Flying for Survey Data

What do rough terrain, congested roadway corridors, stockpiles, weather damage, and trespassing have in common? The targeted use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS or “drones”) is being used in innovative ways to gather a wide range of data and visual information. Using UAS as a surveying tool continues to evolve as technology and data analysis improves.

The benefits include fast and accurate collection of a broad range of data while reducing risk to personnel in the field. UAS isn’t applicable for all projects due to the strict regulatory requirements. It’s critical to engage a firm with FAA-107 certified and licensed UAS pilots who have the experience developing flight plans that meet permit requirements along with a team of professionals to process the data and provide quality survey reports and information.

One system T2 is using is a Real Time Kinematic (RTK) UAS to obtain highly accurate, geo-referenced aerial imagery. Images are processed to create densified point clouds, orthographic photos, three dimensional models and animations, and more. UAS has been used for a wide range of projects including:

  • Volumetric studies over time – Waste Management is using UAS for landfills, stock piles, yard debris volumes and environmental liner seams prior to permitting.
  • Natural disaster damage assessment
  • T2 is assisting DOTs by analyzing the use of UAS data in the Right of Way. UAS technology improves safety and efficiency due to an estimated 50-70% reduction in staff time in the field
  • Construction progress imagery
  • Litigation support for eminent domain and trespassing- T2 developed aerial exhibits and large tract boundary perimeters in the marshes of the Everglades. UAS technology made it easy to clearly show a jury the access points across the boundary tract used for trespassing.

T2 has experience identifying the benefit of using UAS technology for many types of clients and projects. To find out if UAS technology can benefit your project, contact us.

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