The value of drone 3D models for infrastructure inspection

• 3D models collected with drone data are 'worth their weight in gold' for infrastructure inspection;

• Benefits of asset-based 3D modelling include enhanced visualisations and spatially-correct data - for remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and streamlined team-wide collaboration;

• heliguy™ collaborated with Puffin Technology to map a ship unloader with the DJI Matrice 4E's Smart 3D Capture mode.

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a 3D reality model is worth many more.”

That’s the verdict of Kyle Veitch when describing the value of precision reality models for conducting condition assessments of critical infrastructure.

The owner of drone inspection firm Puffin Technology shared his views after teaming up with heliguy™ to trial the drone photogrammetry capabilities of the new DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise - resulting in this detailed model of a ship unloader. Click the settings cog to view the model in HD.

We also created the model as a Gaussian Splat - a 3D rendering technology that offers enhanced modelling visualisation.

For Kyle, a quality reality model demonstrates the strategic and operational importance of asset-based 3D modelling, enabling organisations to utilise accurate and detailed datasets to contribute to condition assessment of large assets and property.

“3D models are worth their weight in gold,” said Kyle, whose company provides inspections through drone photogrammetry, high-resolution visual imagery, and thermal data capture.

“They offer multiple benefits, providing enhanced visualisation and spatially-correct data to facilitate remote diagnostics, degradation monitoring, predictive maintenance, and a collaboration tool for remote engineering teams.”

Comprehensive insights

While high-res drone imagery has a role to play in inspection, Kyle believes 3D modelling offers deeper and more comprehensive insights.

He said “3D models provide a digital record of an asset or a site that can be viewed in one complete, easy-to-navigate, interactive dataset - compared to having to sift through hundreds of individual high-resolution images with no context or exact location information.

“3D models are spatially-accurate and they can be annotated, used for all manner of measurements such as length or volume, marked up or even deflection analysis of roofing structures. Put 2 datasets of the same asset side by side (different acquisition dates) and you can start to visualise the speed of degradation, recent damage or even validate a repair has been completed”

“And, in the case of photogrammetry, these models are underpinned by the high-resolution imagery which was used to construct the model in the first place, which can also be referenced if required.”

One of the biggest advantages of having 3D models is the ability to generate detailed 3D visualisations that enhance communication and collaboration among engineering teams, budget holders and decision-makers, whilst also providing evidence of regulatory compliance and a valuable historical reference.

“They can also be used for training and asset-familiarisation purposes, as well as imported into BIM and CAD software for even deeper insights and integration with other data collection techniques.”

Transform inspection with drone surveys

Drones offer a highly efficient and safe solution for critical asset inspections by providing rapid, remote access to hard-to-reach areas.

They minimise risks to personnel, reduce the need for costly scaffolding or shutdowns, and enable real-time monitoring.

By eliminating downtime, drones ensure continuous operations while delivering accurate data for proactive maintenance and decision-making.

Matrice 4 Enterprise For Asset Inspection

Puffin has a fleet of enterprise drones and payloads they regularly deploy, including the DJI M300 RTK and DJI M350 RTK with DJI Zenmuse P1 & Zenmuse H20T and H30T, and the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise.

To stay at the forefront of innovation, he was keen to test the DJI Matrice 4E to see how it fared for asset inspection.

This compact platform - which can be purchased or rented from heliguy™ - has up to 49 minutes of flight time and includes a 4/3 CMOS 20MP sensor with mechanical shutter,

Engineered for precise and efficient surveying, it supports a rapid 0.5 second shooting interval, 5-directional Oblique Capture, and in-camera Distortion Correction.

The drone also utilises Smart 3D Capture - designed to streamline the process of detailed modelling tasks and facilitating easier measurements of irregular-shaped structures.

Based on a rough model of the survey site, the remote controller can be used to generate precise mapping routes close to a structure’s surface, helping to enhance the detail of a model.

“I was really impressed with Smart 3D Capture and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it did operating in what was quite a congested area as well as over water,” said Kyle.

“Being able to build a quick point cloud on-site and then plan a more detailed route is really useful because you can work from live on-the-ground information, as opposed to relying on Google Earth to build a flight plan and missing something.”

The initial flight - with 5cm GSD - was completed in five minutes. After building a more detailed flight plan, the mission took 30 minutes, flying 10m away from the structure and with a 0.27cm GSD and taking 2,500 photos.

The data was processed through DJI Terra, taking 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Of the final model, Kyle said: “Smart 3D Capture helped to create a robust digitisation which could support inspection purposes. I look forward to DJI making this 3D Smart Capture solution available on their other enterprise platforms like the M350.”

Get in touch

heliguy™ is a UK-based drone specialist with 35+ in-house staff, including consultants, surveying department, training instructors, authorised technicians, and solutions engineers. We are the UK's only DJI S-Level dealer. Contact us to start and scale your drone operations, including to find out more about the DJI Matrice 4E.