3D Modeling Using Drone Technology for Enhanced Building Information Modeling in Building Design

Article Sidebar

Article
Published: 15 September 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33093/jetap.2026.8.2.12
Keywords:
Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D models, Drone technology

Main Article Content

Muhammad Fareez Ridzuan Bin Jumahan
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.
Mohd Najib Bin Husain
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.
Noorsazwan Bin Ahmad Pugi
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.
Mat Nizam Bin Uti
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.
Haslina Bt Hashim
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.
Munirah Bt Radin
Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia.

Abstract

The use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies in architectural design has been rendered necessary to enhance efficiency as well as accuracy. The current study encompasses the capability of drone technology to generate high-density 3D models and advance Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes. With high-resolution aerial photographs captured by drones at Warung Rumah Agam Onyang, Bota, Perak, Pix4D was employed to generate complex 3D point clouds and digital models. Thereafter, the 3D models were imported into CAD software like Autodesk Revit, allowing for extensive visualization and analysis of the structures. Based on the outcome, the application of drone technology considerably outperforms traditional survey measures in terms of speed and accuracy of data capture. With the integration of 3D models into CAD systems, precision and accuracy of BIM improved, and better design processes and decision-making followed. Though image warping issues in areas of high vegetation and low-light constraints, they did not seriously interfere with the overall result. Testing revealed enhanced operational effectiveness, reduced labour intensity, and enhanced visualization capacity. The study points to the revolution that technology in drones can lead in maximizing BIM workflow and provides insight into the use of the same in real-world building design today.

Article Details

How to Cite
[1]
Muhammad Fareez Ridzuan Bin Jumahan, Mohd Najib Bin Husain, Noorsazwan Bin Ahmad Pugi, Mat Nizam Bin Uti, Haslina Bt Hashim, and Munirah Bt Radin, “3D Modeling Using Drone Technology for Enhanced Building Information Modeling in Building Design”, Journal of Engineering Technology and Applied Physics, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 92–97, Sep. 2026.
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): https://doi.org/10.33093/jetap.2026.8.2
Section
Regular Paper for Journal of Engineering Technology and Applied Physics
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

[1] J. M. Nwaogu, Y. Yang, A. P. C. Chan and H. L. Chi, “Application of Drones in The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry,” Automat. Construct., vol. 150, pp. 104827, 2023.

[2] X. Huang, Y. Liu, L. Huang, S. Stikbakke and E. Onstein, “BIM-supported Drone Path Planning for Building Exterior Surface Inspection,” Comput. Indust., vol. 153, pp. 104019, 2023.

[3] F. Kaufmann, T. Tschickardt and C. Glock, “Drone-based Acquisition of As-Built Models for The Automation of Processes Within The Digital Management of Bridge Assets,” in Proc. 8th Int. Symp. Reliabil. Eng. and Risk Manage., pp. 91–98, Hannover, Germany, 2022.

[4] Y. V. B. Bugis, L. E. Hutabarat and P. Simanjuntak, “Comparative Study of Cost Estimation Calculation with Conventional Method and Building Information Modeling (BIM),” AIP Conf. Proc., vol. 3039, no. 1, pp. 040001, 2024.

[5] A. A. Elashiry, “Analyzing The Effectiveness of Photogrammetry Software in Calculating Aerial Triangulation and in Spatial Data Production from Drone Images,” J. Eng. Sci., vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 53–71, 2024.

[6] M. Afzal, R. Y. M. Li, M. F. Ayyub and M. Shoaib, “Towards BIM-based Sustainable Structural Design Optimization: A Systematic Review and Industry Perspective,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 20, pp. 15117, 2023.

[7] R. M. A Baracho, L. G. D. S. Santiago, A. T. A. M. E. Silva and M. F. Porto, “Application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in The Planning and Construction of A Building,” in Proc. 15th Int. Multi-Conf. Complex., Informat. and Cybernet., pp. 216–221, Virtual, 26–29 March 2024.