical parameters improvement measures

Creation of panoramic 3D
Workplace safety and
Prevention of and control views of streets,
security control and
over illegal construction neighborhoods, and
compliance supervision
buildings

Figure 3: The key elements of smart construction monitoring system using drones and UAVs

Figure 4 shows the proposed framework of construction monitoring/reporting using drones and unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAV). The high-resolution images and videos can be obtained with weekly, bi-weekly or
monthly site visits allowing the engineers “to be always on site”. Using UAVs, what used to take weeks
can be done in days now. Even before the start of construction activity, the drone images and videos can
be used to perform an efficient work space planning and optimization to reduce material flow bottlenecks
as well as the periodic inspection for assessing safety measures in place. These reports such as the amount
of material moved, excavated and filled along with tracking and monitoring of assets over the course of
the project provide a viable and scalable method of knowing what is happening on the field for all
stakeholders concerned.

Raw Videos
Drones
and UAV
Processed
Images
Multiple Photogrammetry
GPS Software
Software tools,
Images
Enabled manual
Cameras cleaning and
processing 3D Model

3D
Point Clouds
Scanner

Comparison Construction
Progress Monitoring

Billing
Building Construction
Drawings Schedules/Plans
Verification
Full 3D
Models
Records
BIM Models Specifications
Learning

Figure 4: The overall concept of construction monitoring/reporting using drones and unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAV)

The data obtained from drones and UAVs can then be analysed using various software to extract useful
information for decision-making. The analysis of data has remained an interesting subject of research for
more than a decade (Ham et al., 2016). In recent years, several image processing, computer vision, and
geometrical processing techniques are developed which can either generate semantically-rich 3D models
from the collections of overlapping images, or can be used to manually or semi-automatically conduct
progress monitoring, surveying, safety inspection, quality monitoring and activity analysis during the
construction. Several of the presented techniques can be used to streamline the condition assessment in
existing buildings and infrastructure systems. A comprehensive review of these techniques can be seem in
Cho et al. (2015), Son et al. (2015), Teizer (2015) and Yang et al. (2015).

Figure 5 shows the basic idea of converting the drone data into 3D model which can be routinely used to
monitor the construction process over the course of project. The process of creating 3D model of an
object from the images is called 3D reconstruction. This process captures the 3D shape and appearance of
real objects. Several available software are capable of automatically extracting thousands of common
points between images. Each characteristic point found in an image is called a key point. When two
keypoints on two different images are found to be the same, they are matched key points. Similarly, each
group of correctly matched key points generates one 3D point. When there is high overlap between two
images, the common area captured is larger and therefore, more key points can be matched together. The
larger the number of key points, the greater is the accuracy of 3D reconstruction. Therefore, it is very
important to maintain a high overlap between the images. To create a 3D model of a flat surface,
generally, nadir imagery is enough. However, to construct a 3D model of a structure e.g. an under-
construction building, the overhead images are not capable enough to capture the details on sides of the
building. For this reason, orbital flights around the structure capturing oblique imagery are recommended
to improve the quality of 3D model.

The 3D drone model can then be used to provide important information about the construction process
and can serve as a valuable tool for managerial decision-making or cost control. For example, it is very
important to monitor the amount of material entering and leaving the construction site. The volumetric
comparison between the BIM model and the drone models can be carried out at various stages of the
project to track the amount of material. The drone data can also be used to assess the quality of concrete
pours and accuracy in dimensions of structural members.

Figure 5: The conversion of drone data into 3D model

Beside construction scheduling and costing, this comparison can be expanded to include real-time
recording, reporting, billing, verification and planning. Using the example of a case study construction
project, the effective use of drone data is demonstrated in terms of smart construction monitoring and
comparisons between drone model and BIM model. It is shown that this fully automated system can
significantly reduce the effort required in traditional construction monitoring and reporting procedures.
The system not only provides convenient and smart ways of site supervision and management but also
results in better operations, planning and effective on-site adjustments.

3. Monitoring of a Case Study Project using Drones

The presented approach of smart construction monitoring is applied to a case study construction project of
a single-story residential apartments building. The construction activities were continuously monitored
using drones. At several stages of construction, the drone is flown a minimum of four times to capture
various data with different height and camera angle settings. For the first data set, images are acquired
with camera angle at 0 degree with a height of approximately 30 meters above the case study building
height. The second data set is obtained by flying the drone at of approximately 20 meters from building
height with the camera angle of 80 degrees. For the third data set, drone is flown again at a height of 30
meters from building height with an angle of 45 degree. The final data set is obtained by flying the drone
at a height of approximately 50 meters at an angle of 30 degrees.

After the completion of aerial photography, the collected data was analyzed to construct the 3D models. A
software named “3DF Zephyr” is used for 3D reconstruction. Once the 3D model is generated, it is
exported in .obj (Wavefront) format. This data is then imported into REVIT and overlaid with the actual
REVIT models to compare different dimension of the buildings. Using this overlay, a variety of
comparisons at different stages of construction project were carried out. Figure 6 shows the potential
results obtained from the presented drone-based construction monitoring approach.

High Quality Design and

Cost Savings Schedule Compression
Construction

Completed Projects much

Elimination of need for
more closely aligned with
separate as-built drawings
design intent

Figure 6: The potential range of results obtained from the drone-based construction monitoring
approach

Figure 7 presents the volumetric comparison between construction plan/schedule and on-site progress for
the selected case study project. The comparison between the BIM model (red colour) and drone model
(green colour) shows the project progress. Various benchmarks and targets can be set and the project can
be routinely monitored with a reasonable accuracy. Similar comparisons can also be made at various
stages of the project. As an example, Figure 8 shows an example quantity comparison for the placement
of toilets. The comparison shows that all toilets are on schedule. Similarly Figure 9 shows an example
schedule comparison for the placement of windows in the case study project. The comparison shows that
the placement is delayed by schedule. This case study application reflects the effectiveness of presented
approach for smart monitoring of construction projects.

BIM Model Drone Images Volumetric Comparison

56450
56480

BIM Model
Drone Model
 Volumetric Comparison
BIM Model
Drone Model

Plan

Elevations Isometric View

Figure 7: The volumetric comparison between construction plan/schedule and on-site progress

Quantity Comparison

BIM Model

Drone Images

Figure 8: An example quantity comparison for the placement of toilets – All toilets are on schedule

Drone Images

Schedule Comparison

Completed till now

Need to be completed

Schedule BIM Model

Figure 9: An example schedule comparison for the case study project – The placement of windows
is delayed by schedule
 For assessing the accuracy of presented technique, it is applied to five other case study buildings and the
results were compared with actual data. The dimensions of case study buildings were measured and then
compared with the 3D drone models. It is observed that the drone 3D models are reasonably consistent in
shape and geometry of the actual buildings. However, in some cases, there can be certain types of errors
due to data source, quality of data, the height of the drone, the angle of the camera while capturing the
images and the construction methods. The mean error in the control point measurements for five tested
cases was found to be less than 0.12 meters.

4. Conclusions

This paper presents the framework for the development of a fully automated smart construction
monitoring and reporting system based on real-time data obtained from drones and UAVs. The
technological progress in the design and navigation of low-weight and autonomous drones and UAVs can
be efficiently used in a dynamic manner to result in a more practical and cost-effective operations in the
fields of construction management and monitoring. In the presented approach, the data in terms of drone
images from multiple locations and point clouds (from 3D scanning of construction site) can be used to
construct 3D models using the photogrammetry techniques. These drone models can be compared to BIM
model at various construction stages to monitor the construction progress. Beside construction scheduling
and costing, this comparison can be expanded to include real-time recording, reporting, billing,
verification and planning. Using the example of a case study construction project, the effective use of
drone data is demonstrated in terms of smart construction monitoring and comparisons between drone
model and BIM model. It is shown that this fully automated system can significantly reduce the effort
required in traditional construction monitoring and reporting procedures. The system not only provides
convenient and smart ways of site supervision and management but also results in better operations,
planning and effective on-site adjustments.

5. References

Cho, Y. K., Ham, Y., and Golpavar-Fard, M. (2015). “3D as-is building energy modeling and diagnostics:
A review of the state-of-the-art”. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 29(2), 184–195.
ENR (2015). “Drones: A Gateway Technology to Full Site Automation.”
Ham, Y., Han, K. K., Lin, J. J., and Golparvar-Fard, M. (2016). “Visual monitoring of civil infrastructure
systems via camera-equipped Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): a review of related works”.
Visualization in Engineering 4:1, DOI 10.1186/s40327-015-0029-z
Liu, P., Chen, A. Y., Huang, Y. N., Han, J. Y., Lai, J. S., Kang, S. C. (2014). “A Review of Rotorcraft
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Developments and Applications in Civil Engineering”. Smart
Structures and Systems, 13(6), 1065–1094.
Son, H., Bosché, F., & Kim, C. (2015). “As-built data acquisition and its use in production monitoring
and automated layout of civil infrastructure: A survey”. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 29(2), 172–
183.
Teizer, J. (2015). “Status quo and open challenges in vision-based sensing and tracking of temporary
resources on infrastructure construction sites”. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 29(2), 225–238.
Yang, J., Park, M-W., Vela, P. A., & Golparvar-Fard, M. (2015). “Construction performance monitoring
via still images, time-lapse photos, and video streams: Now, tomorrow, and the future”. Advanced
Engineering Informatics, 29(2), 211–224.

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