Enhancing Sludge Surveys with Drone Data

By Rafael Machado and Leon Oberhagemann

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, have ushered in a revolutionary era across diverse industries such as agriculture, construction, mining, and surveying. This transformative impact is primarily attributed to the advanced capabilities of drones, which encompass high-resolution cameras and sensors adept at capturing data from myriad perspectives. In the realm of sludge surveys, drone-generated imagery emerges as a pivotal resource, displaying critical insights into diverse facets including on-site infrastructure and attributes, offshore and inshore vegetation, sludge islands, defective liners, and elevation metrics.

When harmonized with bathymetric survey data, drone-derived information emerges as a formidable ally for dredge companies in formulating comprehensive sludge removal plans. This collaborative approach entails detailed site overviews, precise measurements, delineation of laydown and disposal areas, establishment of equipment and truck routes, and identification of safety hazards that may not be visible from ground level.

Drone imagery coupled with 3D sludge depth data

Perhaps the most pronounced advantage inherent in the integration of drones within sludge surveys resides in their exceptional speed and efficiency. Drones exhibit the ability to swiftly and accurately traverse expansive terrains, a feat that traditional ground-based surveys might take several hours or even days to accomplish. It's worth noting, however, that drone operations are subject to weather conditions, thereby potentially impeding deployment during periods of high winds or inclement rainfall.

The imagery provided through on-site drone operations allows for the creation of panoramic photographs, providing an all-encompassing view of the entire site. This panoramic view empowers facility users to effortlessly navigate the site, effectively simulating an in-person visit. Beyond its immersive nature, this approach serves as a mechanism to highlight pertinent issues and points of interest. Notably, in the image below, a discernible discrepancy is marked by the red arrow and circle, showcasing an aerator on the right-hand side with operational irregularities (emphasized by differential air release).

Panoramic Drone imagery used in a Virtual Site Tour

Check out this example of a Virtual Site Tour included in all of Hydrasurvey’s Comprehensive Sludge Surveys.

Within the image above drone imagery also highlights focal points of significance, denoted by information and camera symbols. Users can readily engage with these icons, thereby gaining access to ground-level photographs of the corresponding points of interest.

In summary, drones provide invaluable data when combined with sludge surveys. The aerial perspectives provided by drone imaging empower dredge operators to devise more optimal dredging strategies devoid of the necessity for a physical site visit, thus providing noteworthy savings in terms of time and resources.

An example of a Virtual Site Tour included with a Comprehensive Sludge Survey