J Murphy & Sons has cut the time taken to survey a 24ha site by 80% by using long-range drones.
Murphy engaged ProDroneWorx to carry out a topographical survey of a large project for National Grid using drone technology and extended visual line of sight (EVLOS).
As part of Network Rail’s programme of electrification of the Midland Mainline Railway, a new substation is being built on land adjacent to the railway and the existing overhead lines between Market Harborough and the village of Braybrooke.
The 24ha site had a 40m height variance over a distance of 1.5km. With EVLOS granted by the Civil Aviation Authority, ProDroneWorx conducted the topographical survey within a range of 1.5km from the drone pilot. This permission allowed the project to be surveyed quickly and safely.
Murphy project engineer Richard Murray said: “In one visit, the drone collected data that would have taken five days to survey on foot. The next planned visits will produce progression and as-built surveys, which can easily tie in with data collected from traditional Total Station/GPS equipment. I believe this combination of practices will become more common on sites in the future.”
ProDroneWorx produced survey grade accurate 2D/3D digital data accurate to within 40mm.
Image: 153835483 © Alexander Kirch | Dreamstime.com
