Construction
Construction Progress Monitoring
Overview
Client required monthly construction progress shots monitoring a new high rise accomodation block in Nottingham city centre. Used the DJI Mini 3 Pro as it can be quickly deploy in a tight urban space. Its small size and low noise output made it less intrusive for a busy public space.
Sector - Construction
Output - Aerial Photography
Location - Nottinghamshire
Delivery - April 2024 - July 2025
Drone Data Capture Method
1. Office Preparation
Checked airspace restrictions and confirm required authorisations and permissions.
Completed pre-flight assessments in line with CAA requirements.
Planned the mission route, including flight altitude, speed, and area coverage using the DJI RC Controller.
2. Pre-Flight Planning:
Reviewed the site and construction schedule.
Planned consistent flight paths and shooting angles to capture the same views monthly.
Checked weather and lighting conditions, aiming for similar times each month.
3. Equipment and Settings:
Calibrated sensors and confirmed GPS lock before flight.
Used the Mini 3 Pro in manual PRO photo mode for consistent exposure.
Shot in RAW (DNG) format with 48MP mode enabled for maximum detail if lighting allowed.
Additionally used automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) with 3-5 bracketed shots to ensure good dynamic range.
4. Flight Execution and Shots:
Flew pre-planned routes capturing key views: front facade, sides, roof, and context shots of the surrounding city.
Used a mix of angles: low oblique angles to show the site in its environment and higher altitude for overall site context.
Captured top-down aerial shots to monitor the footprint and landscaping progress.
Took orbit shots around the building for immersive visuals.
6. Post-Flight Processing:
Reviewed images for quality and consistency with previous months.
Used editing software to apply similar color corrections and exposure fixes for monthly report consistency.
Created a photo timeline to showcase progress visually.
7. Reporting & Delivery:
Compiled photos into monthly progress report.
Provided stakeholders with clear visuals showing construction phases.
Benefits
Progress Monitoring
Provides consistent visual records to track construction milestones, helping teams verify work completed against schedules and quickly identify delays.
Quality Control
High-resolution images reveal defects, workmanship issues or safety hazards, enabling timely corrections and ensuring construction quality.
Stakeholder Communication
Visual updates to share with senior stakeholders, clients, investors, and regulators, improving transparency, trust and collaborative decision-making.
Documentation
Creates a comprehensive photographic archive useful for future maintenance, warranties or dispute resolution once the building is completed.
Safety Improvement
Reduces the need for personnel to physically access potentially dangerous areas, lowering risk during construction.
Marketing Material
Attractive aerial images to promote the development to potential buyers or tenants before completion.
