Automated BVLOS bridge surveys with DJI Dock 2 drone-in-a-box

Skyports Drone Services has partnered with HOCHTIEF to deploy a fully-automated DJI Dock 2 drone-in-a-box solution for BVLOS surveying of a major German bridge project—remotely operated from Spain to deliver consistent, data-rich construction insights. The Dock 2 was supplied by heliguy™.

Key takeaways

• Skyports and HOCHTIEF are using a DJI Dock 2 drone-in-a-box system for automated surveying.

• The deployment supports construction of the Rheinbrücke Leverkusen bridge in Germany.

• Flights are conducted BVLOS and remotely piloted from Madrid.

• Weekly automated surveys provide consistent 2D and 3D progress data.

• The solution removes the need for on-site drone pilots, for greater efficiency and flexibility.

• heliguy™ is Skyports' drone partner and supplied the DJI Dock 2 for the bridge project.

Automated BVLOS drone-in-a-box surveys

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports), a global leader in drone delivery and inspection services, has partnered with construction giant HOCHTIEF to provide automated aerial surveying at the Rheinbrücke Leverkusen bridge project in Germany.

At the heart of this deployment is a DJI Dock 2 drone-in-a-box, supplied by heliguy™, enabling fully-automated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

Skyports, which has offices in the UK, is overseeing the drone missions from its Remote Operation Centre (ROC) in Madrid, Spain, negating the need for on-site pilots, providing significant flexibility and efficiencies.

Conducting weekly automated BVLOS drone surveys, the survey data collected helps HOCHTIEF build a layered picture of how the build is progressing week on week.

The bridge is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2028, requiring extensive earthworks, the removal of the old bridge, and new construction on both the east and west banks.

Data-driven insights with 2D and 3D survey outputs

Previously, progress monitoring of the construction site was mostly manual and subjective. Some drone surveys had been conducted, but these were limited, infrequent, and required on-site personnel.

With advancements in drone technology and Skyports' expertise, this process has now been fully automated - eliminating the need for on-site pilots or access.

To provide detailed next-level data, the data collected by the drone is being processed by DroneDeploy, providing both 2D and 3D survey outputs for progress monitoring reports.

Providing a detailed 3D model of the bridge each week, it allows HOCHTIEF to track construction progress and monitor any occurrences, helping to identify any issues early and reduce the chance of overruns or delays to the project.

Industry perspectives

"Large infrastructure projects are incredibly intricate and complex, with construction companies under pressure to deliver on time and on budget. With automated drone-in-a-box surveys like this we’re providing alternate perspectives and deep level data insights that can improve resource planning and catch any potential issues early, helping keep projects on track. Piloting the drone remotely also means we are creating operational efficiencies, improving cost and data outputs for our customers."

- Alex Brown, CEO, Skyports Drone Services

“By partnering with Skyports, we have a leading innovator in drone technology at our side to drive our complex construction projects. This cooperation enables us to monitor the construction progress seamlessly and cost-efficiently and to provide targeted support in billing, especially in earthworks. In addition, we benefit from precise surveying data that supports a continuous target/actual comparison and the optimization of our construction processes.”

- Klaus Grüttner, Executive Vice President Europe, HOCHTIEF Infrastructure

heliguy™'s role

heliguy™ supplies DJI Docks to Skyports to support its worldwide drone-in-a-box expansion, including the Dock 2 being deployed in Germany.

To complement the supply, Skyports is able to leverage heliguy™’s in-house accredited Dock technicians, solutions engineers, account managers, geospatial department, and training instructors.

heliguy™ also supports Skyports through dedicated pilot training, including GVC and fixed-wing.