How LiDAR Drone Data Collection Helps Surveyors
LiDAR data is electronically compiled with GPS technology to create a digital representation of the data collected, which professional surveyors can then use to build a great number of deliverables for their clients.
LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is a remote sensing method that can detect objects and place in real space while accurately measuring the surface of the earth with exact precision. Drones equipped with LiDAR and other instrumentation measure the light’s reflection and range from an object’s surface to an object across millions of beams. That data is electronically compiled with GPS technology and data from the drone’s inertial measurement unit (IMU) to create a digital file called a point cloud. A professional surveyor can then turn this point cloud into a number of different final products including contour files, 3D maps, etc.
LiDAR drones are particularly helpful for surveyors in large or heavily wooded areas of land. LiDAR can penetrate vegetation through openings in the tree canopy and reflect the surface location back to the drone, allowing a point cloud of only existing ground to be completed much more rapidly than with traditional methods. On large wide open areas with no forest cover, a drone with high-end LiDAR equipment is capable of covering up to 500-750 acres in a day.
Benefits of Drone Data Collection for Professional Mappers
By combining traditional methods of data collection with drone data collection, mappers and surveyors can reap a number of benefits.
Improved Safety
When dangerous terrain has to be measured and mapped, sending teams out to these areas can potentially lead to accidents and injury. Instead, drones can be deployed to scan mountainous areas, icy locations, and areas where wildlife may be a concern, creating a safer environment for your team.
Speed
Drones can scan acres of land in a fraction of the time it takes to manually survey on the ground, especially in areas of challenging terrain. On average, our teams scan 700 acres per team, per day.
Reduced Cost
Drones can capture data quickly and safely, automatically reducing costs.
Enhance the Quality of Data
Drones are constantly scanning and recording thousands of measurements. Combining this data with traditional data collection methods can vastly improve the quality of data.
Industries Relying on Surveying
Land mapping and surveying is used across numerous industries. FlyGuys has experience working with licensed surveying companies across industries such as:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Conservation and Environmental
- Mining
- Forestry management
- Solar Farm Maintenance
- Government Agencies
- Land Development
- Transmission and Distribution Inspection
Located across the United States, FlyGuys drone pilots are professionally certified, FAA compliant and fully insured.
Why Choose FlyGuys for Drone Data Collection Services
FlyGuys draws on full-time project managers and a nationwide network of licensed, insured drone pilots who can tackle projects of any size. We have years of experience working with surveyors and mappers to meet their project needs.