A single drone flight can now produce accurate, georeferenced 3D models of every asset — no manual work required. This article explores how Sotex Solutions and Beacon Power Services built an AI-powered module for CAIMS that automates object detection, coordinate computation, and 3D reconstruction with precision up to one meter, cutting survey costs by 70% and transforming asset management across industries
The Challenge
Keeping Asset Data Accurate and Useful
In the energy sector, keeping track of every pole, transformer, and line is easier said than done. Field teams gather data, reports pile up, and by the time everything is entered into a system, much of it is already outdated.
The result is familiar: teams working with incomplete data, duplicate records, or inconsistent information. When decisions depend on accuracy, that gap between what’s in the system and what’s in the field becomes costly.
The Breakthrough
AI-Powered Drone Asset Mapping with 1m Accuracy
To solve this, Sotex Solutions partnered with Beacon Power Services (BPS) to develop the AI-Powered Drone Asset Mapping module for CAIMS (Customer & Asset Information Management System).
The concept is straightforward — collect imagery once, process it automatically, and receive ready-to-use, 3D-accurate asset information without any manual steps. What used to take days in the field now takes hours, and the results are precise up to 1 meter.
How It Works
Three Steps to a Digital Twin
1. Object Detection
Through computer vision (Mask R-CNN), the system identifies and classifies every visible asset — from poles and transformers to buildings and substations. Each object is detected with a label, confidence score, and detailed outline.
2. Coordinate Computation
The system converts image coordinates into real-world positions, merging refined camera parameters, image metadata, and digital elevation models (DEM).
Every detected asset is placed on the map with up to ±1 m accuracy, providing a reliable spatial foundation for analysis.
3. 3D Reconstruction
Finally, those detected objects become 3D models — digital twins that mirror the real-world structure and terrain. The 3D output integrates directly into existing GIS or asset management platforms, giving teams a clear, interactive view of their networks.
Key Results at a Glance
Cut survey time and cost by up to 70% ✅
Generate real-time geocoordinates and 3D models ✅
No manual intervention required ✅
Ready for integration with any enterprise GIS or asset management system ✅
Why 3D Matters for the Energy Sector
3D reconstruction gives teams a way to see and understand their infrastructure as it truly is — not just on paper. With accurate spatial models, energy companies can:
- Quickly identify differences between plans and on-site reality
- Monitor asset conditions remotely
- Plan maintenance based on accurate 3D context
- Gain a complete picture of the grid in one place
It’s not just about better visuals; it’s about giving decision-makers confidence that every number, coordinate, and line in the system reflects the real world.
Beyond Energy
Broader Applications
The same process that maps energy grids can transform how other industries handle their assets.
Examples include:
- Telecommunications: 3D inventories of towers and antennas for maintenance and network planning.
- Transportation: Mapping bridges, roads, and railways for monitoring and project planning.
- Construction: Creating digital twins of construction sites and buildings for progress tracking and safety audits.
- Oil & Gas: Mapping pipeline corridors and terrain to improve maintenance and safety compliance.
- Water Systems: Digitizing water networks for faster fault detection and expansion planning.
- Agriculture: Modeling terrain, irrigation, and equipment layouts to manage land use efficiently.
Each use case benefits from the same principles: precision, automation, and a reliable 3D record that teams can trust.
Building a Smarter Way to See the Physical World
The AI-Powered Drone Asset Mapping module brings together AI, computer vision, and spatial computing to make 3D mapping accessible and reliable.
It’s not about replacing field teams — it’s about giving them better, faster information to work with.
Accurate 3D data helps organizations plan smarter, respond quicker, and operate with confidence.