#Japan #Drone Technology #Drones #Hachijo Island #ARA Company

Introduction

In the wake of natural disasters, timely recovery and reconstruction efforts are crucial to safeguard communities and ensure their safety. Recent innovations in technology have paved the way for more efficient disaster recovery approaches, notably through the use of drones. ARA Company has spearheaded this change by integrating drone-based surveying technology into their disaster recovery construction projects, significantly accelerating the process and reducing costs.

Case Study: Disaster Recovery in Hachijo Island

A recent project conducted by ARA Company focused on disaster recovery efforts following a landslide in the Osato Ichi no Sawara region of Hachijo Island. The initiative aimed to prevent further damage to residential properties by implementing protective flood control measures. By employing drone-based point cloud surveying, the company was able to gather precise data on the extent of the landslide and the volume of earth displaced.

Methodology

The project involved a thorough comparison between pre-disaster and post-disaster surveying data. This was achieved by analyzing the topography captured beforehand and contrasting it with data acquired post-landslide via drone technology. The assessment provided crucial insights into the volume of earth that had collapsed and the number of fallen trees, which are critical for formulating effective recovery strategies.

The data collected was transformed into 3D point cloud visualizations, allowing for a comprehensive and accurate representation of the destruction caused, quantified in cubic meters. This information was later utilized in reports submitted to governmental agencies, further highlighting the efficiency of modern surveying techniques.

Project Overview

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

- 3D point cloud surveying of landslide areas
- Volume calculation through terrain comparison pre and post-disaster
- Assessment of fallen trees including count and trunk diameter

Achievements

The innovative application of drone technology facilitated several notable outcomes:

• - Visualization of landslide areas as 3D data
• - Accurate calculation of the volume of collapsed earth
• - Production of data ready for government submissions

This approach significantly enhanced the accuracy of disaster recovery plans, directly contributing to improved disaster preparedness.

Cost and Time Savings

Traditional surveying methods were not only time-consuming but also resource-intensive. Under the previous surveying approach:

• - Time Required: 2 days
• - Personnel Involved: 6 individuals
• - Cost: Approximately 700,000 yen

In stark contrast, utilizing drone technology allowed ARA Company to optimize their operations:

• - Time Required: 0.5 day
• - Personnel Involved: 3 individuals
• - Cost: Approximately 400,000 yen

This represents a remarkable reduction in project duration by 75%, a halving of personnel needs, and about a 40% cost saving.

Future Prospects

ARA Company aims to expand the utilization of drone and 3D point cloud technology across various sectors, including disaster recovery, infrastructure inspections, and building surveys. Their goal is to further enhance productivity and safety within the construction industry.

They also offer subcontracting services to surveying and construction companies, providing drone surveying solutions for urgent projects, labor shortages, and cost adjustments.

Services Expansion

In addition to disaster recovery efforts, ARA Company plans to broaden its drone-based services to include:

• - Facade surveys
• - Solar panel inspections
• - Infrastructure evaluations
• - Land surveys

This holistic approach ensures the comprehensive management of properties and lands.

Company Overview

ARA Company operates in collaboration with various governmental agencies, participating in large-scale renovation works and offering a one-stop service that includes drone-based inspections and repairs. Their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in construction not only streamlines processes but also sets a new standard for efficiency and safety in disaster response.

Contact Information

Drone School Tokyo Group

• - Location: Tachikawa City, Tokyo
• - Phone: 0120-874-075
• - Email: [email protected]

ARA Company

• - Location: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa
• - Representative: Masanori Arai
• - Phone: 044-798-5454
• - Email: [email protected]

Presently, they are offering exclusive pricing for initial projects due to increasing inquiries, emphasizing the limited availability for their services.