Drone and Remote Sensing Services

KCB embraces the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also referred to as drones, across its operations. UAVs are indispensable tools for field engineers and geoscientists, with a wide range of uses on projects railways, highways, mine sites, and hydroelectric facilities.

Example uses of UAVs include:

• Aerial Photography: UAVs are essential tools for documenting site conditions, carrying out site inspections, monitoring changes, and making observations in areas that are otherwise unsafe or inaccessible on foot or by vehicle.

• 2D Orthomosaics: Aerial photos are stitched to produce a 2D georeferenced orthomosaic, suitable for use in mapping and design software, and for use as a site base plan. UAV mapping can be seamlessly integrated into KCB’s GIS services providing clients with rapid updates of site conditions.

• 3D Modelling: Aerial photos are processed into Digital Elevation Models or 3D surface models using photogrammetry, which can be used in any number of engineering analysis and design software.

• Site Monitoring and Change Detection: Successive 3D models can be compared to calculate changes at a site, such as cut or fill volumes, settlement, channel scour, or landslide displacement.

• As-Built Records: Aerial photographs, 2D maps and 3D models can be used to produce as-built drawings and records. Using ground control points or RTK-GPS, UAV-based models can be integrated with existing ground-based surveys to provide a high level of detail.

Cloud-Based Mapping, Modelling and Sharing

KCB uses a cloud-based UAV planning, processing, and sharing service which has greatly increased efficiency and streamlined the UAV workflow. KCB engineers are able to plan and execute flights to meet the specifications needed for that particular project, upload photos to the cloud while on-site, and have completed 2D maps and 3D models available within a few hours. Clients are provided a link to the data, which is accessed through an internet browser and does not require any additional software. Volume calculations, measurements, and annotations are shown directly on the maps and models. This level of efficiency is crucial on construction projects where conditions change daily, or on emergency callouts where our engineers, clients and contractors need to make decisions on the fly.

Professional Grade UAVs

We operate several professional-grade UAVs, including a DJI Matrice 210 RTK. The Matrice is a high-end UAV that uses Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS technology for high-accuracy applications such as landslide monitoring and as-built surveys.

Certified Drone Operation

KCB has undergone a SGS Basic Compliance Verification and is compliant with Aviation Safety Standards. In Canada, our field engineers and geoscientists are certified by Transport Canada to operate UAVs, including carrying out advanced operations. KCB Australia is registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the company has a Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC). Our drone pilots undergo Australian certified UAV operator training for commercial use to meet both insurance and client requirements.