Geodetic surveys with the latest drone technology

To prepare plans for construction projects, design engineers need an accurate and detailed field survey. The integration of UAV processes into the workflow is nowadays essential.

We have always worked with the mindset that the service we provide should remain outstanding and our clients should always be at the center of our attention.

Our surveys are carried out using aerial photogrammetry, greatly reducing the likelihood of human error. We typically use the DJI Zenmuse P1 and DJI Zenmuse L1 and L2 Lidar cameras on our drones. With this, we can survey an area that would take weeks using conventional methods in virtually a day.

With aerial surveys, we can easily map areas where surveyors would have difficulty or no access at all due to the terrain. In addition, it eliminates the need to close roads or railways, for example.

Drones can be used to carry out topographic surveys of the same quality as conventional methods. But in a fraction of the time. This significantly reduces the cost of the field survey, including the workload of the technicians.

After subsequent software processing, we can produce the following data:

Orthomosaic, reflectance map

The drone images are corrected for image distortion and stitched in post-processing. In this way, we produce a highly accurate orthomosaic map.

Each pixel contains 2D information, (X, Y) coordinates, for very accurate measurement of horizontal distances and surfaces.

3D point cloud

A point cloud can be generated from photographs taken from the air. Each point contains geographical (X, Y, Z) coordinates and color information. It provides very accurate data for distance (oblique and horizontal), area, and volume measurements.

Digital Surface Model (DSM)

The drone images can also be used to create DSM models of the area. Each pixel contains 2D information, (X, Y) coordinates, and the height of the highest point (Z score).

Digital terrain model (DTM)

After removing objects, such as buildings, drone images can be used to create DTMs, each pixel containing 2.5D information – the X, Y, and Z values of the maximum height.

3D textured mesh

A 3D textured mesh is a reproduction of the edges, topography, vertices, and texture of the area mapped by the drone. This model is the most useful for representing the area.

Contour lines

Depending on the requirements of the project, either the DTM or DSM model can be used to create a contour line map with individual contour intervals. This in turn provides a more detailed view of the surface of the area being mapped by the drone.