SUSA (drone) Survey

Guidance on Specifying SUSA (drone) Survey Works

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SUSA (drone) Survey Technology

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Safety, productivity and efficiency are the cornerstone elements of drone (Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft - SUSA ) surveying. Using SUSA (drone) technology removes the need for operatives to work at height, in line with the Hierarchy of Risk Control (HSE / Work at Height Regulations 2005).

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The SUSA (drone) market is a quickly evolving space as designs become more efficient, batteries have higher capacities and the overall weight of UAV aircraft and their associated payloads become lower. UpAboveUk constantly invest, adapt, improve and change our working methods and associated technologies to maintain a safe operation.

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Inspection
 

UpAboveUk can carry out inspections that would normally require scaffolding, cherry picker, ladders and permissions. These are expensive and time consuming to organise.

By deploying a SUSA (drone) with quality lenses aerial inspections can be carried out very quickly and most importantly safely without the need for work at heights permits. The image or video can be viewed whilst the inspection is carried or at a later stage. Because the images are high resolution digital zoom can be used to identify areas of interest.

Large areas can be inspected safely using pre programmed way points and collision avoidance systems where there maybe obstacles within the inspection zone.

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Scope of Work

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In order to successfully specify, undertake and complete a SUSA (drone) survey, a robust Scope of Work generally ensures the best understanding and outcome.

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The Scope of Work should include:

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• Purpose of the survey

• Survey area extents

• Level of detail required

• Reporting requirements

• Data protection requirements

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Additionally, for land surveying projects:

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• Ground Control Point (GCP) Requirements

• Photogrammetry Ground Sample Distance (GSD)

• GIS Outputs or software requirements
   

Scope of Works should also specify the Risk Assessment and Method Statement process (RAMS) to be task and project specific to ensure the SUSA (drone) operator has fully considered any potential risks and hazards involved for operation on that particular site. The RAMS document should then be reviewed, amended if necessary, and approved before works commence.

UpAboveUk undertake rigorous Risk Assessments considering the specific site, environment, aviation rules and regulations to ensure safe, efficient and productive SUSA (drone) surveying works on site.

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Outputs

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A range of survey outputs can be generated and provided depending on the SUSA (drone) survey requirements.

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Examples of some types outputs:

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• High resolution photographic imagery (36 Megapixel) JPG format

• Thermal imagery (640 x 512) FLIR radiometric JPG format (not available at the moment due to cost)

• 4K HD Video

• 3D Model / Point Cloud LAS/LAZ/XYZ/OBJ format

• 2D Orthophoto / Orthomosaic photographs

• Defect schedule

• Defect reporting

• Marked up drawings / photographs

• Point of Interest (PoI) photographs

• Roof Survey

• Land Survey

• External Chimney Survey
   

Detailing the required output ensures the clarity between drone operator and the client. As SUSA (drone) technology is still at an early stage, it is understandable that many clients are not fully aware of what is achievable using SUSA (drone) surveys.

Please feel free to discuss your particular project with John.

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