Aerial reality capture SaaS platform DroneDeploy has agreed to acquire StructionSite in order to strengthen its ground game. 

In recent years contractors have seen the advantages of employing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones.

In late December, the Federal Aviation Administration published proposed regulations governing the usage of drones in the U.S., triggering a pushback from drone professionals over rules requiring live transmitting of drone locations during operation.

Drones find a niche in environmental engineering, where aerial data collection protects fragile landscapes and worker safety

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation's Jan. 14 proposed rule would allow operators to fly at night and over occupied spaces without a waiver; comment is open until March 14.

Advanced technologies seek to enhance new and traditional efforts to protect construction workers from an array of safety hazards

More companies are exploring new technology as a route to building efficiencies.

The measure also includes $1.68 billion to help states recover from Hurricane Florence.

More state transportation agencies are using aerial drones, and overall commercial use of the devices is expected to continue to climb, though not as dramatically as predicted in 2017, recent reports say.

The American bridge design and construction industry has turned the corner in embracing tools such as 4D modeling, public-private partnerships and drones.