Develop a Centralized Data Management and Storage System for Drone-Generated Data to Facilitate Program Scaling.
Pilot Project Tested Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology for Bridge Inspection Across Kansas.
Kansas, United States
USDOT SMART FY2022 Grant: Smart Counties in Kansas Final Implementation Report
Summary Information
Drone technology has emerged as an effective method for infrastructure inspections, particularly in rural areas and under hazardous conditions. This project tested the use of drones to inspect bridges in four Kansas counties (Sedgwick, Saline, Cowley, and Cloud) and developed a platform to integrate the drone-collected information with other data. The project had two main goals: to develop a proof-of-concept for asset monitoring using drones and to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the project across the state. Pilot testing began in July 2024 on three bridges in Saline County using two different drone sizes. In Spring 2025, this was expanded to 20 bridges across the four counties. The project team also trained a machine learning model to automate the detection of damages such as cracks and rust.
The deployment resulted in several lessons learned for future phases.
- Develop a centralized data management and storage system with standardized protocols to facilitate program scaling and ensure consistent, secure, and cost-effective handling of high-resolution drone imagery across jurisdictions.
- Establish protocols to monitor wind speed and other environmental conditions, develop contingency plans for situations where drones cannot access critical infrastructure. Recognize that drone imagery may complement rather than replace physical inspections.
- Engage regulatory authorities early to streamline compliance processes and address legal and policy requirements proactively.
- Implement strategies to expedite the procurement process, such as standardized procurement documentation, pre-qualifying suppliers, and establishing clear procurement timelines.
- Provide structured, ongoing training and support to help staff overcome the learning curve and build confidence in using new technologies. Develop a staffing plan to hire additional personnel where necessary.
