Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology has revolutionized the way surveyors and engineers collect critical data. From high-resolution aerial imagery to advanced LiDAR mapping, drones provide fast, accurate, and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of projects. Data that once took days or weeks to obtain through traditional surveying in certain types of terrain/site conditions can now be captured and processed in a fraction of the time — helping you make informed decisions with greater efficiency and precision.
raSmith has been a trusted leader in surveying since 1929, serving Wisconsin with both traditional survey methods and cutting-edge technology such as UAS. Also referred to as drones, UAS are one of several tools we have available for surveying and aerial mapping, complementing other advanced techniques like static (tripod-mounted) 3D laser scanning and hydrographic surveying.
The advantages of UAS Mapping (drone mapping) include enhanced data collection on a wide range of projects, the 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.
raSmith's UAS Survey Process
We currently use a fleet of aircraft carrying both photogrammetric and survey-grade LiDAR payloads to capture high-quality imagery and point cloud data. These technologies can be paired together along with conventional survey collection methods (total stations, survey-grade GPS) on projects to maximize speed and efficiency while still respecting the accuracies that each technology is capable of providing and applying them where appropriate. For instance, our survey-grade LiDAR sensors are capable of capturing multiple returns per laser pulse, meaning we can penetrate through certain types of vegetation (including wooded areas or planted agricultural fields) and get to the ground. This process is significantly faster than conventional survey capture methods.
Early spring (after the snow melts but before leaves emerge) and late fall (after the leaves drop but before the snow falls) are still the best times to fly these mapping missions. However, we understand that many times, project schedules don’t cooperate with those constraints. Through rigorous testing, we have found that even during the summer months, there are certain types of vegetation that we can still penetrate through, giving us the ability to rapidly capture topographic data.
Our data-collection processes always incorporate standard aerial mapping guidelines, ensuring precise results. This includes the use of survey-grade ground control points and conventional survey check shots to verify data accuracy. From these data sets, we create a variety of deliverables including orthorectified imagery, 3D point clouds (LiDAR data), and 3D surfaces including tin meshes, DTMs (digital terrain models), DSMs (digital surface models), and DEMs (digital elevation models). These outputs are typically integrated with other traditional survey 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 well-versed in FAA guidelines, ensuring that our operations are not only in compliance, but also safe and efficient. 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 UAS (drone) technology, we remain committed to providing innovative solutions to our clients.
UAS Mapping and Imagery Services
- Topographic surveys
- Planimetric mapping
- Volumetric analysis
- High-resolution orthographic imagery
- Construction progress mapping and imagery
- Utility mapping
- Coastal mapping
- Landfill monitoring
- Building envelopes/facades
- Conceptual viewshed aerial photography
- Conservation easement monitoring
- Erosion control inspection
- Inspection imagery
- Professional aerial photography
- Professional aerial videography
UAS Services for a Variety of Industries
Utility and Road Corridors
UAS mapping provides enhanced data collection for certain types of features in existing road corridors and helps keep conventional survey crews safe while working near busy highways and intersections. When coupled with survey-grade LiDAR, drones can also accelerate the process of capturing information necessary for utility line sag surveys and locating other types of features on tall transmission line structures.
Energy
When deployed with survey-grade LiDAR, drones can help to accelerate data-collection efforts for new green field solar farm projects. The multi-return technology inherent to these systems allows for very effective vegetation penetration to map the actual ground surface, even in wooded areas and through certain types of agricultural crops.
Municipal/Community Areas
For municipalities, UAS services offer a cost-effective and efficient way to survey roads, utilities, and public infrastructure. From stormwater management to urban planning and zoning, raSmith’s drone technology helps local governments make informed decisions with precise data for asset management, land-use planning, and community development projects.
Health Care
Drone mapping plays a crucial role in health care facility planning and expansion. raSmith’s UAS services provide detailed site surveys, helping architects and engineers design new hospitals, clinics, and medical campuses with optimal land use, accessibility, and environmental considerations in mind.
Education
For schools and universities, UAS technology aids in campus planning, renovation, and facility management. raSmith delivers detailed aerial imagery and 3D mapping to assist with new construction, drainage assessments, and security planning to ensure safe, efficient learning environments.
Residential
Drone mapping improves residential developments by providing builders and developers with precise land data. raSmith’s UAS services help streamline site analysis, grading plans, and infrastructure layout for subdivisions, ensuring efficient land use and compliance with zoning regulations.
Hospitality
Hotels, resorts, and event venues benefit from UAS mapping for site planning, landscaping, and infrastructure management. raSmith’s aerial surveys support design and construction efforts, helping hospitality professionals optimize layouts for guest experiences while maintaining environmental and regulatory compliance.
Parks and Recreation
UAS mapping enhances park planning and maintenance by providing high-resolution aerial imagery and topographic data. Whether designing new recreational spaces, assessing tree canopy coverage, or monitoring trails and natural features, raSmith’s drone technology delivers accurate and up-to-date information to support sustainable development and park improvements.
