Construtora Barbosa Mello (CBM), named the 5th most innovative company in the construction sector by the Valor Inovacao Brasil Award, has achieved significant results with drone-based aerial photogrammetry. The technology is essential for monitoring and managing the expansion works of one of the largest mining projects in the world, in Canaa dos Carajas, Para.
We interviewed Claudio Leite, CBMSA surveying supervisor, who shared his experience adopting drones and the benefits of the Maply platform for processing aerial imagery. Read the interview below.
Getting started with aerial photogrammetry
Maply: What was your first experience with drone-based aerial photogrammetry like?
Claudio Leite: It was on a project in Rio Grande do Sul, in an airport area. On my own, I started studying the technology. At first, the drone was used only for filming. But when the pandemic began, more time windows opened up between landings and takeoffs at the airport, which gave me time to carry out study flights for aerial photogrammetry. That is when I really started to enjoy the technology and everything I was learning.
At that time, I only used simple processing software. After processing the images, the data had to be extracted and modeled manually. I did not have access to a complete platform for visualization, analysis and sharing. That was exactly when a superintendent introduced me to Maply. He was very impressed and, at the time, what he liked most was the flight comparison tool, which made it possible to see the physical progress of the project between drone topographic surveys.
Adopting the technology on site
Maply: New technologies sometimes face resistance on construction sites. How was it in your case?
Claudio Leite: Today I am in Canaa dos Carajas, in Para, working as a surveying supervisor in the technical section at Construtora Barbosa Mello. When I arrived, the Maply platform was already being widely used. At first, I admit I was a bit cautious, because you see the perfect image and, until then, I only had viewing access and was not authorized to handle the data. Personally, I had doubts about the accuracy of the data obtained through the platform. That led me to talk to other people to understand whether it was truly reliable and accurate. That was my main concern, because data precision is fundamental to our work. The field teams had already run accuracy tests. Even though they told me about the results, I decided to test it as well.
Maply: How did the technology tests go?
Claudio Leite: Right from the start, when I uploaded the project layer to the platform, it was possible to see that the plan was perfect. In the image, I could see my project control points and everything matched perfectly. Then I started running elevation tests and became even more impressed - and I still am. The more I use it, the more impressed I am with the accuracy of the data.
Using Maply day to day
Maply: How is Maply used on the projects in Canaa dos Carajas?
Claudio Leite: The platform is updated weekly; every Friday I upload new flights. To give you an idea of how much we use the platform, on Monday morning the team is already asking me about the processing. It is not only our measurement team, but also planning and field engineering. They use it both for decision-making in meetings and for tracking progress in civil works and earthworks.
Maply: How does the platform support the surveying teams?
Claudio Leite: Today, it is no longer necessary to spend time with a surveying team collecting drainage data, for example. When we enter a meeting, someone already has Maply open nearby, so we can immediately see the weekly progress of the project.
Before, I had to calculate our aggregate piles every 15 days. Today, the planning team goes into the platform and takes the measurement directly there. I think that is fantastic. In the past, the team had to go into the field and it took a long time both to survey and to process. Now I can do it very quickly.
Platform benefits
Maply: In your view, what is the main benefit delivered by the platform?
Claudio Leite: Looking at the project as a whole, monitoring construction progress is the main benefit. We are working on the expansion of a large industrial area, where the platform often helps us identify and resolve interferences before mobilizing teams to the work front. In other words, it makes it possible to make better and faster decisions.
Maply: Could you mention more examples of platform applications?
Claudio Leite: At the end of every month, we meet with our clients to present measurement evidence and the physical progress of the works. We use the platform to show results visually and quantitatively, including comparisons with results from different dates. In general, we are able to resolve conflicts with the client by presenting the orthoimage.
Maply: From a financial perspective, does the platform bring any direct benefit?
Claudio Leite: Yes. The simple fact that we do not need to go to the field every time we need information already represents a major gain in time and money. For example, if I need authorization to release a machine, I can send the client an image with the calculation ready to request release of the work front. In addition, it makes it easier and faster to identify interferences or construction errors. As a result, we can maintain schedules and avoid rework.
Innovation at CBM
Maply: Is innovation part of Construtora Barbosa Mello’s DNA?
Claudio Leite: Yes. CBM was named by the Valor Inovacao Brasil Award, promoted by Valor Economico newspaper, as the 5th most innovative company in the Construction and Engineering sector, which is a source of great pride for all of us. We were also recognized for implementing BIM Digital Construction, CBM Lab (an Open Innovation and Intrapreneurship project) and the Operational Excellence Program (Lean Construction). In addition, we are incorporating innovation more broadly into our processes - and this journey goes far beyond that.
Conclusion
Construtora Barbosa Mello’s experience shows how drone-based aerial photogrammetry and the Maply platform transform construction management, bringing precision, speed and savings. Whether to monitor large projects or optimize decisions, Maply is an essential tool.
