Land surveying projects have evolved greatly with the use of aerial devices. With drones being a heavy topic of discussion lately, you might have some questions about them (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)) and aerial surveying. On the right projects, we use aerial surveys which allows our surveyors to provide greater accuracy in a fraction of the time.

An aerial survey is the process of collecting images, data, and measurements from the air using drones, airplanes, or helicopters. They are used for mapping, land surveying, environmental monitoring, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and more. Before you hire a firm (like WLC) to provide an aerial survey, know the answers to some of the most common questions asked about aerial surveys:

1. What types of aerial surveys exist?

The most common types of aerial surveys include photogrammetry, which uses images; LiDAR, which uses laser scanning, thermal imaging, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging; and video surveys.

2. What’s the difference between LiDAR and photogrammetry?

LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed 3D models, while photogrammetry relies on overlapping images to create maps and models.

3. What is the accuracy of an aerial survey?

For many projects, WLC highly recommends aerial surveying due to its accuracy and precision. While accuracy does depend on the technology used, altitude, and sensor quality, our equipment is advanced allowing for centimeter-level accuracy. Standard drone photogrammetry is typically within a few centimeters, which is still incredibly accurate.

4. What type of aircraft or drones are used for aerial surveys?

Fixed-wing drones, multirotor drones, manned aircraft such as Cessnas or helicopters, and specialized UAVs with LiDAR or multispectral sensors can be used for aerial surveys. At WLC, our aerial surveys are performed with UAVs and our newest fixed-wing drone which allows our team to gather high-quality data and incredibly detailed aerial images .

5. Do you need a license to conduct an aerial survey?

Yes, if using drones, you typically need a commercial drone pilot license (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.). By hiring a firm such as WLC to provide your aerial survey, you can rest easy knowing your survey will be performed by one of our two FAA-Certified Remote Pilots/Commercial Operators who operate our drones for topographic mapping, site surveys, inspections of hard-to-reach areas, development planning, and more!

6. How are aerial surveys used in construction and infrastructure?

Aerial surveys provide progress monitoring, site planning, volumetric measurements, and 3D modeling for project management. For example, UAVs can be used to quickly travel the entirety of the project site, near or far. A good example of this is a powerline route. By capturing highly detailed images and data, our surveyors can analyze and determine the best route for any project as well as current conditions and elevations. Through these images, we can pinpoint features such as existing signs, curbs, fire hydrants, road markers, and drains.

7. How long does an aerial survey take?

When you’re ready to hire an aerial surveyor, consider the time the survey may take. Depending on the area size, location, and aerial method used, it could take hours to days. Small drone surveys may take just a few hours, while large-scale aircraft surveys could take days. However, in the correct application, aerial surveys can reduce the time it would take a survey crew to complete the survey, actually saving you hours or days.

While aerial surveying may not be appropriate for every land surveying project, at WLC we’ve found UAVs are incredibly helpful on many pipeline, transmission, and transportation routing projects as well as projects that are difficult to access due to environmental or terrain constraints. Learn more about UAVs and contact our team today for aerial surveying services on your next project.