Critical Reflection

Over the past 13 weeks, the lessons have been meaningful to me. I’ve learned and gained a lot of useful knowledge. At the beginning of the module, I set a personal goal to step out of my comfort zone—to speak up more, voice my thoughts, and build confidence. In the past, I relied heavily on scripts during presentations. However, during the recent oral presentation, I noticed significant improvement. I was able to make eye contact with the audience, present without a script, and project my voice more confidently. During the Q&A session, I managed to think on the spot and answer questions under pressure. The weekly practice of reading aloud and responding to questions played a big role in preparing me for this.

Before this module, my technical writing often lacked proper structure and clarity. Learning about the 7Cs of communication provided me with a clear framework to enhance my writing. I’ve learned to craft more effective sentences and organize my ideas more logically. The emphasis on proper citation also reinforced the importance of academic integrity and supporting arguments with credible sources. Frequent drafting and the valuable feedback from Professor Bard and my peers were instrumental in sharpening my writing skills.

The group project was a pivotal part of this module, giving me practical experience in critical thinking and teamwork. Working with a diverse group of teammates taught me the importance of open-mindedness and effective communication. We faced challenges and differing opinions, but we always found ways to solve problems together. This experience underscored the value of active listening and the integration of different perspectives into a cohesive strategy.

Reflecting on the module as a whole, I am grateful for the comprehensive skill set I have learned. The improvements in both my presentation and writing abilities, along with the collaborative lessons learned, have prepared me well for future academic and professional endeavours.

Additional Final Reader Response

The Yuneec H850 is a powerful hexacopter UAV widely used for surveying, mapping, and inspection missions in civil engineering (Yuneec, n.d.). One of its key features is its large payload capacity, enabling it to carry advanced sensors such as LiDAR and thermal and multispectral imaging systems. These functions allow for precise terrain modelling, structural assessment, and environmental monitoring (Kesteloo, 2025). Additionally, the H850 has an extended flight time of up to 65 minutes, which improves efficiency by covering large areas without frequent battery changes. Its real-time kinematics (RTK) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning provide centimetre-level accuracy, making it highly effective for precision mapping and infrastructure monitoring (Commercial UAV News, 2025).

The Yuneec H850 represents a paradigm shift in civil engineering practice. It offers an alternative to traditional survey and inspection methods due to its enhanced data collection capabilities, excellent safety and potential cost savings.

One way that the Yuneec H850 represents a paradigm shift for engineering is that its LiDAR for terrain modelling, thermal camera for structural irregularity identification, and multispectral imaging system for environmental observation give a comprehensive view of the project site that is unattainable with traditional methods (Kesteloo, 2025). Traditional survey and inspection methods are risky, slow and labour-intensive (Iacobellis & Associates, 2024). Surveyors must often travel over rough terrain with heavy instruments to collect data. Bridges, power lines, and other infrastructure inspections require overhead or hazardous work (Tan, 2023). A remotely operated platform, the H850, can collect massive amounts of data in a single trip (Yuneec, n.d.). A single flight can obtain thermal data, high-resolution images, and a comprehensive LiDAR point cloud. Engineers can simultaneously build accurate 3D models, check structural soundness and analyse environmental conditions (Choi, 2023). This versatile data collection approach, which is impossible with standard ground surveys, allows engineers to understand a project from planning to construction and maintenance. The H850's ability to cover large areas in minutes speeds up data collection. Using standard processes, an aircraft can scan countless acres or hectares and acquire thousands of data points in weeks or days. Faster data collection reduces project time and increases efficiency.

In addition to enhanced data collection capabilities, the H850 significantly improves safety in civil engineering. When inspecting bridges, transmission lines, dams and other extensive infrastructure, crews often take considerable risks. Inspectors may need to ascend buildings, work in confined spaces, or come into contact with hazardous substances (HASpod, 2023). A drone can do Such inspections remotely, keeping personnel safe from potential risks. The H850 minimises the chances of falls, electrocution and other workplace accidents by providing a safe and efficient means of collecting information. For example, the H850 can bypass bridge structures and take overhead images and thermal imaging to detect potentially vulnerable areas rather than send inspectors to the bridge for a visual inspection (Yuneec, n.d.). This remote inspection capability improves safety and reduces the time and expense associated with traditional inspection techniques.

The H850 also provides significant cost savings compared to traditional measurement and inspection techniques. Traditional techniques involve large teams of employees, specialised equipment and careful logistical planning (Flyguys, 2021). For example, surveying a large construction site may require a team of surveyors, heavy machinery, and even road closures (TOPS Marketing, 2024). The H850, on the other hand, can be operated by a small team, and the equipment is not as heavy (Yuneec, n.d.). The ability of the H850 to collect data faster also helps reduce costs by shortening the duration of the overall project.

In addition, the lower risk of accidents reduces insurance costs and lost time accidents. For example, a project that previously required five surveyors per week to complete can now be completed by just two people using the H850 daily, resulting in labour savings. Throughout the project, less inspection downtime and fewer chances of accidents save the company significant money.

The H850 has many benefits, but it may face obstacles. Negatives include drone operating regulations. US regulations are complex and varied (FAA, n.d.). These rules cover pilot qualifications, airspace limits, operating requirements, and data security (FAA, n.d.). Singapore may have stricter drone laws due to space and high-rise construction limits (Drone Laws, 2024). These complicated regulations may hinder and confuse engineering firms, especially multi-location ones, from using drones. Other challenging factors such as project delays and costs may result from lengthy permit and approval processes. Due to airport and residential overflying restrictions, the H850 may not be suited for some urban infrastructure projects.

However, regulations are changing swiftly. Due to the economic and social benefits of commercial drones, several countries and regions are simplifying laws (EASA, 2022). International efforts are ongoing to standardise drone operations, speed licensing, and create transparent regulations. Although regulations are difficult, drone activity is evolving toward a more open commercial framework. Drone service companies can help firms negotiate complex regulations (Skydio, n.d.).

In conclusion, the Yuneec H850 represents a significant advancement in civil engineering. Its superior ability to capture more information, improve safety and save costs makes it a powerful alternative to survey and inspection. As the process continues to improve and regulatory hurdles are eased, the H850 is more than just an incremental innovation; it is a paradigm shift that revolutionises how civil engineers collect data, analyse infrastructure and operate projects. As drone technology improves and regulations are simplified, the H850 and other similar platforms will increasingly set the tone for the future of civil engineering.

(Used Grammarly & ChatGPT to check for grammar and sentence structure)

References:

Choi, H., Kim, H., Kim, S., & Na, W. S. (2023). An overview of drone applications in the construction industry. Drones, 7(8), 515. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7080515

Commercial UAV News. (2025, January 6). Drone technology for high-precision mapping, surveying, and inspection tasks. Commercial UAV News. https://www.commercialuavnews.com/drone-technology-for-high-precision-mapping-surveying-and-inspection-tasks

Drone Laws. (2024, September 20). Drone laws in Singapore. Drone Laws. https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-singapore/

EASA. (2024, July 10). Understanding European drone regulations and the aviation regulatory system. European Union Aviation Safety Agency. https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/drones-air-mobility/drones-air-mobility-landscape/Understanding-European-Drone-Regulations-and-the-Aviation-Regulatory-System

Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/uas

Iacobellis & Associates. (2024, August 2). Traditional vs. modern surveying techniques.https://www.tisurveying.net/post/traditional-vs-modern-surveying-techniques

Kesteloo, H. (2025, February 15). Your drone. your world. your news. DroneXL. https://dronexl.co/

Skydio. (n.d.). Regulatory services. Skydio. https://www.skydio.com/regulatory-services

Tan, R. (2024, January 30). LiDAR scanning vs. traditional surveying: A comprehensive comparison. Anoic.https://blog.aonic.com/blogs-application/lidar-scanning-vs-traditional-surveying

Yuneec. (n.d.). Professional hexacopter. https://yuneec.online/

HASpod. (2023, August 8). The definition of a confined space and 20 examples. https://www.haspod.com/blog/management/confined-space-definition

FlyGuys. (2024, August 20). Traditional land surveying vs drone surveying: Which method is best for your project? https://flyguys.com/land-surveying-vs-drone-surveying

TOPS Marketing. (2024, February 23). Civil Surveying: Mastering techniques for project precision. https://www.takeoffpros.com/blog/types-of-civil-surveying/