That is according to a survey named Drone Technology within the construction industry conducted by ProDroneWorx, one of the leading UK companies for ariel mapping, inspection and surveying.  

They believe that drones are going to be a major disruptor in the construction industry in the coming years – and effective implementation of the technology will give companies a significant edge in a very competitive market.

They asked senior figures within the construction industry, including surveyors, architects, engineers and construction firms, about their perception, usage and understanding of drone technology.  160 companies responded.

The survey highlighted the following key points:

A third of respondents (33%) are currently using drone technology in their operations. These early adopters understand the benefits it brings to their organisations.

The majority of respondents (67%) are currently not using drone technology. However, most plan to do so in the future.

Of the 33% that are currently using drone technology:

The majority (60%) have been using it for less than a year

11% of this sub-group have been using the technology for the last three to five years making them very early adopters.

The three main reasons firms are using the technology are:

1. Time savings (49%)
2. Increased operational efficiency (49%)
3. Cost savings (47%)

Even though a large percentage (67%) of firms are not currently using drone technology, there’s huge pent-up demand as 77% of this group plan on using the technology in future.

Only a small proportion of firms have no plans to use the technology in the future.

Construction firms have two options when it comes to deciding how to incorporate drone technology into their business models and workflow: creating an internal drone unit/function; or using a 3rd party specialist.

Overall, the vast majority of firms (67%) plan to or currently use 3rd party specialist companies on their projects rather than having an internal drone function within their company.

Issues such as regulation, licensing, insurance, hardware, software and data processing are factors putting firms off an internal function.

Many find it easier, cheaper and less risky to use a professional drone solutions company on projects.

Awareness of drone technology and the various benefits it brings is high within the industry; 75% of respondents understand how the technology can be used within their business.

Although drone technology has many applications within the construction industry, currently its primary use is in photography & video, surveying, asset inspection and progress monitoring.

27% of respondents were from the construction sector, 19% architecture, 18% surveying, 12% other (ecology, agriculture, consultancy etc) and 7% engineering.

Source: ProDroneWorx / UK Construction Media