Drone and camera technology could potentially transform how insurers conduct traditional site surveys to capture information and help organisations better identify and mitigate property risks, according to an insurance and risk management expert.
Matt Holland, technical lead at Ansvar Risk and weekend gamer, has been pioneering reality capture as a better way to capture data and information.
His two decades of insurance and risk management experience, as well as his hobby, gave him a firsthand look at what happens when risks are unidentified or poorly managed, leading him to explore reality and data capture opportunities.
“One of the most exciting advances in site surveys is the evolution to reality capture and modelling,” Holland said, “The use of drones together with lasers and photogrammetry, has truly evolved the service. It enables identification of targeted and specific information that supports good risk-management decision making.”
The specialist insurer started using drones for site surveys three years ago, to capture data from the damaged roofs of clients' faith-based buildings, which traditionally have high roofs which were difficult and expensive to access.
“What I find exciting about the technology is that it allows us to access roofs and hard to reach places so that we can fully understand what’s happening at a site,” Holland said. “It provides an unparalleled level of detailed information about the current state of assets. This supports customers with informed decision making, and the ability to address risks as they emerge. It therefore results in fewer insurance claims, and lower insurance premiums as the property is better maintained and issues addressed before they cause damage.”
But the use of the technology also involves balancing many complexities and responsibilities, Holland said.
“The biggest challenge is being fully aware of your surroundings at all times,” he said. “That means being aware of people, weather, line of site to the drone, site instructions, birds, other aircraft, power lines, and vegetation. And you need to do all this while trying to get camera and drone in the right spot, so you can capture the required images and information.”
And while risk quality surveys provide vital information, Holland said risk management should be about making small “incremental changes.”
“It’s a step change process,” he said. “When organisations make small ongoing and consistent changes, they create a lasting impact. So, creating a culture that embraces risk management concepts and incorporates this into decision making is key.”
