Beyond Boundaries: Explore the Possibilities of Drone Surveying & Photogrammetry Services

PMC's Drone Photogrammetry services deliver high-quality results through advanced capture technologies. With our team of FAA-licensed pilots, we collaborate with you to provide comprehensive drone and sUAS services for aerial video, building as-builts, and photogrammetry.

We offer the option of RTK control, enabling the generation of point clouds from 2D photos that rival traditional laser scanners in terms of data accuracy. Trust PMC as your reliable partner for all your drone-related needs.

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+1 Billion

SQFT Scanned

+5000

Projects Completed

+700

Satisfied Customers

+40 years

Experience

Drone technology is pivotal in our Reality Capture process.

  • PMC utilizes the latest state-of-the-art sUAS equipment to deliver the best results. Our equipment utilizes survey grade RTK corrections (GPS) data so you can expect to see accuracy of +-2CM across a large project.
  • The data may comprise a few dozen or even several thousand high-resolution pictures. Photogrammetry software stitches all the images together into one 3D representation of the subject. This process creates a high definition point cloud, much like what you would expect from a terrestrial laser scanner, just not as dense. This is especially useful on projects that include areas like roofs and towers which a terrestrial laser scanner can not reach.
  •  Why does this matter? Being able to capture areas up high and out of sight with sUAS is much safer than traditional methods, which might include climbing with some sort of measuring apparatus like a tape measure or a laser disto-meter. These methods typically introduce error as the risks of getting to the area of interest are very high. Eliminating the need for humans to climb to the area of interest eliminates a large amount of the overall cost as well, because typically the climb to the top of a cell tower takes longer than the actual work to perform. You have to ask yourself, “Do I need to send a person up, or can I gather all the information that I need from high-definition imagery consolidated into a highly accurate point cloud, which can be measured and inspected as though I were right there?”
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    Benefits of Drone Surveying and Photogrammetry

    • Efficiently document ornate building details for repair and restoration
    • Document tall structures with high-resolution imagery
    • Generate detailed point clouds to precisely replicate intricate cornices and challenging architectural elements.
    • Coordinate material intake and trade staging through progress tracking using sUAS.
    • Capture and create measurable content for construction environments management.
    • Streamline workflows, minimize delays, and improve coordination.
    • Eliminate the need for humans to enter hazardous environments.
    • Collect data faster, reduce reliance on manual inspections, and optimize resources.

    Drone Surveying and Photogrammetry Services Applications

    Architecture

    Provide architects with accurate and detailed aerial data, enabling precise site analysis, mapping, and 3D modeling for effective design and planning.

    Construction

    Offer valuable aerial data and 3D models for accurate site assessment, progress monitoring, and streamlined construction workflows.

    Natural Resource Management

    Support environmental monitoring, vegetation mapping, and land conservation efforts, providing valuable insights for sustainable resource management and allowing for environmental change tracking.

    Engineering

    Provide detailed aerial data and 3D models, aiding in project planning, design validation, and efficient infrastructure development.

    Power, Gas, and Telecommunications

    Allow accurate mapping of power lines, gas pipelines, and telecommunication towers for maintenance planning and assisting in regulatory compliance.

    Infrastructure Inspection

    Provide detailed visual data and accurate measurements for assessing the condition of bridges, roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure assets.

    Emergency Response and Disaster Management

    Provide rapid and accurate aerial assessment of affected areas, enabling efficient damage assessment, search and rescue operations, and disaster response planning.

    Our Drone Surveying and Photogrammetry Experts 

    PMC's drone surveying and photogrammetry experts are highly skilled in utilizing advanced technology to capture precise data. With professional-grade drones and expertise in photogrammetry, our team delivers high-quality aerial imagery and accurate 3D models. Whether it's for construction, land surveying, or infrastructure inspection, our FAA-licensed pilots ensure reliable and efficient surveying solutions.

    Related Service: Multiple Site Laser Scanning Services 

    PMC's multi-site solutions offer access to accurate 3D data, streamlining visualization and analysis. Our innovative approach improves information management across locations, saving time and boosting productivity. BIM integration through EFI enables direct access to asset data, providing a comprehensive view of assets in one place.

    More Information on Multiple Site Laser Scanning Services

    Check out some of our Drone and Photogrammetry Service Case Studies below!

    Introduction to Laser Scanning
    AEC After the Scan
    Digital Factory + Scanning

    Frequently Asked Questions for Drone Surveying and Photogrammetry Services 

    How accurate is drone mapping?
    Drone mapping can provide highly accurate results, with the level of accuracy depending on various factors such as the type of drone, the quality of sensors used, the flight planning and data processing techniques employed, and the ground control methods implemented. In optimal conditions, drone mapping can achieve sub-centimeter level accuracy, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including surveying, mapping, construction, and inspections. However, it's important to note that accuracy can vary and may be influenced by factors such as environmental conditions, flight altitude, and the complexity of the terrain or objects being captured.
    What is drone mapping called?
    Drone mapping is commonly referred to as aerial mapping, aerial surveying, or drone surveying. It involves using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with various sensors, such as cameras or LiDAR, to capture data from above the ground. This data is then processed to create maps, models, or other visual representations of the surveyed area, which can be used for a range of applications including mapping, surveying, 3D modeling, and asset inspection.
    How much does aerial mapping cost?
    The cost of aerial mapping can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the area to be surveyed, the desired level of detail, the equipment and sensors used, the data processing requirements, and the service provider chosen. Aerial mapping services can be priced based on various factors such as flight time, data processing, equipment rental, and additional deliverables. It's best to contact aerial mapping service providers or consulting firms to get specific cost estimates tailored to your project requirements.
    How are drones used for mapping and surveying?
    Drones are used for mapping and surveying by capturing aerial imagery and data of the terrain or objects of interest. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and GPS systems, drones can fly over an area and capture high-resolution photos, videos, and other data points. This data is then processed using photogrammetry techniques to create accurate 2D maps, 3D models, and point clouds. Drones enable efficient data collection over large areas, provide detailed and up-to-date information, and can access challenging or hazardous environments. They are commonly used in various industries such as construction, agriculture, land surveying, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.
    How do drones collect data?
    Drones collect data by utilizing various sensors and onboard technologies during their flight. The most common methods of data collection by drones include:
    • Imagery: Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture aerial photographs or videos of the area of interest. These images can be used for photogrammetry, where multiple images are processed to create detailed maps, 3D models, or orthomosaic images.
    • Lidar:Some advanced drones are equipped with Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, which emit laser pulses and measure the time it takes for the laser to return after hitting an object. Lidar enables the creation of highly accurate 3D point clouds, which are used for mapping, terrain analysis, and infrastructure inspection.
    • Thermal Imaging: Drones can also carry thermal cameras that detect heat signatures and capture thermal images. This is particularly useful in applications such as building inspections, search and rescue operations, or monitoring thermal patterns in agricultural fields.
    • Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: Drones can be equipped with sensors that capture images in multiple bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible, near-infrared, and thermal bands. This allows for the analysis of vegetation health, crop monitoring, and environmental assessment.
    • Gas and Chemical Sensors: Specialized drones can carry sensors capable of detecting and measuring specific gases or chemicals in the atmosphere. These sensors are commonly used in environmental monitoring, industrial inspections, and detecting gas leaks.
    The collected data is then processed and analyzed using software tools to generate accurate maps, models, or other desired outputs.
    Can drones measure distance?
    Yes, drones can measure distance using onboard sensors or technologies such as ultrasonic sensors, laser rangefinders, photogrammetry, or Lidar. These methods enable drones to gather accurate spatial data for mapping, surveying, inspection, and other applications.
    Which drone is best for land surveying?
    There are several drones that are well-suited for land surveying, including the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, DJI Matrice 300 RTK, SenseFly eBee X, and Trimble UX5. The choice of the best drone for land surveying depends on specific project requirements, such as desired accuracy, flight time, payload capacity, and software compatibility. It is recommended to evaluate these factors and consult with industry professionals to determine the most suitable drone for a land surveying application.
    How do drones measure land area?
    Drones measure land area through a process called aerial mapping or photogrammetry. By capturing high-resolution aerial images of the land from different angles, drones create overlapping images that cover the entire area of interest. These images are then processed using specialized software that analyzes the overlapping features and calculates the size and shape of the land area. The software utilizes the principles of triangulation and image stitching to generate accurate measurements and create orthomosaic maps or 3D models of the land.
    Are there any limitations or challenges to consider when using 3D laser scanning for historic sites?
    When using 3D laser scanning for historic sites, there are a few limitations and challenges to consider. These include restricted access to certain areas, difficulties with highly reflective surfaces, occlusions that obstruct scanning, time and cost implications, data processing requirements, and preservation considerations. Despite these challenges, 3D laser scanning is a valuable tool for documenting and preserving historic sites, providing accurate digital records for research and restoration purposes.
    How do drones measure elevation?
    Drones measure elevation using onboard sensors such as altimeters and barometers. These sensors detect changes in atmospheric pressure, which can be used to estimate changes in altitude. Additionally, drones equipped with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers can utilize satellite positioning data to determine their precise elevation above sea level. By combining the data from these sensors with the drone's flight parameters, such as pitch, roll, and yaw, the drone can calculate and provide accurate elevation measurements for various points on the ground.
    Do building surveyors use drones?
    Yes, building surveyors can use drones as a valuable tool in their work. Drones provide an efficient and cost-effective way to capture aerial data and imagery of buildings and structures. Building surveyors can use drones to conduct visual inspections, assess building conditions, identify potential issues or damages, and gather data for building surveys. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors allow building surveyors to capture detailed images, videos, and 3D models of buildings, facilitating accurate documentation and analysis. This technology helps building surveyors streamline their workflows, enhance data collection, and make informed decisions in their assessment and evaluation of buildings.
    What is drone mapping used for?
    Drone mapping is used for various purposes across different industries. Some common applications of drone mapping include:
    • Surveying and mapping: Drones can capture high-resolution aerial images, collect geospatial data, and create detailed maps and 3D models of land areas, construction sites, and infrastructure projects.
    • Construction and site monitoring:Drones provide real-time aerial views of construction sites, allowing for progress monitoring, site planning, and identifying potential issues or deviations from plans.
    • Agriculture: Drones equipped with multispectral or thermal cameras can assess crop health, monitor irrigation, detect pest infestations, and assist in precision agriculture practices.
    • Environmental monitoring: Drones enable the monitoring of natural resources, wildlife habitats, and ecosystem changes, aiding in environmental conservation efforts and research.
    • Infrastructure inspection:Drones can safely inspect bridges, buildings, power lines, and other infrastructure, capturing high-resolution imagery and identifying potential maintenance or safety issues.
    • Disaster response and assessment:Drones provide rapid aerial assessment of disaster-affected areas, aiding in search and rescue operations, damage assessment, and planning for recovery efforts.
    • Real estate and property management:Drones can capture aerial views and create immersive virtual tours of properties, assisting in marketing, property assessments, and facility management.
    These are just a few examples, and the applications of drone mapping continue to expand as the technology advances and industries discover new ways to leverage aerial data capture and analysis.
    How does drone mapping work?
    Drone mapping involves the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with cameras or other sensors to capture aerial imagery or data of an area of interest. Here's a general overview of how drone mapping works:
    • Flight planning:The operator selects the area to be mapped and plans the flight path for the drone. This includes determining the altitude, overlap, and grid pattern to ensure comprehensive coverage.
    • Data capture:The drone is launched and flies along the predetermined flight path, capturing images or data at regular intervals. The onboard camera or sensor collects visual imagery, thermal data, LiDAR scans, or other relevant information depending on the mapping requirements.
    • GPS positioning: Drones use GPS technology to precisely track their position and altitude during the flight. This allows for accurate georeferencing of the captured data, essential for creating maps or 3D models.
    • Image processing: Once the drone completes its flight, the captured images or data are transferred to a computer for processing. Software tools like photogrammetry or LiDAR processing software are used to stitch the images together, align them, and create a high-resolution mosaic or point cloud.
    • Data analysis and visualization:The processed data is analyzed and interpreted to extract the desired information. This can involve generating 2D orthomosaic maps, 3D models, elevation maps, volumetric measurements, or other data outputs depending on the specific application.
    • Reporting and deliverables:The final outputs are typically presented in the form of maps, models, or reports, depending on the project requirements. These deliverables provide valuable insights for various purposes such as land surveying, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, or asset management.
    • Real estate and property management:Drones can capture aerial views and create immersive virtual tours of properties, assisting in marketing, property assessments, and facility management.
    Drone mapping offers a faster, cost-effective, and highly accurate alternative to traditional surveying and mapping methods, providing detailed and up-to-date visual representations of the surveyed area.

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