Before there were autonomous 3D scanning drones, industrial mapping involved many weeks spent manually surveying the terrain, setting up expensive scaffolding, and using teams of engineers carrying around measuring devices. Now one such autonomous 3D scanning drone is capable of collecting all this information – and doing so much faster and even more precisely! However, for most people, the primary question about it would be its cost.
In case you’ve been looking for a clear overview of the price of an autonomous 3D scanning drone, our guide will help you to understand what factors influence this cost, what budget you need to plan on and how to evaluate the overall value.
Companies in construction, energy, mining, and infrastructure management are always trying to minimize surveying time and minimize any possible risks. Autonomous 3D scanning drones allow to do it by the following means:
That is the reason why the industrial market for drones is developing so dynamically – and understanding how the price is calculated can help a lot in making the purchase.
The price of such equipment cannot be defined precisely, since it is determined by several factors. Let us examine them below.
1.Sensor Payload
In most cases, it is the scanning sensor that is the main element increasing the price of the drone. An ordinary photogrammetric camera will cost much less than a survey-grade LiDAR system which can work accurately enough even in centimeters.
2.Autonomy Level
Basic drones that have GPS waypoints capability are cheap. Drones that can operate on an autonomous level such as obstacle avoidance, adaptive flight path planning, and artificial intelligence enabled data collection will cost more due to the complex computing system and software they run.
3.Endurance and Operational Range
Higher endurance and longer ranges involve better battery capacities, aerodynamic designs, and even tougher design of a frame. A drone that is to be used at industrial level will cost more than drones that are to perform localized tasks.
4.Software and Data Processing
It’s not just about the hardware. The point cloud generation software and 3D modeling software as well as cloud data processing will often require additional fees for subscriptions and licensing that may be added to the price of drones themselves. This may vary depending on the vendor.
5.Regulatory Compliance and Support Services
Commercial and industrial drones will cost more due to aviation standards compliance and training expenses, maintenance contract, and support services may add up too.
Expected Price Range per Tiers
Of course, the price range varies from one application to another but usually, industrial buyers can expect some pricing tiers such as:
Which pricing tier to choose depends on your demands regarding precision, the scale of the area you need to map and the intended use of the data collected by your drone.
Beyond Cost: Calculating True ROI
An emphasis on the initial investment alone can prove deceptive when considering the true value delivered by an autonomous 3D scanning drone:
With such savings considered, it becomes clear why many industrial businesses invest in an expensive autonomous solution at the start of just a few projects.
The technology behind drones is an important consideration at NexXora. This technology is used to provide solutions for better and faster data acquisition for companies in construction, energy and agriculture using LiDAR, thermal imaging and high-resolution sensors for aerial surveying and mapping.
Here is what is unique about our offerings:
Instead of providing a generic solution based on a drone, NexXora tailors a solution specifically for you based on your particular mapping challenge.
Due to the various factors that influence the cost of an autonomous 3D scanning drone, the only way to be sure of getting the right figure is by engaging a specialist in your mapping requirements. The site size, type of terrain, level of precision needed, and the type of data delivery that your project requires will all play a role in determining the final price.
The emergence of the autonomous 3D scanning drones has transformed the industry of mapping by replacing tedious and cumbersome manual survey processes with fast and accurate mapping. Although the price varies depending on the type of sensor, autonomy, range, and software used, the question now is no longer “How expensive is it?” but rather “What’s the value?” Autonomous drone mapping is a worthwhile long-term investment in most industries.
Are you ready to find the ideal autonomous 3D scanning drone for your industrial application? Reach out to NexXora today!