Drone-Based Site Monitoring for Construction Project

Pung, Ren Qi (2026) Drone-Based Site Monitoring for Construction Project. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The construction industry is undergoing digital transformation, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) emerging as a tool to improve site monitoring, efficiency, and safety. However, the adoption of drone-based monitoring in the Malaysian construction industry remains limited and not well understood. This study aims to investigate the practicalities of UAV use in construction site monitoring and to identify the key challenges affecting its adoption. A quantitative research approach was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to construction professionals. A total of 265 valid responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The study evaluated perceptions of UAV practicality, including efficiency, accessibility, time savings, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for Malaysian site conditions, as well as the barriers to implementation. The findings show that UAVs are highly valued for improving monitoring efficiency, accessing hard-to-reach areas, and saving time. However, respondents are more cautious regarding cost-effectiveness and data accuracy. Key challenges identified include regulatory restrictions, lack of trained operators, high costs, and weather limitations. Notably, maintenance and operational costs were found to be a major concern beyond initial investment. A significant finding is that most respondents have limited direct experience with UAVs, indicating that the results largely reflect perceptions rather than actual usage. This highlights a gap between awareness and practical implementation in the industry. Overall, while UAV technology demonstrates strong potential in construction site monitoring, its wider adoption depends on addressing technical, regulatory, and cost-related barriers.