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FEATURE

Overlapping design layers with the drone image quickly alerted the landscape architect that the contractor DJ1 Mavic Air-2, the drone used by Gradowski
had started installing gabion walls at a location that was away from the one shown on construction
drawings. The actual measurements were promptly verified on site and confirmed these observations.

Verifying alignment: due to the drone image, a mistake in the line marking on the ground could Gradowski operating his drone
easily be found when the contractor was ready to start excavation. The marked shape on one corner
was not matching the other one.

contractors. Drone images collected during the site. Therefore, a proper site survey is the drone’s operating software; therefore,
the construction period allow for fast and still needed to verify the sizes and locations one needs to become familiar with the local
easy validation of the work that is being of all critical features. The optical distortion regulations and limitations that are related to
implemented. Also, on larger projects, a of collected images is minimal and can be operating these extremely useful tools.
brief overview of the entire site can be adjusted via special software, but it is still not
concluded in a matter of minutes by using a highly accurate. However, a careful analysis About the author
drone, and one can select specific areas for a of images collected by a drone can quickly Pawel Gradowski is a professional landscape
more detailed field inspection based on the reveal where site measurements may need to architect with over 30 years experience
collected information. be verified in field. gained globally and locally. After practicing
A high end, professional drone may be for over 25 years as a senior landscape
• Promotional images – Once the project is capable of collecting accurate surveying architect in Canada, he relocated to South
complete, one can easily collect images of information only if it is equipped with special Africa, where in 2017 he founded LASquare
the design at the most appropriate time hardware, but these types of drones are very Landscape and Aquatic Architecture.
of the year, capturing the entire project or expensive and are better used by professional His vast portfolio of projects includes
focusing on selected areas. Having good surveyors. landscape design for urban and suburban
quality ‘before’ and ‘after’ images is extremely Other potential drawbacks are related to developments, housing projects,
useful in promoting your work. the limited flying distance and height of flying streetscapes, commercial and industrial
drones, which are strictly regulated by law. A developments, vacation resorts, shopping
Drawbacks to drone images typical camera drone is most likely capable of malls, city parks, water feature design,
There are, however, some drawbacks to flying higher and further than one is allowed constructed wetlands, sports fields and
drone images. One of the most crucial is to use it. A general rule is that one can fly a recreational facilities.
the fact that camera drone images cannot drone only if its operator can actually see it in
be used as accurate site surveying data. the air. In some areas, such as near airports, For more information about his professional
This is related to the optical characteristics parts of densely populated cities or selected expertise visit https://LASquare.org
of cameras installed on these drones. The reserves, flying drones is not permitted for a He may be contacted on 072 655 0911 or email
images are slightly distorted and may not number of legitimate reasons. Not all of these Pawel@LASquare.org
accurately reflect an actual dimension from restrictions are readily incorporated into n

14 Landscape SA • Issue 116 2022