Land surveying: revolutionizing geospatial data collection

The key components that transform a UAV into a powerful surveying tool include:

• High-resolution camera payloads needed for capturing detailed images that serve as the foundation for accurate mapping
• GPS base stations and receivers ensuring precise positioning and georeferencing of collected data
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) providing data on the drone's orientation and movement for improved accuracy
• LiDAR sensors offering laser-based measurements for creating detailed 3D point clouds
• Photogrammetry software, the behind-the-scenes worker that processes raw data into usable maps and models.

These components work together, each playing a crucial role in the data collection and processing pipeline. The result is a digital twin that provides unprecedented insights into the surveyed terrain.

UAV surveying dramatically reduces the time and manpower required for data collection. A project can often be completed in a matter of days or even hours with a drone where conventional remote-sensing technologies are either time-consuming or too costly. Benefits of drone-based surveying mainly involve:

• Reduced safety risks as surveyors can collect data from hazardous or hard-to-reach areas without physical exposure
• Minimal site disruption since drones can survey active construction sites or sensitive environments with minimal impact
• Higher measurement frequency allowing for better project monitoring and data-driven decision-making
• Comprehensive data collection as entire landscapes can be captured in high detail.

Drone-based photogrammetry can achieve accuracy levels of 1 cm in both horizontal and vertical measurements, rivaling or even exceeding the accuracy of traditional GPS surveys. Our RTK drones contribute to enhanced survey accuracy. However, high-quality data collection relies on more than just advanced equipment. Selecting optimal atmospheric conditions and appropriate Ground Sample Distance (GSD) is critical to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of survey results. To maximize data quality, our workflow carefully considers environmental factors such as visibility, wind, precipitation and light conditions.

Here's a non-exhaustive list of the industries that are using our aerial mapping services:

• Mining, quarrying and cement production
• Waste management
• Energy and renewables
• Construction and infrastructure
• Agriculture and precision farming
• Urban planning.

Each of these sectors has found unique ways to leverage drone surveying, transforming their operations and workflows.

Regulatory compliance and safety are the foundation of our aerial operations. In the drone industry, this entails ensuring that operators adhere not only to unmanned aerial regulations but also to privacy and data protection laws, local municipal regulations, and other applicable directives.

Like any other drone operator following the directive EU 2019/947 within an EASA member state, we hold a drone operator license, allowing us to apply for cross-border operations in other member states. With the EU Drone license and current business setup we can fly in the EU and EEA, Switzerland, Iceland and Norway.

Our operational authorization, approved by the Swedish Ministry of Transport Authority, permits us to operate under the PDRA G02 scenario. Within this scenario we can fly drones in the Specific Category and request reserved airspace.

Depending on the projects we undertake, our operators may also hold additional certifications in fields such as health and safety, environmental management, and gas monitoring. That said, certifications alone do not define us. Our team is committed to continuous learning and development, staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and methodologies in the rapidly evolving field of UAV surveying.

1. Pre-flight planning and area assessment
2. Definition of mission specific legal constraints and required permits
3. Data minimization and payload selection
4. Secure data handling
5. Anonymization techniques
6. Transparent communication
7. Guidance to customers.

In drone surveying, success relies not only on possessing the right tools but also on the expertise to utilize them effectively for consistently delivering high-quality results in daily operations. Below is a selection of the tools we use: 

• Advanced UAV systems equipped with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) to correct for errors in current GNSS positioning enabling for centimeter-level accuracy
• High-resolution multispectral and LiDAR sensors for comprehensive data capture
• Leverage industry-leading softwares for mapping and photogrammetry such as Pix4D, SR Measure and UgCS
• Cloud-based collaboration tools for data sharing and real-time project updates.

Surveying and mapping can be conducted using various methods (UAVs, aircraft, wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, etc.). We are competent in both ground and drone-based mapping. Some of the key land surveying services we provide include:

• Site maps and area scans
• GPS surveying
• Site planning and analysis through aerial photos
• Front and horizontal scans
• Volumetric calculations of stockpiles and excavations
• Blast documentation and fragmentation analyses
• Digital twins and 3D models generation.

You’ve read about the potential of drones in land surveying and seen how it drives efficiency, reduces costs, and delivers improved geodata. Contact us to discover how drone-based services can elevate your organization, whether through precise mapping, detailed 3D models, or accurate geospatial data collection. Let’s explore how we can help transform your operations with our technical expertise.