Unmanned air surveillance systems are becoming more and more important with regard to the inspection of constructions. What already presents[ds_preview] a major challenge onshore – depending on the kind or type of construction, respectively – takes entirely different dimensions in the field of offshore projects. Beside the financial and the logistical issues, the human factor and the weather are playing an important role. Thus, it is significant that annual visual inspections of offshore constructions required by the responsible authorities are carried out with minimum effort and maximum result.
The company »Flight Inspector by Helmut Müller« with headquarters in Emden faces this challenge. In their work the main focus is on the use of »offshore-suitable« aerial drone systems and the deployment of adequate pilots. Technical experts analyse the results and prepare the corresponding documentation. For the latter a special software has been developed, representing the inspected constructions in high-resolution 3D models. By means of these models the actual status of the constructions is recorded and existing damages are cataloged and categorized. These proceedings allow customers and construction inspectors a fast and highly efficient status and damage charting, Helmut Müller stated. The system is complemented by the use of high-definition 360° cameras to document the interior of the construction in the same way. Of course this technology can also be applied for civil engineering structures, industrial facilities and vessels.
