Table of contents
- Drones and their applications on construction sites
- The four most important rules for using drones on construction sites are: (Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, 2025)
- Advantages of drones on construction sites
- Operate drones yourself or use an external provider?
- Conclusion: Drones are indispensable on tomorrow’s construction site in the digital age
written by: Marc Weimann
A drone is referred to as an UAS (unmanned aircraft system), which translates to “unmanned aircraft system” (Federal Aviation Office, 2025). The use of drones has gained immense popularity in private use over the past few years. However, drones are no longer just a concept for construction sites—they have become a reality, offering a myriad of sensible applications. Nevertheless, the potential that comes with the use of drones is far from being fully realized. This article presents the applications of drones on construction sites, outlines the legal framework, and introduces existing solutions and their providers.
Drones and their applications on construction sites
1. Aerial photography and documentation: Drones can be used to monitor progress from the air for documentation purposes. There are already software solutions available to process the captured data. Additionally, the footage can be used to create 3D models or for marketing purposes.
2. Surveying: Drones offer great potential in surveying buildings or areas. Unlike manual, time-consuming surveying, this task can be completed within minutes. Combined with GPS coordinates, photogrammetry software can produce 2D and 3D models and maps.
3. Use within buildings or tunnels: Drones can conduct detailed condition assessments inside buildings or tunnels, for instance, using infrared sensors to make thermal bridges visible (Construction Portal, 4|2021).
4. Safety inspections and assessments: In hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, drones can detect and assess dangers with minimal risk. The goal of BG Bau is to keep people away from danger zones (Construction Portal, 4|2021).
Legal framework: Since early 2021, EU-wide regulations for drones have been in effect, based on the EU Commission’s decision from 2019. National regulations govern the use of drones, considering EU guidelines.
The four most important rules for using drones on construction sites are: (Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, 2025)
1. Operation categories of drones
- Open: up to 25 kg takeoff mass, max. height of 120 m, no hazardous goods. Divided into A1 (
- Specific: Operational scope beyond the ‘open’ category.
- Authorization required: Operation of large, heavy drones, for example, for transport.
2. Registration requirement
Registration required for drones > 250 g or equipped with sensors that collect personal data, as well as for drones that require authorization.
3. EU competency certification for remote pilots
From 250 g takeoff mass, certification is mandatory: Online theory test at the LBA; A2 additionally requires practical self-study and examination.
4. Permits and approvals
Open drones (
Advantages of drones on construction sites
- Time savings: Capture large areas in minutes
- Cost reduction: Less need for lifts or scaffolding
- High-precision measurement data: Better planning and execution
- Automation: Data collection and analysis
- Increased safety: Fewer dangers and accidents
- AI application: Optimization of operations and data analysis
With further technologies, the areas of application and benefits will expand in the future.
Operate drones yourself or use an external provider?
In-house operation offers cost and flexibility advantages when used frequently but requires acquisition and training costs. External providers like Airteam offer comprehensive packages with permits, flights, and AI-supported data processing for digital building models.
Conclusion: Drones are indispensable on tomorrow’s construction site in the digital age
Drones offer enormous potential for reducing costs and time spent while increasing safety. In-house operation or service providers—drones are essential for the construction site of the future.
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