Vertex & FlyGuys

How FlyGuys and Vertex Captured 120 Miles of Power Lines in Record Time

The Challenge

When a utility company in Wyoming needed a comprehensive inspection of 120 miles of power lines, they faced a familiar dilemma: how to efficiently capture both large-scale LiDAR data and detailed imagery of individual structures across rugged, varied terrain.

Traditional surveying methods would have taken weeks, if not months, and cost significantly more. The project demanded two things: speed and precision. That’s where FlyGuys and Vertex Unmanned, along with its sister company Point Cloud Aviation, stepped in to provide a smarter, more scalable solution.

The Solution

The FlyGuys–Vertex team approached the project with a hybrid aerial strategy that combined drone precision with aircraft efficiency.

  • FlyGuys deployed a team of certified drone pilots to establish ground control points and capture high-resolution imagery of the power structures, ensuring that every pole and line was documented in detail.
  • Meanwhile, Point Cloud Aviation flew one of its Cessna 182 aircraft outfitted with LiDAR and orthomosaic mapping systems to collect wide-area corridor data. The fixed-wing aircraft allowed for rapid, continuous coverage across the 120-mile stretch, even over difficult terrain.

This dual-platform approach brought together the strengths of both manned and unmanned systems: drone-level accuracy on the ground and aircraft-level coverage in the air.

“We see manned and unmanned aircraft as two tools in the same toolbox,” said Cody Gralish, Director of Sales at Point Cloud Aviation. “The key is knowing which one to use, and when, to deliver the most value to the customer.”

Collaboration in Action

Coordination was key.

FlyGuys managed all ground-based operations, handled data synchronization, and ensured survey control accuracy. Vertex provided the sensor technology and flight planning expertise, while Point Cloud Aviation executed the aerial LiDAR missions.

This collaboration was seamless from start to finish. The data collected by both teams was integrated into a single deliverable, providing the client with a comprehensive, geospatially accurate digital representation of their power line corridor—from macro-level terrain mapping to micro-level structural details.

OUTCOME

THE RESULTS

The outcome was a success across every measurable category:

  • Speed: The full 120-mile corridor was captured in a fraction of the time it would have taken a traditional survey.
  • Cost Savings: Leveraging the right platform for each task avoided unnecessary expenses and maximized efficiency.
  • Scalability: The project demonstrated that large-scale LiDAR data collection can be executed quickly and cost-effectively when drones and aircraft work in tandem.
  • Data Quality: The integrated datasets produced a highly detailed, accurate, and fully aligned digital representation of the corridor. The client received four comprehensive deliverables to support both analysis and long-term asset management:
    • High-density LiDAR point cloud for precise measurement and modeling
    • Digital twin / 3D asset model providing a complete visual representation of the infrastructure
    • RGB and infrared inspection imagery of each individual asset (poles), enabling condition assessment and issue identification
    • Full-line video capture offering continuous visual context across the entire corridor
Drone pilot holding a controller

THE TAKEAWAY

The Wyoming project is more than a success story; it’s a blueprint for the future of aerial surveying. By pairing FlyGuys’ nationwide drone services and reality data capture solutions with Vertex’s equipment expertise and Point Cloud Aviation’s manned LiDAR capabilities, clients can now achieve end-to-end data coverage for any project, regardless of size or terrain.

When innovation and teamwork take flight together, even 120 miles of power lines can be mapped in record time.

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Take Your Project To New Heights

No matter where your project is located, FlyGuys connects you with certified, FAA-compliant drone pilots ready to capture the data you need—quickly, safely, and reliably.

Request a quote today and let our team match you with the right drone solution for your project.

Please note that we are currently unable to assist in the search for missing pets. This limitation is due to the specific challenges and regulations associated with using drones for such purposes.