Aerial Mapping and Drone Survey LiDAR Products and Services
What is a Drone Survey?
A drone survey is a way of gathering data or information that makes use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sometimes known as drones. Drones are outfitted with a variety of payloads like LiDAR and cameras that allow them to record 3D coordinates, images or video from the air. Aerial surveys are employed in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction, land surveying, powerline inspection, wildlife habitat investigation, forestry, environmental monitoring, and many more. They have various advantages, including cost efficiency, safety, accuracy and environmental benefits, etc.
What is Aerial Mapping?
The process of making comprehensive maps and geographic information by gathering photos and data from an elevated position, generally from an aircraft or other flying platforms, is referred to as aerial mapping. This method is frequently used to collect data for a variety of applications such as land surveying, mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental monitoring, and urban planning.
Why Choose LiDAR for Drone Surveying and Aerial Mapping?
Aerial mapping and drone survey with LiDAR is a great way to map large areas and obtain accurate data sets. It offers the same results as traditional topographic surveys but with a faster turnaround time. This technology is also an effective alternative for aerial mapping of inaccessible or hazardous terrain.
The LiDAR aerial mapping technique uses laser light beams and on-board sensors, such as IMU and camera. Each reflected laser pulse is imaged on receivers, generating georeferenced point clouds which are then processed and used to generate three-dimensional models of the terrain, building, vegetation or any other assets. These 3D model can be analysed in GIS, AutoCAD or our own Point Cloud processing software such as LiDAR360, LiDAR360 MLS or LiPowerline.
LiDAR systems are used for aerial mapping and drone survey by industries such as construction, mining, agriculture and transportation. They provide dense, precise data and can work both day and night. Using these systems, businesses can quickly complete their surveying needs.
LiDAR is more accurate. When planning major assets, it’s important to have accurate information. If the data is not accurate, it can result in poor decisions, which can be expensive to undo. By utilising LiDAR systems, businesses can ensure that they have all the data they need to make the best possible decision.
In addition to producing accurate data, it can also provide fast data sets that can be integrated with other data sources. Compared to other types of aerial technologies, LiDAR has become more and more cost-effective nowadays.
Another benefit of using a LiDAR system is that it can map large, inaccessible terrain. LiDAR can also penetrate vegetation, making it an ideal solution for mapping areas of dense vegetation. With this kind of technology, it is also possible to map entire cities. Even though there are some limitations to using this technology, especially for finely detailed surfaces, this can be solved by adjusting the flight speed and overlap rate etc.
Using aerial mapping and drone survey technology makes it unnecessary to send any surveying technicians out into hazardous terrains such as rough wilderness, icy sites and locations with dangerous wildlife, all of which could potentially cause technicians to become injured. Using this technology to scan such areas eliminates these risks and creates a safer working environment.
Applications Of LiDAR Drone Surveying and Aerial Mapping
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) drone surveys record very precise 3D data, making them appropriate for a wide range of applications in a variety of industries. Here are some common applications for LiDAR drone surveys and mapping:
Topographic Mapping and Surveying:
- Creation of accurate digital elevation models (DEMs)
- Land surveying and boundary determination
- Terrain modelling for engineering and construction projects
Forestry and Vegetation Analysis:
- Assessment of forest structure and health
- Estimation of tree heights and canopy density
- Monitoring of vegetation changes over time
Urban Planning and Development:
- Detailed 3D mapping of urban areas
- Infrastructure planning and design
- Land use planning and zoning studies
Environmental Monitoring:
- River and watershed analysis
- Coastal erosion monitoring
- Land subsidence detection
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage:
- Identification of buried structures and archaeological features
- Preservation and study of cultural heritage sites
Mining and Quarrying:
- Volumetric measurements for stockpile management
- Geological mapping and exploration
- Safety assessments in mining operations
Floodplain Mapping and Hydrology:
- Modelling of floodplains and water flow
- Hydrological studies and flood risk analysis
Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance:
- Assessment of bridges, roads, and buildings
- Detection of structural issues and maintenance needs
- Utility line inspection, including power lines and pipelines
Disaster Response and Recovery:
- Rapid assessment of disaster-affected areas
- Identification of damage and hazards
- Support for search and rescue operations
Precision Agriculture:
- Crop health assessment
- Soil and field analysis
- Yield prediction and management
Geological and Geophysical Surveys:
- Geological mapping
- Fault detection and seismic studies
- Ground subsidence and deformation analysis
Wildlife and Conservation:
- Habitat monitoring
- Wildlife tracking and population studies
- Biodiversity assessment
LiDAR drone surveys are especially useful in situations requiring high-precision 3D data, such as the examination of complicated terrains, forests or urban areas. These surveys give extensive and precise information for a variety of applications, resulting in better decision-making, better planning and increased safety in a variety of sectors.
LiDAR Drone Survey Solutions
What is the Best LiDAR Drone for Surveying and Mapping?
The “best” LiDAR drone for surveying can vary depending on your specific needs and budget. It’s essential to consider factors such as the survey area, required level of detail, budget and the type of LiDAR sensor that best suits your project.
Instead of asking which one is the best, the better question is “which one is the most suitable LiDAR drone for surveying”. That is why we are here to help our clients to find the right equipment and solutions for their surveying and mapping projects in terms of quality requirements and effective cost. You can leave the drone survey solution investigations to us, as this is how we bring the value to our customers.
Due to the weight of most aerial survey LiDAR system, ranging from 1kg to 3kg, the best drones that can suit LiDAR aerial mapping are DJI M210 RTK, M300 RTK, M350 RTK or M600. For the LiDAR payloads, there are options from entry level to premium LiDAR scanner for supreme accuracy.
Entry Level & Cost-Effective Drone LiDAR Payload
Mid & Premium Range LiDAR Payload
Large Scale Project Aerial LiDAR Survey Payloads
For a large scale aerial mapping or inspection job, the drone may not be the best, as it is not as fast as the helicopter or fixed-wing UAV. The airborne LiDAR scanner would be more cost effective and efficient, even if the cost for the payload and helicopter hiring is much more expensive than multi-rotor drones.