“We have been looking forward to this milestone ever since the legislation came into effect in 2015.  At that stage we had already recognised the value that this technology would bring to our profession. Now that we have obtained the ROC, we are ready to leverage the technology alongside our traditional engineering activities to gather richer, more comprehensive data from our projects. I would like to congratulate our team on successfully completing this serious undertaking,” says Richard Matchett, Aurecon Digital Practice Leader South Africa.

On the administrative requirements for operations, Matchett commented on the responsibility attached to operating drones in South Africa. “The Part 101 Regulations applicable to Drones set a high standard. Being a registered drone operator in South Africa requires us to adhere to operational guidelines and legislation similar to those for manned aviation and it requires a high level of responsibility. We have established a very capable team in Aurecon to oversee the operations and ensure that we maintain strict operational control and fly safely on our projects,” says Matchett.

Aurecon will be rolling out its drones, manned by its own engineers, on various project sites throughout the coming year.

“Our team will be using the captured imagery from our drone operations to create everything from 3D models that inform design decisions to time-lapse videos showing the progress of projects and project milestones,” says Matchett.

Some of the initial projects that have already been earmarked for drone image capturing include civil engineering installations infrastructure projects such as water treatment works, quarry sites, mines, and plant installations in industrial areas. The Drone Operations Management Team Aurecon then plans to expand their drone site inspections to include tower inspections and plant installations, as well as other projects that require overhead aerial project site photographs for record keeping, progress reporting, design solutions and maintenance advice.

This service will also augment the assurance provided to programme and project governance structures, as well as Board oversight committees when combined with the newly launched Programme and Project Assurance service offering.

According to Amandla Tokwe, Aurecon Associate: Capital Programme Assurance: “Deployment of drone technology will enable savings both in time and resources, while providing real-time, efficient, independent assurance to project teams, oversight committees and owners residing over multiple projects and/or multiple construction sites. This will greatly enhance Aurecon’s ability to bring client projects to life.”

About Aurecon

Aurecon is an engineering and infrastructure advisory company, but not as you know it. We’ve reimagined engineering.

Our clients’ ideas and aspirations drive all that we do. We work alongside them like no other firm to co-create clever, innovative solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges, adding value across the project lifecycle through deep technical and advisory expertise. We serve our clients across a range of markets, in locations worldwide. Hardwired in our DNA are engineering, design and the deep need to leave a legacy. We are as diverse as we are dynamic. As curious as we are clever.

Drawing on our deep pool of knowledge, we bring vital engineering experience, technical capability and design expertise to the table. Then we listen deeply and intently. We see the opportunities, possibilities and potential that others don’t. Through a range of unique creative processes and skills, we collaborate with our clients to re-imagine, shape and design a better future.

We believe humanity depends on engineering; and we recognise we have a broader stewardship role to play. A deep responsibility to hold. As we continually strive for a life in balance, Aurecon clients will be both future ready and engineered for life.

Think engineering. Think again.

Aurecon: Engineering, re-imagined.

To find out more about what we have been up to visit our newsroom, or take a glimpse into the future on our Just Imagine blog.

Privately owned by employees, Aurecon formed in 2009 when Africon, Connell Wagner and Ninham Shand announced the formation of a new global group.

Please visit www.aurecongroup.com for further information.