Drones equipped with cameras or lidar sensors can be used for mapping and modeling construction sites in several ways:

• Site mapping: Drones can be used to capture high-resolution images or lidar data of a construction site, which can be processed to create 2D maps or 3D models of the site. These maps and models can show the layout and topography of the site, and can be used for planning, analysis, and visualization.
• Progress monitoring: Drones can be used to capture images and video of a construction site on a regular basis, which can be used to track progress and identify any issues or delays. This can help construction companies to stay on schedule and on budget.
• Inspections: Drones can be used to inspect hard-to-reach or hazardous areas of a construction site, such as roofs, towers, and bridges, without the need for workers to access these areas. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Measurements: Drones equipped with cameras or lidar sensors can be used to take precise measurements of a construction site, such as the dimensions of buildings and structures, the volume of stockpiles, and the length of pipes and cables. This can help construction companies to optimize the use of materials and labor, and to minimize waste.

Drones equipped with cameras or lidar sensors can be used to create 3D models of an area, which can be used to calculate the volume of objects or features in that area. This process is known as volumetrics.

To calculate the volume of an object or feature with a drone, the drone is flown over the area of interest while capturing a series of overlapping images or collecting lidar data. These images or data are then processed using specialized software to create a 3D model of the area. The software calculates the volume of the object or feature by comparing the shape and position of the object in the 3D model to a reference surface, such as the ground or a horizontal plane.

The accuracy of the volume calculation depends on several factors, including the resolution and overlap of the images, the density and accuracy of the lidar data, and the stability of the drone. The accuracy of the calculation can also be affected by factors such as atmospheric conditions and the presence of objects that move between images, such as people or vehicles.

Volumetrics can be used for a variety of purposes, such as measuring the volume of stockpiles, calculating the volume of excavation or fill, and estimating the volume of cut and fill for construction projects. They can also be used in combination with other data sources, such as aerial imagery or geospatial information, to create more detailed and accurate models.

Drones equipped with cameras can be used to create 360-degree tours of construction sites. These tours can provide a detailed and immersive view of the site, and can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, training, and documentation.

To create a 360-degree tour of a construction site with a drone, the drone is flown over the site while capturing a series of overlapping images or video. These images or video are then stitched together using specialized software to create a seamless 360-degree view of the site. The tour can be navigated by the user, who can pan, tilt, and zoom to view different parts of the site.

360-degree tours of construction sites can be created from a variety of aerial platforms, including drones, planes, and helicopters. The quality and accuracy of the tour depends on several factors, such as the resolution and overlap of the images, the stability of the platform, and the presence of features such as texture and contrast in the images.

Construction companies can use 360-degree tours to showcase their projects to potential clients, to provide training to employees, and to document the progress of the site for reference or compliance purposes. They can also use the tours to identify problems or issues on the site and to plan for future work.