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A lthough drones have had some bad press recently, when used right they can pro- vide a substantial amount of data in a relatively short time frame, saving organisations a significant number of man-hours. While drones have been around for years, demand looks set to reach new heights in 2019 as their popularity continues to grow within the design, build and main - tenance arenas. For firms which offer turn- key services, investment in new techniques can provide a window of opportunity to deliver a more efficient service to clients. Site maintenance Regardless of the industry, drones offer a chance to streamline the entire process when it comes to routine inspections – par- ticularly on large or hard-to-reach projects. Whether it be the examination of a roof, or an assessment of an enclosed liƒ shaƒ, their Data driven drones Smith Brothers commissioning engineer and drone pilot Liam Smith explains why the technology continues to shape the electrical engineering sector. access is unrivalled. For Smith Brothers, the complexities and dangers associated with high-voltage main- tenance call for extensive planning and inspection prior to work being carried out. By employing drone technology to under- take the first stage of examinations, a power plant – for example – can be assessed from overhead, without having to isolate equip- ment or disrupt day-to-day operations. Renewables reviews Along a similar thread, access to the infra- structure associated with renewable energy generation can be tricky. The most efficient wind farms are frequently found offshore or at the top of mountains – places which don't offer easy access for maintenance and inspection crews. The use of drones provides far greater efficiencies during the inspection and maintenance process, enabling engineers to 'travel' to site as-the-crow-flies and explore turbines from the air – revolutionising the way they collect data. A similar efficiency emerges with photovoltaic panels too, given that drones capture more than just video. Heat-mapping cameras can pick up faults across the vast expanse of solar farms, which may not always be visible to the naked eye. Cable route planning Projects which require lengthy, cross-coun- try connections offer up their own, unique challenges. At Smith Brothers, drones play a crucial role in the pre-construction prepara- tion phase. The bird's-eye-view highlights where there may be obstacles – such as woodlands, wetlands, water courses and railway lines – which need to be overcome during the cable-laying phase. The remote viewing capabilities of drones enable engineers to carry out quick – and relatively inexpensive – inspections of large expanses of challenging terrain. An aerial shot of the Tullymurdoch project. NETWORK / 29 / MARCH 2019 TECHNOLOGY