Drone Mapping is the New Way To Accurately Gather Geographic Information

In just a short time aerial data collection has evolved quite a little bit from what it used to be. Years ago human paced surveying methods needed considerable manpower, expense and time before output could be created; now, through the existing use of faster and more accurate technology, Drone Mapping has opened up numerous new pathways in advancing numerous industries around the World by providing accurate geographic information. Drone Mapping is being applied in many different industries including, but certainly not limited to, construction, mining, agriculture and Urban planning, establishing the way data is collected/monitored/analyzed/used and creating opportunities for additional efficiencies to be gained through this process.

What Is Drone Mapping?

Drone Mapping utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) equipped with specialized high resolution cameras and/or sensors to obtain digital images of various land or physical structures. The collected images are then processed using software designed for use with UAV’s in order to create a variety of output types including, but not limited to, Orthomosaic, 3D models, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and contour mapping.

By utilizing this technology, Drone Mapping can quickly cover large areas, and still maintain a high level of accuracy when compared to traditional Land Surveying. Data collected from Drone Mapping results in identifiable data that can be used in making better decisions, monitoring and planning along with the support of the use of Drone Mapping Technologies across multi-industry sectors.
Drone Mapping: How it Works

The process typically begins with flight planning, which consists of defining a flight path that allows the capture of consistent overlapping images and adequate coverage. The drone flies autonomously during this stage and records hundreds/thousands of geo-referenced images to the memory card.

When all the images have been captured, photogrammetry or LiDAR software will be utilized to process the images into accurate three-dimensional models (also referred to as “3D Geospatial Outputs”). By adding Ground Control Points (GCPs), even greater accuracy can be attained. The final product will be compatible with CAD, GIS, and BIM software, allowing for easy integration with all professionals within these areas.

Drone Mapping Benefits

1. Accurate and Precise Data Capture

When used in conjunction with RTK/PPK technology, modern drones provide centimeter accuracy to the user. As such, the data comes from reliable sources such as engineering, surveying, and design projects.

2. Cost and Time Savings

Compared to traditional surveying, aerial mapping is much quicker and requires fewer man-hours. Large and/or rough-shaped terrains can be mapped in less time than it takes to walk across those terrains.

3. Improved Safety

There is always a risk associated with surveying hazardous locations like mines, steep slopes, or construction sites. With the ability to be remotely controlled, drone mapping can provide a means of collecting a great deal of data without putting anyone at risk.
4. Continuous Tracking

With drone mapping technology, you can frequently update your site to allow for easier progress tracking, deviation detection, and better resource management.

Industry-Specific Uses of Drone Mapping.

Construction/Infrastructure

For construction processes, drones enable contractors/engineers to access data that provides an accurate basis for site planning, earthwork/calculating volumes, tracking progress, and comparing to planned vs. actual conditions. This ultimately reduces the potential for costly mistakes.

Mining/Quarrying

Accurate topographical data is critical in mining operations for stockpile measuring, pit monitoring, and safety evaluation purposes. Drones can provide frequent updates with minimal disruption to operations.

Agricultural

Drones provide significant assistance to precision agriculture. Farmers utilize this information to evaluate crop health, irrigation, and soil conditions. Farmers can make decisions based on the data to optimise crop yield and decrease waste.

Urban Planning/Real Estate

Aerial maps and 3D models are used by urban planners and developers to assess land use, the effect of infrastructure, and to assist with feasibility studies. This leads to improved planning accuracy and enhanced communication with all involved.

Environmental/Disaster Management

Mapping is also an integral part of flood modelling, landslide assessments, monitoring forests, and assessing post-disaster damage. Fast data collection provides authorities with the ability to respond to disasters more efficiently.
There are two ways to map an area: traditional surveying and drone mapping. Both can be useful for different reasons based on your needs, but one method will likely be quicker and easier than the other. Traditional surveying requires people to go physically to each part of the property being surveyed (ground surveys), which can take lots of time if you have a large or difficult-to-reach piece of land. This is where using drones comes in because it provides both a more comprehensive view of an area and allows you to update information more frequently than you would with traditional survey methods.

There is also a large range of data outputs that you may get from using aerial mapping depending on what type of project you are working on. Most all contractors will give you several deliverables to aid in your planning and design, analysis and reporting in several areas, including:

* Orthomosaic maps
* Digital Surface and Elevation Models
* Contour/Elevation Maps
* 3D Textured Models
* Volumetric calculations
* GIS-ready Data Sets

In addition to providing the above benefits, using a professional mapping company helps you to comply with the regulatory requirements for the operation of drones for mapping and other purposes according to the local aviation regulations in your area. For example, if you live in India, you will need to abide by DGCA regulations, obtain a pilot license and gain the proper permissions for your aerial mapping work.

When selecting a drone mapping service provider, consider their level of experience, types of equipment they have, the software they use, and what industries they focus on. A reputable provider will be able to provide you with a comprehensive solution that includes flight planning and data processing.
A partner who is trustworthy will give you the benefit of clear communications, a transparent pricing structure, and regular sample deliverables of their work.

The Future of Drone Mapping—As drone technology progresses, so will its ability for mapping. By combining with an artificial intelligence or machine learning program along with a cloud-based analytic system, it will allow for automated insights provided through predictive modeling.

As the number of industries that use drones continues to grow, the technology of drone mapping is transitioning into a standard method of mapping for organizations that place a high value on accurate results, able to make informed decisions, and achieving maximum efficiency.