Drone Point Cloud Surveying Introduced for Disaster Recovery: 75% Reduction in Construction Period by Visualizing Landslide Volume
Efficiency improved from 2 days/6 people to 0.5 days/3 people in Hachijojima erosion control work.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 08:07
ARA Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki, Kanagawa; Representative Director: Masanori Arai) has introduced drone-based point cloud surveying technology to surveying tasks in disaster recovery projects, achieving significant operational efficiency. This initiative was implemented during erosion control work to prevent house collapses following a landslide in Osato Ichinosawa, Hachijojima.
■ Initiative Details
At this site, we compared pre-disaster forest survey data with post-disaster drone survey data to calculate the extent of the landslide and the volume of collapsed soil. We also measured the number and trunk diameter of fallen trees to obtain data necessary for the recovery plan. The acquired data was visualized as 3D point clouds, accurately calculating the collapse situation and soil volume (cubic meters), which was then used as submission material for government agencies.
■ Survey Overview
- Target area: Approx. 17,000㎡
- Survey content: 3D point cloud surveying of the landslide area, soil volume calculation by comparing terrain before and after the disaster, and survey of fallen tree count and trunk diameter.
■ Results
- Visualization of landslide area as 3D data
- Calculation of collapsed soil volume (cubic meters)
- Used as data for government submission
👉 Contributed to improving the accuracy of the disaster recovery plan.
■ Introduction Effects
Traditional Surveying: 2 days, 6 people, approx. 700,000 JPY
Drone Surveying: 0.5 days, 3 people, approx. 400,000 JPY
👉 75% reduction in construction period, 50% reduction in personnel, approx. 40% reduction in cost.
■ Stakeholders
Construction Company: Akama Construction Co., Ltd.
Site Agent: Motokazu Omiyama
Surveyor: 1 person
Drone Surveying: ARA Co., Ltd.
Pilots: Ryuji Kaneko, Fumiaki Inoue
■ Future Outlook
ARA Co., Ltd. will continue to promote the use of drones and 3D point cloud technology in disaster recovery, infrastructure inspection, and building survey fields to contribute to improving productivity and safety in the construction industry.
■ Initiative Details
At this site, we compared pre-disaster forest survey data with post-disaster drone survey data to calculate the extent of the landslide and the volume of collapsed soil. We also measured the number and trunk diameter of fallen trees to obtain data necessary for the recovery plan. The acquired data was visualized as 3D point clouds, accurately calculating the collapse situation and soil volume (cubic meters), which was then used as submission material for government agencies.
■ Survey Overview
- Target area: Approx. 17,000㎡
- Survey content: 3D point cloud surveying of the landslide area, soil volume calculation by comparing terrain before and after the disaster, and survey of fallen tree count and trunk diameter.
■ Results
- Visualization of landslide area as 3D data
- Calculation of collapsed soil volume (cubic meters)
- Used as data for government submission
👉 Contributed to improving the accuracy of the disaster recovery plan.
■ Introduction Effects
Traditional Surveying: 2 days, 6 people, approx. 700,000 JPY
Drone Surveying: 0.5 days, 3 people, approx. 400,000 JPY
👉 75% reduction in construction period, 50% reduction in personnel, approx. 40% reduction in cost.
■ Stakeholders
Construction Company: Akama Construction Co., Ltd.
Site Agent: Motokazu Omiyama
Surveyor: 1 person
Drone Surveying: ARA Co., Ltd.
Pilots: Ryuji Kaneko, Fumiaki Inoue
■ Future Outlook
ARA Co., Ltd. will continue to promote the use of drones and 3D point cloud technology in disaster recovery, infrastructure inspection, and building survey fields to contribute to improving productivity and safety in the construction industry.
FAQ
In what types of sites is drone surveying effective?
It is particularly effective for sites where human access is difficult or dangerous, such as landslide areas, large-scale terrain surveys, and high-altitude inspections.
How does it differ from traditional surveying?
It allows for the acquisition of 3D data over a wide area in a short time, enabling shorter construction periods and cost reductions. It also improves planning accuracy through data visualization.
Is it possible to request subcontracting services?
Yes, we actively accept subcontracting work for drone surveying from surveying and construction companies.