Explore the Advantages of DJI Mavic Enterprise

For the past 26 years, Existing Conditions has been at the forefront of using advanced commercial drones and 3D laser scanning technology.

We're excited to announce that we have now added the DJI Mavic Enterprise to our arsenal, which helps us conduct even more accurate and detailed drone surveys of existing buildings.

Read on to find out how this cutting-edge drone can add value to your building projects.

Leap in Drone Technology

‍

The DJI Mavic Enterprise is a big step up in drone technology. It includes advanced features that are perfect for professional jobs like surveying, mapping, and inspection. This detailed look explores the different ways that make the DJI Mavic Enterprise a game-changer in the AEC industry.

‍

Advanced CMO Wide-Angle Camera System

At the heart of the Mavic Enterprise's capabilities is its advanced CMO wide-angle camera system. DJI Enterprise explains that when light enters a camera, it hits an image sensor made up of millions of tiny pixels. These pixels are built from a material known as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

When light strikes the CMOS, it produces an electrical charge that helps create the image. Mavic 3 Enterprise also features a mechanical shutter, popular among mapping professionals, which improves image quality and accuracy.

Electronic vs. Mechanical Shutter:

Electronic Shutter

‍

According to the DJI Enterprise, electronic shutters work by exposing the camera's image sensor to light one line of pixels at a time. They control light exposure using the camera’s sensor, exposing pixels gradually from the top to the bottom of the frame.

This method creates a slight delay between the exposure of the top and bottom pixels. Normally, this isn't a problem, but when there's movement within the frame, electronic shutters can cause a "rolling/jello effect.” This is an image distortion type common when shooting moving targets or when the camera itself moves quickly during a drone mapping flight, and the object may appear warped or stretched.

Mechanical Shutter

‍

Older technologies utilized the electronic shutter which only allowed a photo every second and sacrificed accuracy if there was any movement, whereas the new technology Existing Conditions has invested in utilizes a mechanical shutter that eliminates those issues and allows us to capture 5x more data in a single day than was possible before.

With a mechanical shutter, the photo stays clear and sharp, even when the camera is moving. This allows you to take many more photos without blurring. For professional surveying, where accuracy is important, the blurring caused by electronic and rolling shutters can be an issue.

Even a small jello effect disrupts how mapping software sees things, making measurements less accurate. That's why for tasks like mapping missions, mechanical shutters are better. They can take clear pictures without distortion, even if there's movement.

‍

Image Capture Speed:

‍

According to DJI Enterprise, this faster speed greatly cuts down the time needed to gather data, letting you collect thousands of top-quality photos quickly. You can also efficiently complete mapping missions without needing Ground Control Points, making the whole process faster and smoother.

‍

High-Precision Positioning

‍

The RTK module enhances the Mavic Enterprise drone's capabilities, allowing Existing Conditions to capture centimeter-level accuracy over entire projects. This is important for projects that need to be very precise.

RTK Module Functionality:

• Can connect to existing RTK networks in urban areas
• Works with a user-set base station for precise location data
• Provides higher accuracy in areas with poor GPS coverage due to tall buildings or other obstructions

Versatile Mapping Capabilities

The Mavic Enterprise has software with advanced mapping features that set it apart from the older DJI drones:

Façade Mapping:

With façade mapping, the Mavic Enterprise drone can map the exterior of buildings in detail. It first makes a basic mesh of a structure and then maps the vertical parts that are highly accurate.

Close-Range Surveying:

‍

The Mavic Enterprise is great at surveying from close up, as it can fly just 5 to 20 feet away from structures. Being this close lets Existing Conditions take very detailed photos, showing items like individual bricks and small cracks.

‍

Comprehensive Data Products

The DJI Mavic Enterprise can generate a variety of high-quality outputs:

• Highly accurate mesh files
• Detailed point clouds
• Orthophotos and ortho mosaics for integration with CAD, Revit, and other software

These data products are crucial for crafting accurate models and maps. These are actively used for a variety of purposes, like constructing new buildings and preserving old historical locations.

‍

Enhanced Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

The Mavic Enterprise offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional surveying methods:

Time Savings:

The drone's ability to capture data quickly and accurately reduces the time required for façade surveys and inspections. For example, a two-person team at Existing Conditions can conduct a façade survey a 16-story office building in approximately 2.5 days.

Cost Reduction:

Compared to traditional methods involving scaffolding or cranes, drone surveys with Existing Conditions using the Mavic Enterprise are significantly cheaper. For instance, using drone technology for a building survey could save up to $77,000 in scaffolding costs for a project.

Annotation and Measurement Tools:

Users can mark up models, measure distances, and make annotations directly on the live web model. These annotations can be pushed into a PDF report, making it easy to keep track of the conditions, and issues, and share information with team members.

Comparison: DJI Mavic Enterprise vs DJI Air

To better understand the advantages of the Mavic Enterprise, let's compare it to the DJI Air:

Feature

DJI Mavic Enterprise

DJI Air

Shutter Type:

Mechanical

Electronic

Image Capture Speed:

Faster: .7 capture rate

One photo per second

RTK Module:

Optional, sub-centimeter accuracy

Not available

Façade Mapping:

Available

Not available

Close-Range Surveying:

5 to 20 feet

Limited

Annotation in Software:

Available

Unavailable

Professional Software Suite:

Available

Limited

Applications Across Industries

The Mavic Enterprise's advanced capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of professional applications:

Real Estate and Property Management:

• Property surveys and 3D modeling
• Roof inspections and maintenance planning
• Land development and urban planning

Workflow and Best Practices

At Existing Conditions, we maximize the benefits of the Mavic Enterprise by following these best practices:

1. Flight Planning: Carefully plan flight paths to ensure comprehensive coverage of the target area.
2. Optimal Lighting Conditions: Shoot during overcast conditions when possible to minimize harsh shadows that can affect image quality.
3. Image Processing: Use specialized software to adjust levels, remove shadows, and enhance image quality for better stitching results.
4. Data Integration: Overlay drone data with other sources, such as terrestrial laser scans, for comprehensive and accurate models.
5. Regular Calibration: Ensure the drone and its sensors are properly calibrated for high accuracy.
6. Safety and Regulations: Always adhere to local drone regulations and obtain necessary permits for commercial operations.

Future Developments and Industry Trends

The drone industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and applications emerging regularly. Some trends to watch include:

• AI and Machine Learning: These technologies help drones fly on their own and analyze data automatically.
• Improved Sensors: Manufacturers are creating new and improved sensors for drones to help them perform specific tasks across various industries.
• Regulatory Changes: Changes in rules might let drones do more advanced things, like flying far beyond where we can see them.
• Integration with IoT and 5G: Drones are getting better at sending and processing data in real-time, thanks to newer technologies like IoT and 5G.

Leverage Our Cutting-Edge Equipment

‍

The Mavic Enterprise's ability to capture high-resolution, accurate data quickly and cost-effectively is transforming traditional workflows. As drone technology evolves, we can expect more innovative applications and improved capabilities. Embracing these technologies allows us to stay at the forefront, delivering the best quality data to our clients.

Our extensive project portfolio stands as a testament to the depth and breadth of services at Existing Conditions. Over our 26-year journey, we have worked on a wide range of projects and delivered a customized approach for each. Whether you need accurate data or visual drone media, we use the most suitable technology for your project.

Save time and money by contacting us today to learn more about how our advanced drone surveying services can provide you with situational awareness for your project.