#Japan #Drone Technology #Disaster Recovery #Kawasaki #3D Point Cloud

Transforming Disaster Recovery with Drone Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative, AR-A Co., based in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has adopted drone-based point cloud surveying technology in disaster recovery construction. This approach has led to significant improvements in efficiency during recovery efforts, particularly in the aftermath of landslides.

Background of the Project

The implementation of this technology took place on Hachijo Island, specifically in the Osato Ichinoni river area, where a landslide resulted in considerable structural risks for local residences. AR-A utilized this advanced technology to not only enhance operational efficiency but also to undertake vital safety measures that prevent future disasters.

Surveying Approach

Utilizing pre-disaster surveying data, AR-A conducted a comparative analysis with post-disaster drone measurements to determine the extent of the landslide and the volume of debris. This included:

• - 3D point cloud surveying of the landslide area
• - Estimating debris volume through terrain comparisons before and after the disaster
• - Assessing fallen trees in terms of quantity and trunk diameter

All collected data was visualized as 3D point clouds, enabling accurate assessments of collapse conditions and debris volume in cubic meters, which were then submitted to administrative agencies as critical reports.

Survey Overview

• - Area of Focus: Approximately 17,000 square meters (around 5,151 tsubo)
• - Survey Details:

- 3D Point Cloud Survey of Landslide Area
- Calculation of Volume Based on Terrain Comparisons
- Investigation of Fallen Trees: Quantity and Trunk Diameter

Achievements

The results were impressive:

• - Visualization of the landslide area in 3D data
• - Accurate measurement of the debris volume
• - Develop data for administrative submissions, enhancing the precision of disaster recovery plans.

Benefits of Drone Surveying

The conventional surveying approach required:

• - Timeframe: 2 Days
• - Personnel: 6 Individuals
• - Cost: Approximately 700,000 yen

With drone surveying, the changes were remarkable:

• - Timeframe: Reduced to 0.5 Days
• - Personnel: 3 Individuals
• - Cost: Approximately 400,000 yen

This represents a 75% reduction in time, 50% reduction in personnel, and nearly 40% savings in costs, demonstrating the transformative impact of drone technology.

Key Personnel Involved

• - Contracting Company: Akama Construction Co., Ltd.
• - Site Supervisor: Koichi Omiyama
• - Surveyor: One Surveyor
• - Drone Surveying: AR-A Co.
• - Pilots: Ryuji Kaneko, Tomiaki Inoue

Future Directions

AR-A Co. is committed to promoting drone and 3D point cloud technology not just in disaster recovery but also in infrastructure inspection and building assessment. The company aims to enhance productivity and safety across the construction industry.

Target Areas for Expansion

• - Real Estate Developers
• - Construction Companies
• - Civil Engineering Firms
• - Grading Contractors
• - Surveying Companies

Subcontracting Services

For surveying and construction companies, AR-A offers subcontracting services for drone surveying, covering emergency projects, labor shortages, cost adjustments, and ad-hoc needs.

Looking Ahead

AR-A plans to expand its services using drones to encompass:

• - Exterior Wall Inspections
• - Solar Panel Assessments
• - Infrastructure Inspections
• - Land Surveying

This will establish AR-A as a comprehensive provider for maintaining and managing buildings and land.

Company Overview

AR-A Co. engages in public renovation projects for institutions like Tokyo Metropolis, UR Urban Development Corporation, and JKK Tokyo, providing one-stop services for exterior wall inspections and repairs utilizing drone technology.

For more information, you can contact:

• - Drone School Tokyo Group
• - Location: Tachikawa City, Tokyo
• - Phone: 0120-874-075
• - Email: [email protected]
• - AR-A Co. Headquarters: 044-798-5454, [email protected]
• - Business Focus: Major renovation, drone surveying and inspection, exterior evaluations and more.

Currently, AR-A is offering special pricing for initial projects. Due to the increasing number of inquiries, there are limited slots available.