The additional gains when integrating drone technology as a business tool in New Zealand’s district council structures

Abstract

Worldwide, drones are being employed by many industries vital to architectural and engineering practice, including territorial authorities (TAs) and councils. This is largely thanks to the breathtaking speed at which drone technology has developed and become more sophisticated. Drones are now equipped with precise sensors, are made from highly durable materials, and enjoy much longer battery life than they did only a few years ago. In combination with the latest software solution, drones allow TAs and councils to undertake projects which were previously unimaginable. Local authorities in New Zealand are slowly realising the potential of drones and are beginning to integrate them as a recognised tool.

This paper weighs the advantages and challenges incurred by New Zealand local authorities in employing drones. Industry data from Airways about drone usage were compared against statistical data. Drone deployment in district councils was mapped and three cases of drone use in councils were compared and analysed. A field study in Wainuiomata was carried out for final demonstration purposes. The findings confirmed the usability of drones as a business tool for TA and council tasks such as aerial mapping and asset inspection but also indicated the need for an overarching organisational structure.