CRITICAL REFLECTION

Critical reflection

At the beginning of this course, I set out with the goal of enhancing my communication and critical thinking skills, specifically with the intention of conveying complex engineering concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Reflecting on my progress, I can confidently say that I have made substantial strides in both areas, although there is still room for improvement.

Throughout the module, I have had numerous opportunities to engage in discussions and practice presentations, which have helped me develop more structured and coherent ways of articulating my ideas. My written communication skills, in particular, have improved as I have learned how to convey technical information more succinctly and precisely. I have also become more mindful of my grammar, thanks to regular assignments and feedback, which has strengthened my ability to write research papers and professional reports.

However, one area that still needs improvement is my ability to stay focused during presentations. I often find myself deviating from the topic, losing coherence, and sometimes overwhelming my audience with excessive information. To improve this, I plan to implement stricter self-monitoring techniques and practice sticking to a well-organized outline. Additionally, I recognize the importance of practicing critical thinking in everyday problem-solving, and I will continue to seek opportunities to analyze situations from various perspectives to strengthen this skill further.

In the coming months, I hope to refine these skills by continuing to engage in discussions, delivering presentations, and actively seeking constructive feedback. This will allow me to fine-tune my communication abilities and critical thinking, which will be invaluable in both academic and professional settings.

For my research project, I focused on improving my teamwork and presentation skills. Initially, I was someone who preferred working independently and often struggled to fully engage in group activities. However, as we progressed with our project and had to present our findings, I began to realize the importance of collaboration and leadership in a group setting.

During the preparation for our presentation, I initially took a backseat, focusing on my own tasks and keeping to my personal work style. However, as I noticed the struggles my team members faced in structuring their parts or refining their delivery, I started offering feedback and suggestions. I guided some of my peers on how to streamline their presentations and make better use of their strengths. For instance, one of my teammates had excellent research but struggled with clear delivery. I helped them condense their key points and practice articulation, which ultimately strengthened their contribution to the overall presentation.

Through this experience, I realized that I could take on a leadership role, even if I had not actively sought one. This helped me understand that leadership isn't just about authority—it's about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels supported and empowered. I learned to step outside my comfort zone and communicate more openly with my peers, offering constructive feedback that was both encouraging and helpful.

This project experience significantly changed my perspective on learning. I now understand that learning is not solely an individual endeavor. It’s a dynamic, collective process where shared knowledge and support lead to stronger outcomes. Moving forward, I will take from this experience the ability to take initiative in a group setting, contribute to others' development, and embrace leadership responsibilities when needed.

 Individual research contributions to group project

- Research on different areas that required improvement for the civil engineering industry

- Researched on real time structural health monitoring sensors (below are the listed advantages and disadvantages in the different areas)

- Collaborated with team members to share our different areas of research to determine which of our topics was the most feasible, desirability, viability.

-Conducted further background research on excavators and what areas could be improved technologically

-Identified gaps in research as to how this technology could bring about greater efficiency in the sector

-Participated in group discussions and gave input as to how feasible technology was

-Set reminders and actively checked on progress of group to stay on track and ahead of deadline

-Wrote sections 1.14, 1.2 & 1.3 in CA2 report

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Feasibility	Technology Availability: Sensors and monitoring systems are becoming more advanced and affordable, making it easier to implement SHM.	Initial Setup: Initial setup can be complex and expensive due to the need for specialized sensors and equipment.
	Data Collection: Continuous, real-time data allows for better understanding of structural performance under varying conditions.	Retrofitting Challenges: Infrastructure can be difficult to retrofit with sensors, especially in older or hard-to-access structures.
	Maintenance: Automated systems can reduce human labor required for manual inspections.	Infrastructure Requirements: Requires infrastructure that supports data transmission (e.g., wireless networks), which can be challenging in remote locations.
Viability	Cost Efficiency (Long-Term): Can save on maintenance and repair costs by identifying issues early, preventing major failures.	High Initial Investment: High initial capital investment for sensor installation, network setup, and data infrastructure.
	Data-Driven Decision Making: Provides engineers with actionable insights, allowing for proactive maintenance and extending infrastructure lifespan.	Ongoing Costs: Ongoing costs for data storage, analysis, and system maintenance may become a financial burden.
	Resource Optimization: Allows for optimized resource allocation by focusing repairs and maintenance on areas most in need.	Expertise Required: The effectiveness of data analysis depends on the quality of the sensors and the expertise required to interpret the data.
Desirability	Safety: Improves safety by providing early warnings of structural issues, potentially preventing catastrophic failures.	Over-Reliance on Automation: Could create over-reliance on automated systems, potentially ignoring other signs of degradation that sensors may miss.
	Sustainability: Promotes longer lifespans for infrastructure, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.	Data Management Complexity: Complexity in managing large-scale networks of sensors and interpreting vast amounts of data.
	Public Confidence: Increases public trust in infrastructure by demonstrating proactive efforts to monitor and maintain structural health.	Privacy and Security Concerns: Public concern over privacy or data security, especially if the data is shared with external parties or companies.

Reader response CW-007 drone (UPDATED)

Advanced technologies integrated into civil engineering have completely changed the outlook on how project management, design, and execution are viewed. One next-generation representative is the multi-function drone JOUAV CW-007, specially fitted out for many applications such as mapping, surveying, and monitoring of the environment. With its high payload capacity of 1 kilogram, long endurance of up to 55 minutes, and precise positioning accuracy of 3 cm vertical and 1 cm horizontal, this enables accurate surveying and mapping of construction sites. Its ability to withstand winds up to 10 m/s, modular design for quick setup, and capacity to carry essential equipment make it a versatile tool for infrastructure inspection and site analysis (JOUAV, n.d.). JOUAV's CW-007 will significantly advance civil engineering projects by providing enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and safety in surveying and inspection tasks. Its high-precision GNSS technology ensures that survey data is collected with centimeter-level accuracy, which is essential for topographic surveys, volume calculations, and infrastructure design. By enabling real-time, remote data collection from large areas, the CW-007 allows engineers to complete surveys much faster than traditional methods, reducing the time and cost associated with site visits. Furthermore, its ability to operate in hazardous locations, such as unstable structures or steep terrain, without exposing personnel to risk adds a layer of safety, ensuring that engineers can assess conditions and monitor projects without the need for dangerous fieldwork. In summary, the CW-007’s technological capabilities allow civil engineers to gather precise data efficiently and safely, streamlining project execution from start to finish.

One key reason the CW-007 will enhance accuracy is that the advanced technology integrated into it enables the collection of highly precise data. Civil engineering projects require precise measures over topographic surveys, calculation of volumes, and infrastructure designs. Equipped with a high-level Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), it ensures centimeter-level accuracy during geospatial data acquisition (He & Li, 2020). Moreover, studies have shown that drones with high-precision GNSS technology increase the accuracy of land surveys compared to traditional methods manyfold (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). Additionally, with the possibility of mounting on the CW-007 various sensors, including LiDAR, RGB cameras, and thermal sensors, it becomes capable of expanding the range from three-dimensional models down to real-time environmental monitoring, as explained by He and Li (2020). The CW-007's GNSS and multi-sensor capabilities enhance both the accuracy and scope of data, making it a crucial tool for civil engineers by supporting more accurate decision-making and reducing errors in design and execution.

Traditionally, engineers and surveyors conduct manual site visits, often requiring extensive travel to remote or hard-to-reach locations, a process that is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, the CW-007 streamlines this process by allowing engineers to quickly acquire data from large areas remotely, significantly reducing the time and effort necessary. With the CW-007's long flight endurance of up to 55 minutes and 1 kg payload capacity, it is possible to use the aircraft for longer flights with heavy and sophisticated sensors deployed on board (He & Li, 2020). This enables the engineers to accomplish multiple tasks during a single flight, thus saving time while increasing overall project efficiency. Furthermore, the real-time transmission of data allows engineers to monitor progress remotely without necessarily being on-site. In fact, Yu et al. (2021) indicated that the employment of drones during the inspection phase of a site can reduce fieldwork time by up to 40%, further enhancing project efficiency. Additionally, drones reduce the need for costly and time-consuming manual surveying labor. According to Tang and Wang (2019), this increase in efficiency led to lower operational costs for construction firms and ensures that projects are completed on schedule.

Lastly, the JOUAV CW-007 also contributes to the enhancement of safety on civil engineering projects by minimizing risks to personnel. Construction sites are often hazardous, with engineers surrounded by heavy machinery, great heights, and other environmental factors. With the CW-007's design and specifications, hard-to-reach or dangerous locations, such as unstable structures or steep terrain, become accessible without exposing personnel to risk (Tang & Wang, 2019). Through its usage, engineers can monitor the condition of infrastructure and assess potential hazards without putting the lives of workers at risk. Additionally, drones help identify environmental hazards such as gas leakage or structural damage that may not be detectable from the ground level (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). In short, the JOUAV CW-007 enhances safety on civil engineering projects by allowing engineers to safely access hazardous locations, monitor infrastructure conditions, and identify potential environmental risks, all while minimizing the exposure of personnel to danger.

Despite its attractive benefits, the initial cost of expenditure on drones is very high, and their maintenance expenditure would continue to grow afterward. Drones require regular maintenance, calibration, and possibly repair, especially in the civil engineering field where the environment is tough. The purchase price of professional-grade drones like the CW-007 is a major cost investment. In the case of damage, repair or replacement of parts may cause delays, which could affect project timelines. However, the long-term benefits, such as lower labor costs and faster project completions, usually outweigh initial investment and maintenance costs (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). With the continuously improving drone technology, the cost is foreseen to decline even more, hence being increasingly available for various engineering projects. Despite its high upfront cost, drones provide an extremely valuable long-term use in terms of efficiency and safety enhancement (Dando et al., 2020).

In conclusion, the JOUAV CW-007 offers significant advantages to civil engineering workflows by enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of projects. High-accuracy data gathering is guaranteed with the high-end GNSS, while flying over large areas fast and efficiently reduces the need for time-consuming site visits. Its ability to access dangerous locations without risking personnel makes it invaluable in improving safety on construction sites. The cost and maintenance of drones can be very high, raising several obstacles. However, the justification for such a long-term investment is due to increased efficiency, reduction in labor costs, and overall improvement in project outcomes. JOUAV CW-007 is an important tool for modern civil engineering. The integration of this unit into engineering practices will further enhance the execution and success of projects.

(I acknowledge that I used CHATGPT to check grammar, organize my ideas, and cross-reference information)

References:

Dando, R., Shen, J., & Lee, K. (2020). Economic impact of drones on civil infrastructure projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(8), 04020075. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001779
He, X., & Li, L. (2020). Automation in construction: Applications of UAVs in civil engineering. Automation in Construction, 113, 103107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103107
Li, H., Wang, C., & Xu, X. (2020). Application of drone technology to safety management in construction projects. Journal of Safety Research, 73, 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2020.05.007
Tang, Y., & Wang, L. (2019). Infrastructure monitoring by using drone technology. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11556
Yu, J., Liu, F., & Zhang, W. (2021). Efficiency improvements in the application of UAV technology in civil engineering: Efficiency improvements and future potential. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 96, 104029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2020.104029
Zhang, J., & Zhang, X. (2021). Applications of modern civil engineering using drones. Construction Technology Journal, 22(5), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctj.2021.03.001
JOUAV. (n.d.). CW-007 portable fixed wing VTOL drone for surveying. JOUAV. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.jouav.com/products/cw-007.html

Updated on 3/4/2025

Summary + Thesis + support #3

 Advanced technologies integrated into civil engineering have completely changed the outlook on how project management, design, and execution are viewed. Some of the strong tools it has come across include drones. These offer unparalleled benefits in data gathering, project observation, and above all, safety. One next-generation representative is the multi-function drone JOUAV CW-007, specially fitted out for many applications such as mapping, surveying, and monitoring of the environment. With highly precise centimeter-grade accuracy and extensive flying times with a substantial payload capacity, CW-007 represents the high-class GNSS systems ideal for making civil engineering works more accurate, efficient, and safe. In this report, it will become clear how JOUAV's CW-007 improves workflows and reduces risks related to civil construction, capturing real data with leading advantages in, first of all, reduced timeline and improved quality of projects.

The advanced technology integrated into the JOUAV CW-007 enables the recording of very accurate data, especially important for its application in civil engineering. Because it has an advanced high-level GNSS system, this drone guarantees centimeter-level accuracy during geospatial data acquisition; this is rather helpful in the mapping and surveying processes (He & Li, 2020). Projects in civil engineering require precise measures over topographic surveys, calculation of volumes, and infrastructure designs. The capability of the CW-007 to provide detailed, accurate data directly contributes to better decision-making and planning because precision is what engineers need to minimize errors in both design and execution. Moreover, studies have shown that drones with high-precision GNSS technology increase the accuracy of land surveys compared to traditional methods manyfold (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). Additionally, with the possibility of mounting on the CW-007 various sensors, including LiDAR, RGB cameras, and thermal sensors, it becomes able to widen the range from three-dimensional models down to real-time environmental monitoring, as explained by He and Li (2020). Multisensor capabilities thus enhance not only the precision but also the comprehensiveness of the collected data, something that has positioned the CW-007 as quite an important building block within the workflows of civil engineering.

A drone like JOUAV CW-007 greatly enhances the efficiency of civil engineering projects by reducing time and effort that would otherwise have been spent on site visits and travel. Conventionally, much of the manual site visits are undertaken by engineers and surveyors, sometimes entailing extensive travel to remote or difficult-to-reach locations. This process is time-consuming and often requires considerable manpower. However, the CW-007 allows engineers to quickly acquire data from large areas in a fraction of the time by operating the system remotely. With the CW-007's long flight endurance of up to 5 hours and 8 kg payload capacity, it is possible to use the aircraft for longer flights with heavy and sophisticated sensors deployed on board (He & Li, 2020). This enables the engineers to accomplish multiple missions during a single flight, hence saving time while raising the efficiency of the whole project. Besides, real-time transmission of data insinuates that the engineers monitor the progress elsewhere without necessarily setting foot on site. In fact, Yu et al. 2021 indicate that the employment of drones at the inspection phase of a site can reduce the fieldwork time by up to 40 percent, increasing overall project efficiency. Besides, drones decrease the need for expensive and time-consuming human labor related to manual surveying. According to Tang & Wang, 2019, this gain in efficiency leads to lower operational costs for construction firms and projects that are completed on schedule.

The JOUAV CW-007 also contributes to the improvement of safety on civil engineering projects by minimizing risks to personnel. Construction sites are often hazardous, with potential dangers from heavy machinery, heights, and other environmental factors. Drones, especially the CW-007, can access hard-to-reach or dangerous locations, such as unstable structures or steep terrain, without exposing personnel to risk (Tang & Wang, 2019). By using the CW-007 to gather data from these areas, engineers can monitor the condition of infrastructure and assess potential hazards without putting workers in harm’s way. Furthermore, it has the possibility of carrying out remote aerial surveys and inspections that reduce accidents or injuries at a site, thus improving the general safety of the site. This is expected to continue with increasing integrations that drones are finding in construction workflows-a key ingredient in the safety of engineers, minimizing the possibility of accidents for a safe working environment. Li et al. (2020) determined that drones could reduce workers' exposure to high-risk areas by providing high-quality, real-time aerial images for monitoring. Besides, drones help in the identification of environmental hazards such as gas leakage or structural damage that may not be detectable from the ground level (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). This proactive hazard detection further minimizes risks on construction sites.

Although the CW-007 from JOUAV provides many benefits, it is worth considering that there might be some disadvantages for using such drones: the initial cost of expenditure on drones is very high, and their maintenance expenditure also continues to grow afterward. Drones represent complex mechanical devices that demand regular maintenance, calibration, and possibly repair. The purchase price of professional-grade drones like CW-007 is a major cost investment even for most engineering and construction companies, let alone small-scale firms. In the case of damage, repair or replacement costs for parts may cause delays, which could affect timelines. This is balanced, however, by these aforementioned areas of greater efficiency in data collection, fewer site visits, and better decision-making. Over some time, the long-term benefits, such as lower labor costs and faster project completions, usually outweigh initial investment and maintenance costs (Zhang & Zhang, 2021). With the continuously improving drone technology, the cost is foreseen to decline even more, hence being increasingly available for various engineering projects. Therefore, though drones do have a high upfront cost, they provide an extremely valuable long-term use in terms of efficiency and safety enhancement. Thus, by Dando et al., 2020.

The paper concludes that the JOUAV CW-007 drone offers significant advantages to civil engineering workflows by enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of projects. High-accuracy data gathering is guaranteed with the high-end GNSS system, while flying over large areas fast and efficiently reduces the need for time-consuming site visits. Its ability to access dangerous locations without risking personnel makes it invaluable in improving safety on construction sites. The cost and maintenance of drones can be very high, raising several obstacles. However, the justification for such a long-term investment is due to increased efficiency, reduction in labor costs, and improvement in project outcomes. JOUAV CW-007 is an important tool for modern civil engineering. The integration of this unit into engineering practices will further enhance the execution and success of projects.

References:

Dando, R., Shen, J., & Lee, K. 2020. Economic Impact of Drones on Civil Infrastructure Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(8), 04020075. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001779

He, X., & Li, L.  2020. Automation in Construction Applications of UAVs in Civil Engineering. Automation in Construction, 113, 103107. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103107

Li, H., Wang, C., & Xu, X. 2020. Application of drone technology to safety management in construction projects. Journal of Safety Research, 73, 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2020.05.007

Tang, Y., & Wang, L. (2019). Infrastructure monitoring by using drone technology. *Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25*(4), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11556

Yu, J., Liu, F., & Zhang, W. (2021). Efficiency improvements in the application of UAV technology in civil engineering: Efficiency improvements and future potential. *Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 96*, 104029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2020.104029

Zhang, J., & Zhang, X. (2021). Applications of modern civil engineering using drones. *Construction Technology Journal, 22*(5), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctj.2021.03.001

Summary + Thesis + support #2

 Summary

The JOUAV CW-007 is a multi-function drone with highly emphasized precision in engineering applications like mapping and surveying. Equipped with a high-end GNSS system, the CW-007 supports centimeter-level accuracy, making it ideal for geospatial applications. It features a long flight endurance of up to 5 hours and a payload capacity of 8 kg, allowing it to carry a range of sensors including LiDAR, RGB cameras, and thermal sensors. The CW series provides highly extended aerial photography, LiDAR, and 3D modeling services that have massively enhanced the efficiency in project planning, monitoring, and analysis (He & Li, 2020). Using drones in civil engineering will expedite the delivery of a project, cut costs, improve safety, and reduce human errors. Drones are essential for providing detailed information about terrain, monitoring the environment, and tracking construction activities in real time. Additionally, they reduce the physical exposure of personnel to danger by accessing otherwise unreachable locations (Tang & Wang, 2019). The JOUAV CW-007's increased endurance and enhanced payload capacity make it capable of easily handling demanding tasks and improving the efficiency of large-scale infrastructure projects (He & Li, 2020). Drone integration into civil engineering workflows has proven to support better decision-making in keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget (Zhang & Zhang, 2021).

Thesis Statement:
The JOUAV CW-007 will easily integrate into the workflows of civil engineering and enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of projects, reducing the overall project time while minimizing risks.

Support #1: Has a high level of technology to allow for higher accuracy of data collection

Support #2: Increases efficiency through reduction of time and effort necessary for site visits and traveling

Support #3: Minimizes risk, improving the safety of engineers

Counterargument: The high cost and maintenance of drones, and possible damages may lead to a longer project time, reducing efficiency.

References
He, X., & Li, L. (2020). Automation in construction: Applications of UAVs in civil engineering. Automation in Construction, 113, 103107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103107

Tang, Y., & Wang, L. (2019). Drone technology for infrastructure monitoring. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11556

Zhang, J., & Zhang, X. (2021). Drone applications in modern civil engineering. Construction Technology Journal, 22(5), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctj.2021.03.001

Summary + Thesis , Draft #1

Summary
The JOUAV CW-007 is a multi-function drone with highly emphasized precision in engineering applications like mapping and surveying. Equipped with a high-end GNSS system, the CW-007 supports centimeter-level accuracy, making it ideal for geospatial applications. It features a long flight endurance of up to 5 hours and a payload capacity of 8 kg, allowing it to carry a range of sensors including LiDAR, RGB cameras, and thermal sensors. The CW series provides highly extended aerial photography, LiDAR, and 3D modeling services that have massively enhanced the efficiency in project planning, monitoring, and analysis (He & Li, 2020). The use of drones in civil engineering will expedite the delivery of a project, cut costs, improve safety, and reduce human errors. Drones are essential for providing detailed information about terrain, monitoring the environment, and tracking construction activities in real-time. Additionally, they reduce the physical exposure of personnel to danger by accessing otherwise unreachable locations (Tang & Wang, 2019). The JOUAV CW-007's increased endurance and enhanced payload capacity make it capable of easily handling demanding tasks and improving the efficiency of large-scale infrastructure projects (He & Li, 2020). Drone integration into civil engineering workflows has proven to support better decision-making in keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget (Zhang & Zhang, 2021).

Thesis Statement:
The JOUAV CW-007 will easily integrate into the workflows of civil engineering and enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of projects, reducing the overall project time while minimizing risks.

References
He, X., & Li, L. (2020). Automation in construction: Applications of UAVs in civil engineering. Automation in Construction, 113, 103107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103107

Tang, Y., & Wang, L. (2019). Drone technology for infrastructure monitoring. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11556

Zhang, J., & Zhang, X. (2021). Drone applications in modern civil engineering. Construction Technology Journal, 22(5), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctj.2021.03.001

Prompts for more

These are my research prompts for my main G chat gpt "CW-007 portable fixed wing VTOL drone for surveying" "how are drones being used in the civil engineering industry" "how drones have aided with civil engineering projects"