Reader Response CW - 007 No.2

Updated 3 April 2025 

The JOUAV CW-007 drone is changing the civil engineering industry by providing efficiency, safety, and data accuracy when performing important tasks (JOUAV, n.d.). The JOUAV CW-007 drone has a 3.5m wingspan, 180-minute flight time, and a 100km range. It is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery and features GNSS positioning and high-resolution payload options for data collection (JOUAV, n.d.). According to JOUAV’s website, drone surveying is more cost-effective and up to 5 times faster than land surveys and more effective compared to traditional methods of air surveying like planes and helicopters. Additionally, the CW-007 drone provides high data accuracy, with aerial mapping capabilities achieving centimetre-level precision and a mapping accuracy of 1:1000 (JOUAV, n.d.). A key aspect of the usage of the CW-007 drone is that it can survey hard-to-reach or hazardous areas safely, capturing extensive and accurate data from steep slopes and dangerous terrain, improving safety and efficiency for both engineers and surveyors (JOUAV, n.d.). Studies have shown that drones can significantly reduce surveying time and improve accuracy, making them a valuable tool in infrastructure planning and construction (Liang et al., 2023). Additionally, its ability to generate high-resolution 3D models and topographical maps improves project planning and decision-making processes (Colomina & Molina, 2014).

With the CW-007 drone developed by JOUAV, surveyors and civil engineers can attain cost-efficient, high-accuracy, and safe data collection, transforming traditional surveying methods into a faster and safer process in modern civil engineering.

Firstly, the usage of the CW - 007 drone can be a cost-effective way to collect data for surveying. As highlighted by Watts et al. (2012), UAV or drone-based surveying can sustainably lower operating costs as compared to traditional surveying methods. Turner et al.(2012) also emphasised that UAVs reduce labor costs by decreasing the time needed for field surveying. This allows for fast and precise data collection over larger areas, reducing the time spent on surveying while maintaining data accuracy.  In contrast, traditional surveying methods can be labour intensive and time consuming, which may lead to delays and inconsistent data, especially in difficult terrains. By utilising the CW - 007 drone, surveying can be done by minimising cost while maximising efficiency in data collection.

In addition, the CW-007 drone also provides data with high accuracy and precision, ensuring reliable measurements and detailed mapping of terrain. Colomina and Molina (2014) stated that drone based photogrammetry achieves centimetre-level accuracy in topographic mapping. Furthermore, Jaakkola et al. (2010) found that UAV-mounted LiDAR systems provide highly accurate 3D terrain models with minimal deviations. Traditional surveying and mapping methods may be more prone to human errors and inconsistencies, especially over terrains that are larger in scale and complexity. Therefore, by integrating the CW-007 drone, surveyors can achieve precise and consistent data collection, improving the overall reliability of the survey results.

The CW - 007 drone also enhances the safety aspect of surveying by allowing surveyors to collect data in hard to reach or hazardous areas without the risk of physical injuries. Siebert and Teizer (2014) found that UAVs significantly reduce the risks associated with construction site surveying by minimising direct human exposure to dangerous environments. Furthermore, Liu et al. (2019) emphasised that drones help reduce accidents in geotechnical and mining surveys, where manual data collection poses high risks. Traditional surveying methods may require data collection personnel to navigate through dangerous terrain, increasing the risk of injuries and accidents. The CW-007 drone allows surveyors to safely survey these challenging environments without exposing them to such risks.

Although the CW - 007 drone improves efficiency in surveying, hidden costs like training, software, and maintenance could potentially impact upfront costs. According to Watts et al., (2012), unlike traditional surveying methods that rely on existing personnel, drone surveyors would require certification and specialised training, which could be time consuming and expensive. Hiring or upskilling employees to operate drones legally and effectively can increase costs, especially for smaller firms that cannot afford dedicated UAV specialists (Turner et al., 2012).

In addition, photogrammetry tools like LiDAR processing programs, and Geographic Information Software (GIS) may require costly licensing fees. Colomina & Molina, (2014) stated that many programs feature subscription based models, which may make expenses unpredictable in the long run.

Lastly, as drones like the CW-007 are mechanical devices, they require regular maintenance and repairs. Costs including servicing fees, replacement of batteries, sensors, motors and calibration fees can all add up, especially for higher end drones like the CW - 007 (Siebert & Teizer, 2014). The maintenance of these drones can lead to delays which may lead to an increase of operational costs, creating an additional burden for companies to manage (Liu et al., 2019).

Despite these challenges, the benefits of drones like the CW-007still outweigh the cons. Many companies are offsetting training and software costs by outsourcing drone surveying to specialised third party providers, reducing the need for in-house drone specialists (Watts et al., 2012). Besides that, as more companies adopt drones into the workforce, software developers are improving automation, making the drones more user friendly and reducing the need for extensive training ( Colomina & Molina, 2014). Maintenance costs are also being mitigated as drone manufactures improve the durability of their drones and offer more cost effective repair options (Liu et al., 2019). In the long run, the efficiency and accuracy of drones, accompanied with the decreasing operating costs, continues to offer more significant cost savings compared to traditional surveying methods.

In conclusion, the JOUAV CW - 007 drone offers significant advantages for civil engineering and surveying, most notably in terms of cost effectiveness, accuracy and safety. While some may argue that the initial investments, training, and maintenance are notable, it is outweighed by the overall long term efficiency benefits, enhanced data accuracy, and the ability to access difficult or hazardous terrain safely. As drone technology continues to improve and drone adoption becomes more widespread, the cost of maintaining and operating drones are expected to decrease, making drones like the CW - 007 a more viable tool in modern surveying and civil engineering works.

(I acknowledged that I used ChatGPT to check grammar, organise my ideas and check for information)

References

Colomina, I., & Molina, P. (2014). "Unmanned aerial systems for photogrammetry and remote sensing: A review." ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 92, 79-97.

Jaakkola, A., Hyyppä, J., Kukko, A., Yu, X., Kaartinen, H., Lehtomäki, M., & Lin, Y. (2010). "A low-cost multi-sensoral mobile mapping system and its feasibility for tree measurements." ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 65(6), 514-522.

JOUAV. (n.d.). CW-007 drone specifications and applications. JOUAV.

https://www.jouav.com/products/cw-007.html

Liang, X., Wang, Y., Xu, Y., & Chen, H. (2023). Drone-based remote sensing for construction monitoring: Advances and future directions. Drones, 7(3), Article 202.

https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/7/3/202

Liu, P., Chen, A., Huang, Y., Liang, X., Song, X., & Tian, B. (2019). "A review of rotorcraft unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developments and applications in civil engineering." Smart Structures and Systems, 23(4), 451-470.

Siebert, S., & Teizer, J. (2014). "Mobile 3D mapping for surveying earthwork projects using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system." Automation in Construction, 41, 1-14.

Turner, D., Lucieer, A., & Watson, C. (2012). "An automated technique for generating georectified mosaics from ultra-high resolution UAV imagery." Remote Sensing, 4(5), 1392-1410.

 

Watts, A. C., Perry, J. H., Smith, S. E., Burgess, M. A., Wilkinson, B. E., Szantoi, Z., Ifju, P. G., & Percival, H. F. (2012). "Unmanned aircraft systems in remote sensing and scientific research: Classification and considerations of use." Remote Sensing, 4(6), 1671-1692.