Drones Aren’t Just for Marketing: 4 Ways CRE is Using Them

Drones have come a long way. It’s been a few years since their widespread explosion of popularity and they’re being applied in ways never before anticipated. Drones are much more than just photography and videography – they’re playing a big role in optimizing business industries all around the world. 

Today’s professionals use drones as a vital resource  – including commercial real estate. Here are some of the latest ways in which the commercial sector is using drones.

Elevated Data Insights 

Data collection just got easier. Drones have the power to quickly and efficiently collect analytics from commercial properties. By taking pictures and recording videography, drones can be sent out to survey areas and collect the information that is needed for advanced insights and analysis. 

Drones are being designed with in-built sensors that can do more than what an average camera can do. Gas detection sensors, motion sensors, and thermal sensors are all being added to today’s drone repertoire. This information allows CRE to have advanced control and understanding of their properties. 

Drones are helping to optimize commercial assets in more ways than one. When collecting this data over an extended period, CRE professionals have an amazing and clear gauge of how the property is changing over time. This allows for effective strategies to be developed, implemented, and then tested. 

Re-thinking Property Inspections 

Drones are perfect for getting into places that people can’t easily go, which makes them ideal for property inspections. 

With their aerial views, drones are making property inspections easier and more effective than ever before. Drones can inspect areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to man-powered projects. On top of this, drones can span large regions in far less time than team members would be able to. 

Drones are cutting inspection costs by using their advanced sensors and mobile capacities to perform commercial inspections. 

Boosting Energy Efficiency 

In the US alone, commercial buildings are some of the biggest consumers of the country’s energy. Unfortunately, much of what they use ends up getting wasted. As the industry places more attention on eco-friendly solutions, drones are playing a big role in reducing waste. 

Thermal cameras can be used to detect problems with HVAC, plumbing, and other structural issues that are wasting resources. Not only will this help the environment, but it can also lower the building’s operational costs.

Mapping the Area 

Drones give users an exclusive bird’s eye view of their property – something not commonly available without this technology. CRE professionals are using drones to create maps of their property surroundings. From traffic patterns, natural formations, and even climate mapping; drones are taking location analytics to a completely new level. 

What’s more, drones can collect wide-angle shots. This provides users with a comprehensive basis to gain a better understanding of a property. This application is being used for construction projects, developers, property owners and managers, and even investors. 

Drones are shaking up CRE and enhancing creative business strategies all over the industry. To learn more about the latest commercial real estate news, visit our blog.