UAS Mapping

raSmith has applied its survey knowledge base, experience since 1929, and solid grasp of technology to the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Also referred to as drones, UAS are one of several tools we have available for surveying and aerial mapping in addition to static (tripod mounted) 3D laser scanning and hydrographic surveying.

We currently use a series of aircraft carrying both photogrammetric and survey-grade LiDAR payloads to capture imagery and point cloud data. Our data capture processes incorporate standard aerial mapping guidelines, including the use of survey-grade ground control points and conventional survey check shots that are used to quantify the accuracies of our data sets. From these data sets, we create a variety of deliverables including orthorectified imagery, 3D point clouds (LiDAR data), and 3D surfaces that consist of tin meshes, DTMs (digital terrain models), DSMs (digital surface models), and DEMs (digital elevation models). These are typically in support of and combined with other survey-based final deliverables including topographic maps, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, and Certified Survey Maps (CSM).

Our on-staff team of six FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 Certified UAS Pilots are educated in FAA guidelines, ensuring clients that our flight processes and procedures are in compliance and operated legally and safely. raSmith has been at the forefront of expertise in UAS technology, having originally obtained a Section 333 Exemption and associated blanket COA (certificate of authorization) from the FAA in 2015. As we discover additional applications for the technology, we are continually demonstrating new applications of UAS-based technology to our clients.

Advantages of UAS Mapping (drone mapping) include enhanced data collection on a wide range of projects, ability to better map areas that may otherwise be difficult or unsafe to traverse, and in certain instances, a more timely means of collecting data versus traditional conventional methods.