#UAV DRONE LAND SURVEYING MANUAL#
#UAV DRONE LAND SURVEYING SOFTWARE#

Level of Detail - UAVs can be flown at low altitudes to gather high-resolution data that rivals traditional survey methods.Safety - rough terrain, heights, and other circumstances that pose safety risks to survey and engineering staff.

However, there are specific instances where a drone may be recommended: Best Projects for Drone Useĭrones can assist with a variety of civil engineering projects. Design Technicians analyze and process the data the UAV provides to create the desired deliverables. A UAV simply provides a point cloud that includes georeferenced coordinates and elevations at many locations to create a surface. While it’s usually a breeze to fly a UAV and gather data, there’s more that goes on behind the scenes to make that data usable. The maximum altitude that a commercial UAS is typically allowed to fly is 400 feet above ground level (AGL). On the other hand, higher altitudes decrease survey flight time and data file size, decreasing costs and allowing a more efficient file size. As altitude increases, resolution deteriorates, so image clarity and the accuracy of the surface data diminishes. An FAA Part 107 certified UAS pilot monitors the flight from the ground to ensure safe UAV operation.Įxisting topographic features of the site determine the altitude of the flight and the altitude determines the image resolution.

#UAV DRONE LAND SURVEYING SOFTWARE#

During an autonomous flight, data is collected and processed using cloud-based processing software that transmits back to a tablet. A fully autonomous flight follows a predetermined plan designed by the flight team.

#UAV DRONE LAND SURVEYING MANUAL#

The UAV can be flown manually or fully autonomous with manual backup. The 3D modeling of the project corridor was instrumental in providing citizens with a first-hand view of the proposed project details before construction began. Visual depiction of an autonomous flight program in progress during work on Iowa U.S. Evaluating the wide range of factors that influence site accessibility, along with your project needs and goals, helps maximize the use of resources and project funds. Project sites within five miles of certain airports require FAA authorization before an aerial flight can occur, which typically takes between two days and two weeks to receive approval. If the ground can’t be seen from the sky, the accuracy of an aerial survey is diminished. Realistic expectations need to be made, taking timing and weather into account.

What deliverables are needed, and when are they needed?Įvery project is different, and not all sites are accessible for aerial services.

Here are some common questions that help determine if an aerial survey would be beneficial. Site accessibility, constraints, and project limits are important factors in determining if an aerial flight is appropriate. “We’re able to swap different cameras, thermal imaging units, and other components to provide different project efficiencies for our clients.” Determining Which Project Types Benefit from a Drone SurveyĮvery survey project begins with a discussion of the overall project needs to determine how the survey fits into the big picture and what survey methods are applicable. “All of the service offerings we provide will benefit from this technology and the data a UAV provides,” shares Snyder & Associates Surveyor Ted Jansen. With a forward-looking approach to land survey and civil engineering design, the Snyder & Associates team is excited to provide their clients with a deeper bench of solutions, using the eyes in the sky their drones provide.

They’ve even shown their value in determining stockpile or basin area/volumes and infrastructure inspections. 151 was used to create a 3D model of the project site.

Uav drone land surveying