C O N T E X T 1 4 4 : M A Y 2 0 1 6 15 views of otherwise inaccessible areas. The Hexacopter UAV is a small vehicle with six rotary arms supporting the central unit from which the camera hangs on a gyroscopic stabilising mount that allows it to remain level during flight and manoeuvring. The Hexacopter runs off batteries, each set capable of 15-20 minutes of flight time. It is capable of flying at heights of up to 400 feet, the legal maximum. The UAV was able to fly above, around and in certain areas within the building, taking high-definition photographs and video. The licensed operator flies the UAV through monitoring a screen that provides a live feed. This enabled the council’s staff on site to watch the coverage and ask to have a closer look at anything that caught our attention, or request a different angle or a tighter shot. The survey encompassed the whole of the ruinous section of the building where most focus was needed. It included high-level photographs providing a plan view of the entire property. At the end of the survey it would have been possible for the images and videos to be saved to a memory stick, providing easy access to the data. In the event BuzzPix downloaded the data later that week and emailed it directly to us. The images and videos have allowed us to compare them with previous photographs, which have in turn allowed us to identify and chart damage and changes over time.These new images will add to our records and allow works to be prioritised. Even greater use could be made of UAVs if they were coupled with 3D laser-scanning technology.This takes high-density, three-dimensional measurements of buildings and elements, providing highly detailed information about the size, condition and location of the subject being scanned.This information can be used to create 3D digital models, which can be manipulated and explored in a way that plans and drawings can not. It is even possible to use photographs to render the 3D models, creating a digital replication of what has been scanned. Daniel Jones is a built environment officer (conservation and design) for CheshireWest and Chester Council. The monitoring screen enabled the council’s staff on site to watch the coverage and ask to have a closer look at anything that caught their attention.
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