SAVANNAH, Ga. – Reliable data is critical to maintaining military readiness. As federal agencies seek faster, more efficient ways to support infrastructure planning and asset management, Mobile LiDAR has become a valuable tool for collecting accurate geospatial data while reducing operational impacts.
DRMP will showcase how to leverage the technology for military planning during the 2026 Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Savannah Post’s Annual Program Review on June 24 at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront.
Federal Survey Manager Randy Tompkins, PSM, PLS, PS, and Mobile LiDAR Group Leader Bryant King, CST, SIT, will present “Precision in Motion: Advancing Military Engineering Design with Mobile LiDAR.” Their session will explore how DRMP helps agencies integrate LiDAR data into design and asset management systems to create accurate digital twins that improve decision-making and long-term facility management.
“Mobile LiDAR is becoming a standard tool for large engineering and surveying firms, but adoption within federal agencies is still emerging,” Tompkins said. “As agencies recognize the long-term value of high-accuracy geospatial data for asset management, planning, and resilience, LiDAR has evolved from an ‘innovative’ technology to an essential part of modern infrastructure and defense projects.”
Tompkins and King will share examples of Department of Defense (DoD) projects and case studies that demonstrate Mobile LiDAR’s effectiveness in architecture, engineering and construction, facility and infrastructure asset management, and resilience. They will discuss integration strategies, challenges, and the technology’s future potential.
“A few years ago, Mobile LiDAR was cutting-edge,” King said. “Now it’s becoming standard practice. What’s changed is how seamlessly the data integrates into design and asset management systems. That’s where the real value is, turning accurate field data into actionable insight.”
Advancements in LiDAR technology enable surveyors to capture detailed, three-dimensional (3D) data quickly and accurately across natural landscapes and built environments. On a recent DoD airfield project, DRMP mapped the entire airfield without interrupting flight operations. DRMP collected billions of data points (XYZ) in one day, creating a precise 3D model (Digital Twin) that informed site grading, infrastructure planning, and asset management. What would have taken weeks with traditional methods was completed safely in days without mission delays.
The session will also highlight how Mobile LiDAR supports real-time decision-making in emergencies and military scenarios. Following storm damage or during base expansion planning, DRMP’s experts can deploy vehicle-based LiDAR units to generate current terrain and infrastructure data within hours. This rapid turnaround allows engineers and commanders to make informed, data-driven decisions quickly and with confidence.
“Mobile LiDAR lets us collect the data we need without disrupting the mission,” Tompkins said. “We can work safely around active environments, capture more detail, and deliver information engineers and planners can trust.”
Mounted on vehicles or other mobile platforms, Mobile LiDAR systems collect large amounts of data at speeds often exceeding 60 mph. This reduces the time and costs associated with manual measurements and is especially valuable for roadway development, floodplain mapping, and environmental assessments. LiDAR’s ability to penetrate vegetation also makes it effective for forestry, urban planning, and archaeological studies.
Tompkins and King will also discuss how Mobile LiDAR complements unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) LiDAR. Mobile LiDAR excels at collecting dense, high-accuracy data along corridors, flight lines, and developed areas, while UAV LiDAR is better for vertical structures, terrain modeling, and hard-to-reach spots. However, UAV operations on military installations can be difficult due to strict airspace regulations and security restrictions, making Mobile LiDAR a faster, more practical option for many federal projects.
“Every project shows how valuable it is to have complete, accurate data available when you need it,” King said. “That’s the capability Mobile LiDAR brings to our federal clients.”
About DRMP
Since 1977, DRMP has earned a reputation as a trusted multidisciplinary engineering firm that approaches challenges differently. What began as a small Florida-based firm has grown into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 700 employees across 23 offices. We partner with clients to deliver smart, sustainable infrastructure that helps communities thrive.
Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.
We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start.
