The impact of drones on the efficiency of excavation volume calculation management: a study in the village of muxima, luanda

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, have been widely used in various areas, including data collection, environmental monitoring, mapping and surveillance. In Angola, their use has been fundamental in cost management, providing detailed, real-time monitoring and contributing to a more efficient budget. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of UAVs on the efficiency of volume calculation in earthworks projects, with a focus on Vila da Muxima-Luanda. To this end, the empirical research and field study method was adopted, divided into two parts: Aerophotogrammetry and GNSS/RTK. Aerophotogrammetry followed a specific flow, including flight planning, execution, post-flight, evaluation, processing, product generation, assessment and approval. Traditional GNSS/RTK surveying, on the other hand, made it possible to survey plotted points and observe the coordinates of control points. The results showed a significant reduction in the time required for data collection compared to the conventional method, resulting in efficiency gains in the data acquisition and processing process. In addition, the accuracy of the data obtained using UAVs was validated by comparison with a reference cartographic base, demonstrating its suitability and accuracy for use in engineering projects. However, challenges such as labour qualification and standardisation of processes still need to be overcome. It is suggested that future research focus on these issues and explore