How can you effectively use drones for spatial data collection in Landscape Architecture projects?

From my experience, for landscape projects, we will need drone with long flight time, RTK and high-resolution camera compatible with the software.

Agree. And these is what we do in the first place: 1. Determine the application requirements 2. Design by selecting only the parts that are needed 3. Think of the alternative designs, because the most preferred solution does probably not pursue the real-use situation. Make the first design flexible enough to be changed to the alternatives.

Advancements in the drone field are continuously happening. Self-piloting units, Lidar, 4 K video, follow-tracking, and longer flight times are just a few. 1) Understand your why: Do you need only aerial photographs to document the site's current conditions/construction, or do you want to use Lidar to create a 3D digital twining of the site for use in 3D CAD? 2) Understand your where: Small residential sites or large public areas? Difficult access or always next to a road? 3) Size: Do you have any size and weight limitations 4) Ease of use: Are you a skilled drone pilot with good programming and robotic skills, or do you need a simplified, off-the-shelf, self-flying unit? 5) Cost: How much do you want to spend, and what is your ROI?

In Landscape Architecture, drones revolutionize spatial data collection. They offer unparalleled efficiency and precision, capturing aerial imagery for site analysis, topography mapping, and vegetation assessment. Drones streamline design processes, enhance decision-making, and reduce costs. From initial surveys to ongoing monitoring, integrating drones elevates project outcomes. Embrace innovation, harness drone technology, and transform the way we shape our environments. #LandscapeArchitecture #Drones #Innovation

Choosing the right drone for landscape projects involves several factors to ensure you get the aerial views and data you need. Here are some points: Camera Quality: For photos, a drone with a high-resolution camera is essential. Battery Life: Longer battery life means more flight time to capture the necessary footage. Stability and GPS: A drone with good stability and GPS is crucial for capturing sharp images and smooth videos. Mapping Software: Some drones come with mapping software, it can be used for creating surveys and models of the landscape. Portability: A compact and lightweight drone that’s easy to carry around. Regulations: Be aware of the regulations regarding drone flights. Budget: Consider how much you’re willing to invest.

One thing I found helpful was using range finder to measure the height of buildings and posts around to be able to input safe flight attitude.

I use to do two flight one autonomous in grid pattern and another manual to collect the blind spots, I found that more efficient.

I like to use software where I can control the data, and able to set the parameters and variables myself, it take a bit more time, but the result is more accurate.

one thing I found helpful is having a cloud account with a large storage, that way is quick to transfer data and deliverables to the clients, without hassle.

Some of the most helpful and effective output my firm has generated from drones has not necessarily been captured hundreds of feet above ground level, but rather from angles that were otherwise not achievable due to an imposing physical obstacle. One example is the presence of a treacherous Jumping Cholla located directly at the desired vantage point of a Mojave Desert project site.

All the time consider the liabilities, from the start to the delivery of the project, also, report only the results analysis that you are 100 percent sure of.

What computer programs, app, and hardward must the drone run and download? What are the costs of these associated items? For example you might need an high-end tablet to run the pilot app for the drone adding additional expenses if you don't already have one that meets the drone's specs.