Drone adoption transformational for Matrix Consulting Engineers

When Liam Hoyland of Matrix Consulting Engineers got a knock on his office door from neighbour James Ixer of the Drone Pilot Academy with a fleet of drones, it was all change for the team.

Speaking to Liam on a specialist rail project site, he explained more about the positive impact Drones have had on the business:

Liam: “We did civil and structural engineering initially, and then James came knocking, we booked in a training session and took to drone use like ducks to water.

“We now have seven qualified pilots who have all gone through training at the Drone Pilot Academy.  And it’s enabled us to do our own surveying, getting involved earlier on projects, which is invaluable both for clients and contractors.”

The team now operates a growing fleet, including LiDAR-equipped drones for detailed ground scans and photogrammetry drones for structures such as bridges and retaining walls.

Liam: “With LiDAR, we can scan entire areas and produce topographical drawings and 3D models for drainage and culvert design. Photogrammetry, meanwhile, is perfect for hard structures. It gives us the flexibility to capture the right kind of data for every project.”

“In our first year, we carried out 40 drone surveys. That’s 40 projects we got in at an earlier stage than we would have done before. This year it’s grown even further.”

The Content With Media team has also qualified as drone pilots with the Drone Pilot Academy, and like Liam, we continue to be supported by the team, as he explains.

Liam: “They keep us up to date on kit, regulations and training. They’re always available on the phone or email. You really feel like they want to take care of you as a customer.”

Seeing the team in action really shows how impactful drones can be, especially when put in the hands of engineers and surveyors who can combine this data with other surveying tools.