Not all project details are visible from the ground – some only come into focus from above. That’s where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) come in to capture hard-to-reach data that projects rely on. When combined with other data sources, this comprehensive view delivers an unmatched level of accuracy and insight for projects.

To enhance our data collection capabilities, DRMP has invested in a versatile UAV fleet to support a range of projects for our clients, including documenting construction progress with high-resolution photography and gathering dense LiDAR data in areas that are difficult to access by land or water. While UAVs do not replace traditional survey and inspection methods, they complement them and help our teams work more efficiently and safely.

Most of our UAVs are light-duty and are primarily used for photography and video to document a project’s progress, provide images for marketing and award submittals, or support photogrammetry, which allows us to create a digital terrain module from just photos. However, we also have a specialized “heavy lift” UAV. This MicroDrone carries a RIEGL LiDAR sensor and a 40-megapixel Sony camera, which allows us to collect dense LiDAR data in areas our mobile unit or Z-Boat cannot reach. For hydrographic data collection, we use the Z-Boat, a high-performance remote survey vessel with multi-beam sonar designed for water-based mapping.

While UAVs certainly have specific advantages over traditional survey and inspection methods, they are another tool used in tandem with others to create the best product we can for our clients. Aerial LiDAR enhances ground elevation accuracy by scanning straight down from above. This allows it to penetrate grass, brush, and trees that a mobile scanner cannot get. By flying over walls or fences, we can capture data that would not be accessible with the Mobile LiDAR scan truck. A UAV helps to create a full point cloud that when combined with mobile and boat data is second to none.

Streamlined workflows are key to efficiently managing the massive scale of UAV LiDAR data – we’re talking terabytes, not gigabytes. At DRMP, we use a software suite designed to work natively with our field-collected data, reducing time-consuming conversions and manual adjustments. This integration ensures a more efficient process from data collection to final deliverables. Our software tools include RiPROCESS, RiPRECISION, POSPac, TopoDOT and Correlator3D.

When to Use UAVs

DRMP evaluates every project individually to assess how to meet and exceed our clients’ unique challenges to determine the best data collection strategy. We collaborate with several of our team members, using each of their expertise to create a plan. That plan often includes using UAVs for any number of specific reasons. Sometimes the UAV is the only tool needed, but more often it is another tool we use in synchrony with other technologies to achieve the best product for our clients.

Take LiDAR data collection, for instance. A UAV flight can capture high-quality data over water and uneven terrain. However, we still need field crews to locate our aerial control points using more traditional methods like GPS to ensure accuracy. It is a team effort.

UAVs are also invaluable for construction monitoring and inspections and provide high-resolution images. Flying up to 400 feet gives us a perspective that would be impossible to achieve from the ground. This aerial advantage helps us identify potential issues early in a project.

On a recent project, UAV images revealed an underwater pipe inside of a pond that conventional surveys had missed. Catching it early allowed our team to survey it immediately, which saved time and prevented costly rework.

Our partnership with TopoDOT is a great example of how UAVs make a difference. In collaboration with Josh Norman, DRMP’s Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Practice Leader, we deploy multiple pilots after hurricanes for storm damage assessment, coastal tide monitoring, and bridge inspections.

FAA Regulations and Certifications

To fly UAVs commercially, every DRMP pilot must pass the FAA Part 107 certification exam. I obtained mine in 2019, and we are required to take a recurrent test every two years to stay updated with regulations. We also comply with FAA airspace restrictions, which means submitting requests for authorization when operating near airports or military installations. Our firm maintains detailed records of all pilots and certification dates to ensure compliance.

While UAVs greatly enhance efficiency and safety, they come with challenges. Restricted airspace can require extra time for flight approvals, and maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial for safe operation. But despite these hurdles, UAVs have expanded our capabilities as a firm.

The Future of UAV

Looking ahead, UAVs are becoming as essential as any other surveying tool. As we move away from large conventional survey crews, we will see even more integration of UAVs for LiDAR scanning, site monitoring, and inspections. In the future, we are excited to explore new applications like thermal imaging payloads for power line inspections or search-and-rescue operations using heat detection.

DRMP always strives to stay at the front of new emerging technology. Our goal is to be a flexible, capable firm ready to creatively and efficiently meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Learn more about our Survey and Mapping/Geospatial Services here.