I learned early that if we wanted a drone program to work, we needed to treat it like any other trade tool. We needed the right equipment, clear processes, and people who knew how to use it safely and get the most out of the data.
We did not go big overnight. We started small with a single drone and a few test flights on jobs where aerial images could solve real problems. We used them to track site progress and share updates with owners. Once teams saw what they could do, they started asking for more.
Training was a big part of making this stick. We did not just hand over the controls to anyone who wanted to fly. We made sure our people passed the Part 107 and were familiar with the drone they were using. We also set clear guidelines for how to store and share the images so they actually help the team in the field and the folks back in the office.
The one thing I have seen over and over is that drones help connect what happens on the ground with the bigger picture. A good aerial photo or site map can settle an argument, document what was there at a point in time, and help plan the next step. It builds trust with owners too because they can see progress without always being on site.
If you are thinking about adding drones to your jobs, start with a clear goal. Do not fly just to fly. Pick one problem you want to solve. Maybe you need better progress photos or more accurate earthwork measurements. Test a small project. Get a few people trained and build from there.
I have learned that a successful drone program is not about the drone itself. It is about how you fit it into your workflow. It is about making it part of the weekly routine so the data stays useful and does not just sit on a hard drive.
We still find new ways to use drones every year. I think the next step is tying drone data back to other data points in the project so we can spot changes faster and plan smarter. We are not there yet but we are moving in that direction.
If you want to swap ideas about how drones can help on your jobs or see how we use them alongside BIM and reality capture, I am always glad to share what we have learned. The technology keeps changing but the goal stays the same. Better information. Better decisions. Better projects.
I started working with laser scanners and 360 photos back when most people thought they were just nice to have. Now they are becoming the standard on complex projects. It is not about the technology itself. It is about what it lets our teams do. We can verify work faster, catch mistakes early, and give owners and trade contractors confidence that what is on the drawings matches what is actually in place.
We now use reality capture for much more than final as-builts. We scan slabs before concrete is poured. We verify existing conditions to incorporate into 3D models. We use drones to track progress in real time. We share 360 photos so teams can check details without waiting for a site walk. It helps our field teams, our office teams, and even our clients stay on the same page.
One thing I always tell students and peers is that reality capture is not just about fancy hardware. It only works if people know how to use it. We spend time training users and project managers to trust the scans and photos and to know what to look for. The tech is only as useful as the team using it.
Another benefit that often gets overlooked is trust. When you have an accurate record of what has been installed, you have fewer arguments about what happened and when. It helps everyone focus on solving problems instead of debating what went wrong. That alone saves time, money, and relationships on site.
If you are wondering how to get started, you do not need to buy the biggest scanner or fly drones every day. Start small. Pick one project that needs better documentation. Try a 360 camera walk once a week or scan an existing area you are about to renovate. Use that information to answer a real question. Once people see the value, they will start asking for it on every job.
I am still learning better ways to use reality capture every year. It is one of the best bridges between the digital model and the real world we are building every day. If you want to share ideas about how you are using scans, drones, or photos, or just want to see how we put it to work in the field, I am always glad to connect.
