Data collection, mapping, and surveying are key trends in today’s technology landscape. However, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining privacy, and safeguarding security remain critical challenges. In a recent conversation with EFY’s Nitisha, Shubham Baranwal of Nibrus Technologies delved into these pressing issues and shared insights into the pivotal role played by their platform, Surveyaan.
Q. Can you explain the relationship between Nibrus and its brand, Surveyaan?
A. The official name of our company is Nibrus Technology Private Limited, but our brand name, Surveyaan, widely recognises us. We specialise in manufacturing drones and developing photogrammetry software. Our primary focus is on collecting drone data, processing it through our proprietary software, and delivering actionable insights to our customers.
Q. How does Surveyaan maintain data accuracy and reliability in real-time processing?
A. We utilise ground control points (GCPs) to ensure accuracy during drone surveys. These markers, placed on the ground, enhance data precision, achieving an accuracy of 1-5 cm. Additionally, we use high-resolution cameras (24 MP) for reliable and detailed image capture.
Q. What satellite imagery datasets are processed by your software, and how frequently are they updated?
A. Our software processes high-resolution drone imagery captured at altitudes of 40-120 meters, which is much more detailed than satellite imagery. Updates occur whenever customers process new drone data specific to the land areas they survey.
Q. What data compression techniques do you use for large-scale storage?
A. We employ cloud-based storage with highly compressed and encrypted data formats to optimise space. With over 200 TB of data stored securely, we use third-party cloud services like Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure, ensuring backups and redundancy for maximum data security.
Q. Does Surveyaan provide offline access to its software?
A. Our processing software is entirely cloud-based, requiring an internet connection. However, our drone control software is offline and available on the Play Store, allowing users to operate drones without internet connectivity. Data processing can be done later in connected environments.
Q. How does Surveyaan comply with global privacy standards, especially when monitoring the urban population?
A. Survey consultants are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for restricted or urban areas when flying drone. We store data in a secure and encrypted manner. Users have control over their data. We can only access it with explicit permission, maintaining strict compliance with privacy.
Q. How do you balance real-time data processing with historical data archiving?
A. We provide real-time data processing for immediate results. Customers’ historical data is archived securely with nominal maintenance charges. Our cloud platform runs 24/7, ensuring both real-time and long-term access.
Q. How does Surveyaan secure sensitive data, and which encryption protocols are used?
A. We use advanced encryption algorithms, such as SSE, to protect data stored in our cloud-based systems, managed through Key Management Services. These measures ensure data privacy and prevent unauthorised access.
Q. How do you handle connectivity challenges in remote areas?
A. Drone operations, including flight control, are offline and do not require internet connectivity. Data is collected in the field and uploaded later for processing, ensuring smooth operations in remote areas without internet access.
Q. What makes Surveyaan a complete solution provider?
A. Our unique offering combines drone manufacturing and proprietary photogrammetry software. This integration eliminates the need for customers to coordinate between hardware and software providers. Our robust customer support, affordability, and tailored solutions further solidify our position as a comprehensive survey solution provider.
Q. How does Surveyaan ensure quality and efficiency in drone manufacturing processes?
A. We make survey-oriented drones and design all components in-house at our Bengaluru facility. Most parts are manufactured through domestic vendors, and assembly is also conducted in Bengaluru. Some parts are now produced in-house to enhance quality control and cost efficiency. Around 65-70% of the components are sourced locally, while the remaining 30% come from domestic and international suppliers.
Q. How many drones have you manufactured so far, and who are your customers?
A. Since mid-2020, when our commercial production began, we’ve delivered drones to around 200 Indian users. Including customers who use our cloud-based photogrammetry software, we serve over 280 customers in the drone survey ecosystem. Our primary customers are MSME companies involved in land and agricultural surveying, often working for governments or large corporations.
Q. How is your software provided, and does it support drones from other manufacturers?
A. Our software is cloud-based and available 24/7, and customers can subscribe and start using it directly. While we primarily focus on providing solutions for our drones, our software also supports data from other drones. However, we’ve avoided partnerships with other drone manufacturers to prevent conflicts of interest.
Q. What are your future plans and innovations?
A. From being a drone manufacturer, we have moved on to become Civil Engineering equipment manufacturer as we have developed indigenous DGNSS.We are working on LiDAR drones and multispectral camera integration. Additionally, we plan to enter the surveillance sector and closely monitor government policies to align our offerings.
Q. How do your drones differentiate from competitors?
A. We’ve customised the drone’s firmware and design, giving us better control over the technology. This reduces dependency on open-source solutions and allows us to provide affordable, tailored products without compromising on margins. Additionally, we offer a complete solution, including software and strong customer support. Our focus on educating and assisting customers, particularly MSMEs, sets us apart in the price-sensitive market.
Q. How has your fiscal growth been, and what are your expectations for the coming years?
A. From 2019 to 2020, we’ve achieved a 3x year-on-year revenue growth. Starting with minimal funding, we’ve reinvested customer-generated revenue to scale operations. We aim to maintain this growth trajectory and accelerate development in the next two years.
