The impact of drone technology in surveying in Ireland: an examination of the accuracy level of drones.

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Business (Research)

Department

Business Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Angela Wright

Abstract

Abstract The society that we are living in could unquestionably be characterised as a community of technology. One of the most recent technological inventions is the drone, of which the usage is expected to triple by 2020, worldwide. Through the development and increasing popularity of the drones, the ability of latter to affect the surveying industry in Ireland has become a contemporary subject of study in the field of surveying, which is, however, in its infant stage. The presented dissertation is dealing with the ability of drones to impact the way that surveys are being conducted in Ireland, and also the behaviour of drones in the surveying industry in Ireland. At first, based on literature review, the research focuses on examining thoroughly the different uses of drones in a variety of industries worldwide, followed by the challenges and opportunities that they face. Moreover, in this research, I will discuss the current situation of surveying in Ireland and where the drones fit into the industry as a whole. In the sequel to the literature review, the empirical analysis of the level of accuracy required in surveying using drones in Ireland is presented. The analysis of data collected across nine interviews led to significant results proving that the accuracy of drone technology is not yet where it needs to be. However, one important finding shows that although the drone accuracy cannot compete with the old traditional surveying tools, it is still a tool of preference in certain surveying projects, particularly where a high level of accuracy is not required. In such cases, drones could offer significant benefits to surveying projects. The conclusion that can be drawn from the current study XII has important theoretical and practical implications, while providing useful guidelines for future research.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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