Selected Project
Some Projects Truly Show the Benefits of Traditional Surveying Techniques Combined with the Latest in UAS Technology. This Project is One of Them!
DPK Consulting was recently awarded a large-scale project in Pennsylvania and tasked with delivering an Aerial Topography Survey and Cut-to-Fill Balance for a 350+ acre commercial site. This vast project was ideal for leveraging our advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), but it was not without its challenges.
Traditional Surveying Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Given the extensive area, aerial topography using LiDAR was the clear choice. DPK’s approach involved capturing millions of data points to deliver highly accurate topographic maps and precise cut-to-fill calculations. The aerial mapping depicted site features and contours at a 1-foot interval, using the Pennsylvania State Plane Coordinate System NAD 1983 for horizontal datum and NAVD 1988 for vertical datum.
However, securing ground control points posed some challenges. The site’s rugged terrain and muddy conditions made it impossible to drive in some areas. The DPK team knew that even the best technology sometimes demands good old-fashioned hard work. So, they laced up our tall boots, grabbed our equipment, and navigated the muddy terrain on foot—proving that sometimes, getting dirty is just part of the job, even when flying high with UAS technology.
Aerial Topography with LiDAR
DPK deployed LiDAR-equipped drones to perform aerial mapping, covering every corner of the site. This data was vital in developing the site’s topography and enabled them to create detailed maps. By incorporating both traditional surveying methods and advanced drone technology, they ensured pinpoint accuracy, providing the foundation needed for subsequent calculations.
Cut-to-Fill Balance Calculations
Using the aerial topography data, DPK performed cut-to-fill balance calculations, determining the precise volume of earth and grading levels. This analysis, prepared under the direct supervision of a licensed Pennsylvania Professional Land Surveyor, adhered strictly to Pennsylvania’s surveying regulations and standards.
Deliverables included a digitally signed and sealed PDF, CAD file, CAD-friendly orthomosaic, HD photos, and a comprehensive video overview of the site.
Why This Approach? The Benefits of LiDAR Drone Technology
Our utilization of LiDAR-equipped drones offered several key advantages:
- High Precision and Accuracy: Capturing millions of data points resulted in precise calculations and detailed site models.
- Time Efficiency: Drones allowed us to survey large areas much faster than traditional methods.
- Cost-Effectiveness: This approach was more affordable than using manned aircraft or extensive ground crews.
- Access to Difficult Terrain: The drones could easily reach areas that were challenging or unsafe for human surveyors.
- Automated Data Processing: Our specialized software streamlined data analysis, reducing manual work and minimizing errors.
- Enhanced Safety: Although our team did reach some areas of the site on foot, they were also able to avoid potentially hazardous areas, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
- Frequent Updates: The site can be resurveyed quickly, enabling real-time progress monitoring.
- Seamless Integration: The data easily integrated with CAD and GIS platforms, simplifying the design process.
Delivering Success by Merging Tradition and Innovation
This Pennsylvania project showcased the seamless integration of traditional surveying expertise with the latest in UAS technology. By combining these strengths, DPK Consulting not only overcame the challenges of difficult terrain but also delivered a precise, timely, and cost-effective solution that sets a new standard for large-scale surveying projects.
To discuss your next project, call 732-764-0100 and ask for James Heiser or Ray Hyman. Alternatively, visit our 24/7 Quick Quote page at DPKConsulting.net/quick-quote to upload your scope of work and site reference documents. A DPK project manager will respond promptly.
Get your quote started today!
Some Projects Truly Show the Benefits of Traditional Surveying Techniques Combined with the Latest in UAS Technology. This Project is One of Them!
DPK Consulting was recently awarded a large-scale project in Pennsylvania and tasked with delivering an Aerial Topography Survey and Cut-to-Fill Balance for a 350+ acre commercial site. This vast project was ideal for leveraging our advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), but it was not without its challenges.
Traditional Surveying Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Given the extensive area, aerial topography using LiDAR was the clear choice. DPK’s approach involved capturing millions of data points to deliver highly accurate topographic maps and precise cut-to-fill calculations. The aerial mapping depicted site features and contours at a 1-foot interval, using the Pennsylvania State Plane Coordinate System NAD 1983 for horizontal datum and NAVD 1988 for vertical datum.
However, securing ground control points posed some challenges. The site’s rugged terrain and muddy conditions made it impossible to drive in some areas. The DPK team knew that even the best technology sometimes demands good old-fashioned hard work. So, they laced up our tall boots, grabbed our equipment, and navigated the muddy terrain on foot—proving that sometimes, getting dirty is just part of the job, even when flying high with UAS technology.
Aerial Topography with LiDAR
DPK deployed LiDAR-equipped drones to perform aerial mapping, covering every corner of the site. This data was vital in developing the site’s topography and enabled them to create detailed maps. By incorporating both traditional surveying methods and advanced drone technology, they ensured pinpoint accuracy, providing the foundation needed for subsequent calculations.
Cut-to-Fill Balance Calculations
Using the aerial topography data, DPK performed cut-to-fill balance calculations, determining the precise volume of earth and grading levels. This analysis, prepared under the direct supervision of a licensed Pennsylvania Professional Land Surveyor, adhered strictly to Pennsylvania’s surveying regulations and standards.
Deliverables included a digitally signed and sealed PDF, CAD file, CAD-friendly orthomosaic, HD photos, and a comprehensive video overview of the site.
Why This Approach? The Benefits of LiDAR Drone Technology
Our utilization of LiDAR-equipped drones offered several key advantages:
- High Precision and Accuracy: Capturing millions of data points resulted in precise calculations and detailed site models.
- Time Efficiency: Drones allowed us to survey large areas much faster than traditional methods.
- Cost-Effectiveness: This approach was more affordable than using manned aircraft or extensive ground crews.
- Access to Difficult Terrain: The drones could easily reach areas that were challenging or unsafe for human surveyors.
- Automated Data Processing: Our specialized software streamlined data analysis, reducing manual work and minimizing errors.
- Enhanced Safety: Although our team did reach some areas of the site on foot, they were also able to avoid potentially hazardous areas, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
- Frequent Updates: The site can be resurveyed quickly, enabling real-time progress monitoring.
- Seamless Integration: The data easily integrated with CAD and GIS platforms, simplifying the design process.
Delivering Success by Merging Tradition and Innovation
This Pennsylvania project showcased the seamless integration of traditional surveying expertise with the latest in UAS technology. By combining these strengths, DPK Consulting not only overcame the challenges of difficult terrain but also delivered a precise, timely, and cost-effective solution that sets a new standard for large-scale surveying projects.
To discuss your next project, call 732-764-0100 and ask for James Heiser or Ray Hyman. Alternatively, visit our 24/7 Quick Quote page at DPKConsulting.net/quick-quote to upload your scope of work and site reference documents. A DPK project manager will respond promptly.
Get your quote started today!