PITTSBURGH, Aug. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, announced today that the company is one of the first in its industry to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate several types of fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). By deploying UAS technology, Michael Baker can now capture robust, real-time aerial photographs and video as well as conduct aerial mapping for its clients that need surveys or inspections of a site.
"Our UAS capability builds upon the company's full continuum of innovative solutions that immediately enhance timeframes for planning and executing projects in surface transportation, utilities infrastructure, land development, pipelines and many other markets," said Robert Hanson, senior vice president and the firm's Geospatial Practice leader. "Integrating our FAA-certified unmanned aircraft program with our other advanced data collection capabilities allows us to take data collection to an entirely new level for our clients. Through our licensed pilots and certified operators, we are better able to gather data more safely and efficiently, which represents immediate short- and long-term value."
Here are the top three advantages for Michael Baker clients with the company's use of UAS:
- Better Data Capture: Operators can adjust still and video cameras on the aircraft to capture images at almost any angle, which enhances the quality of data captured from the same geographic location at different points in time. Because the UAS data provides a full picture of a site or a building, clients often do not need to order additional studies or surveys of a project, which can contribute to cost savings.
- Safer: UAS enhances safety for workers who would normally need to climb to certain heights to conduct inspections or gather data that can now be done by the aircraft.
- More Flexible and Scalable: In addition, as a certified operator, the company can rapidly deploy its fleet of small UAS and regionally based licensed pilots to a single site, or it can operate the systems simultaneously at a number of sites.
The company recently demonstrated the technology on several projects, including facilities condition assessments at a former children's hospital and crop health assessments for agriculture.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 5,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more visit www.mbakerintl.com.