For much of the 20th century, dam inspections were limited to ground-based methods, which came with a fair share of limitations. Traditionally, geologists and engineers were limited to grounded visual assessments, which did not capture the full site at dams, and were concerned with safety regulations when inspecting rock falls or access to steep slopes and surfaces. These outdated methods often left critical areas unexamined, as aerial perspectives were confined to low-resolution satellite images, and underwater inspections were prohibitively expensive.
At Verdantas, we are revolutionizing dam safety inspections by leveraging innovative technology, including aerial and underwater drones. Aerial drones add value to the traditional grounded visual assessments by providing high-resolution imagery and enabling the creation of detailed 3D models of rock walls, slopes, dams, and terrains. These models offer previously undiscovered insights and allow for comprehensive analysis and evaluation. Underwater drones offer a cost-effective solution to explore submerged structures, minimizing the need for costly diving operations while allowing trained and experienced inspectors to focus on critical features often missed during inspections.
Underwater and Aerial Drone Imagery
Our approach integrates these advanced technologies to provide a holistic view of dam conditions, enhancing safety and reliability. We utilize open-source software like WebODM to develop accurate and cost-effective models for analysis and communication. We also use DroneDeploy and ArcGIS Site Scan software packages to process drone data. By compiling extensive data from both aerial and underwater drones, we aim to demonstrate the transformative potential of these technologies in dam inspections, geological engineering, and safety.
