Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular for use in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and emergency response. One area where drones can be particularly useful is in building inspections, especially in areas exposed to increased seismic risk.
Traditionally, building inspections have been carried out by humans, either by climbing up to inspect the exterior of the building or by entering the building to inspect its structural integrity. This can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous, especially in areas exposed to seismic activity.
Drones, on the other hand, can quickly and safely inspect buildings from the air, providing a bird's-eye view that is difficult to achieve through other means. However, current regulations often limit the use of drones to within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the operator. This means that the operator must be able to see the drone at all times, which can be challenging in certain situations, such as when inspecting tall buildings or when the drone is flying beyond the line of sight due to obstacles.
This is where operation beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) comes in. BVLOS allows drones to be flown beyond the line of sight of the operator, provided that certain safety measures are in place. This includes having a trained observer who is responsible for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that the drone does not collide with other objects or people.
Allowing BVLOS operation of drones opens up new possibilities for building inspections, especially in areas exposed to increased seismic risk. Pre-positioned building inspection drones can be deployed in these areas to monitor buildings for potential damage. These drones can be equipped with sensors and cameras to detect cracks, deformations, or other signs of structural damage that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Using drones for building inspections not only increases the safety of the inspection process but also saves time and money. Drones can quickly and efficiently cover large areas, making it easier to identify potential issues and prioritize repairs.
In summary, BVLOS operation of drones will allow pre-positioned building inspection drones to be deployed in areas exposed to increased seismic risk, improving the safety and efficiency of building inspections while also providing valuable data on the condition of buildings in these areas.