Infrastructure and Transport Asset Intelligence

In most cases, yes. Our remote methods significantly reduce or eliminate the need for traffic management and asset closures, minimising public disruption. We utilise advanced zoom payloads, spotlights, and operate under CASA approvals that often allow inspections without full road closures or rail track possessions.

We capture 4K or 8K video and high-resolution 48MP+ imagery. We use powerful onboard lighting to identify and track micro-cracking, spalling, and corrosion in tunnels and culverts. Using RTK/PPK and GCPs enables detailed defect analysis and reliable change detection comparisons. Our methods are 40-60% more effective than ground-based visual assessment alone. We also use LiDAR to achieve millimetre-level detail, photogrammetry, and thermal radiometric data as your deliverables demand.

Our data is provided in industry-standard formats (LAS, OBJ, CSV, GeoJSON) for easy import into your existing GIS, EAM, or standard digital engineering platforms. We also provide secure, cloud-based access to 3D models, orthomosaics, and annotated defect reports via browser-based viewer accessible from any device without software installation.

Drone bridge inspection typically costs 60-80% less than traditional methods using under-bridge inspection units (UBIUs), rope access, or scaffolding, which also require traffic management plans. The cost reduction comes from eliminating heavy access equipment, lane closures, and the 3-5 day mobilisation windows that traditional bridge inspection demands. Multi-bridge programs achieve further savings through route-based scheduling.

Bridge inspection in Australia is governed by AS 5100 (Bridge Design), the RMS Bridge Inspection Procedure Manual, and state-specific guidelines including TMR (QLD), VicRoads (VIC), and DPTI (SA) standards. Level 1 inspections require visual condition assessment of all accessible components. Level 2 inspections require detailed measurement and testing. DeepSky IQ holds Bridge Inspection Level 1 certification and delivers data that satisfies Level 1 reporting requirements, with resolution and accuracy sufficient to inform Level 2 scoping decisions.

For Level 1 condition assessments, drones can replace UBIUs in the majority of cases, delivering equivalent or superior imagery at 60-80% lower cost with zero traffic disruption. Drones capture high-resolution imagery (48MP+) of bridge soffits, abutments, bearings, and expansion joints from multiple angles, often revealing defects obscured by the fixed viewing positions of UBIUs. For Level 2 inspections requiring physical testing, drones serve as a scoping tool to identify areas requiring hands-on investigation, reducing UBIU deployment time by 50-70%.

In most cases, no. DeepSky IQ operates under advanced CASA approvals including Extended Visual Line of Sight, night operations, and operations near traffic. Our pilots conduct bridge inspections from adjacent land, under the bridge deck, or from positions that do not require lane closures. For bridges over major highways where overflight is unavoidable, we coordinate with traffic authorities to utilise existing low-traffic windows rather than full daytime closures.

Australian state road authorities generally require Level 1 visual inspections every 2-3 years and Level 2 detailed inspections every 5-6 years for standard bridges. High-risk structures (those with known defects, high traffic volumes, or age over 50 years) may require annual monitoring. Local councils managing bridge portfolios of 20-200+ structures often struggle to maintain these schedules due to cost and access constraints. Drone-based inspection reduces per-bridge costs by 60-80%, making it feasible to inspect entire portfolios within compliance timeframes.

Drone-based bridge inspection using high-resolution cameras (48MP+) and LiDAR achieves crack detection down to 0.1mm width at typical inspection distances, compared to 0.3-0.5mm for unaided visual inspection from UBIUs. Studies indicate that drone-based methods detect 40-60% more defects than traditional visual assessment alone, particularly in areas with limited access such as deep soffits, internal box girders, and high abutment faces. The addition of thermal imaging further improves detection of delamination, moisture ingress, and reinforcement corrosion.

This varies with asset scale. A standard bridge inspection typically takes between half a day and 3 days to capture, depending on complexity, and can be virtually available to you the same day, with 5-7 days for full processing and reporting. Multi-bridge portfolio programs are scheduled to maximise route efficiency and minimise mobilisation overhead.