Digital Elevation models

Digital elevation models created without disruption to ongoing work, Faster and cheaper than traditional methods.

Accuracy to within 3cm

GPS RTK state of the art survey equipment for absolute ground point control gives accuracy at CM level.

Capture more accurate measurements in less time, Reduce the time employees and contractors spend on site.

Multiple out put formats for integration into multiple work flows.

Stage One: Data Capture

Pre Programmed Photograph Position

The camera positions are pre loaded to the drone. The map is also on terrain follow to improve accuracy and position.

The data capture is in the form of a pre-planned map that is uploaded to the drone for autonomous flight. This gives accurate capture results and the ability for consistent repeatability. This also reduces the time in the air with no disruption to the ground operations.

Stage 2: Post Processing and Model Building

Digital Elevation Model

High accuracy with no down time

Using dedicated photogrammetry software to collate the photographs and ground control points to produce an accurate 3D model.  There is a huge range of outputs possible dependant on the clients specific needs to suit their in-house software. All of the post production is done in house along with a detailed report of the accuracy parameters and pixel resolution for accurate planning.

Stage 3: Final Model Accuracy

Survey Report

Part of the survey final report.

All models produced are collated with the ground control points marked out with our GNSS/RTK Emlid Reach. The reach gives an accuracy of 1-2 cm for ground control point marking. You can download an accuracy report from a recent survey here

Survey Acuracy Report

Latest GNNS systems with RTK corretion
Our latest GPS receiver in the field for accurate ground control points
Commination of accurate ground control; station and drone

Absolute Positioning on Topographical Mapping is Essential for Accurate Results

For an accurate mapping and modelling it is essential to have absolute position and NOT relative position. By using accurately mapped ground control points (GCP) with in our models we can reference the position relative to WGS84. The use of a GNNS / RTK multiband receiver fixed solution is possible with centimetre-precise results in any place on Earth. These GCP are then refenced in the software to give absolute positioning. The relative position of a place is determined in reference to certain landmarks or known locations. The absolute location of a place is determined with the help of longitude and latitude and vertical (X,Y,Z) lines. It indicates the position of a place on the surface of the earth. Our final deliverables can be converted to which ever datum you require. Typical accuracy is 1.8 cm per pixel. This will give a very detailed map of your location. The ability to measure area and cross sections as well as digital elevation models. Call us today to discuss your needs.

The Advantage of Drones

The advantage of drones is decisive in the industry. The use of the latest technology can reduce the cost of projects by enabling immediate visualisation of hard to get to locations thus enabling faster decision making with in your organisation.

422 Acre Orthomosaic model

422 acres of land covered in one day

A total of 1800 images were used to create this Digital Terrain Model

GNSS/RTK precision ground control points

Precision Ground Control Points

Photogrammetry is useful if it is accurately positioned. The use of the latest equipment ensures that precision

Accurate Digital Elevation Model

Digital Elevation Model

DEM models are essential for asset management and planning.

Speed, Accuracy and cost effective

A major selling point of our drone surveying solutions is that they can get the job done fast. A quick flight over your target area can rapidly yield accurate and actionable data. Within surveying and mapping, some techniques and equipment can yield data with a higher degree of accuracy, while others can provide actionable results under time pressure. We can take care of the complete process and supply you with the deliverables to your specification.

The advantages are

  • No disruption to the working site.
  • A typical site can surveyed in less than one day
  • We use the Latest GNSS/RTK survey equipment for Ground Control Points
  • Accuracy can be 2-5 cm per pixel
  • Multiple datum and geoid outputs to match the client needs.
  • A huge cost saving over traditional laser base station setups.

Accurate Digital Elevation Models

Digital Elevation Model

Accurate mapping of a field and DEM model.

DEM overlaid onto Google Maps

Digital Elavation model overlaid on Google Maps

3D Model Used to Find A Leak

Case Study: Leak church roof. Live video feed to the ground showed the client the problem. A 3D model below shows the quality available even showing the missing tile.

HIgh Quality Photogrammetry Model

Photogrammetry

Model showing camera positions from pre loaded map into the drone.

Photo Realism

Full 3D model for intergration into CAD

Church Model

Full 3D model for intergration into CAD

Leaking Roof Repairs

Early identification of the leak prevented expensive renovations

3D Model for integration into CAD using photogrammetry

The below case study shows some of the parameters extracted from the survey. With a ground resolution of 2.4cm per pixel. Covering an area of 0.346 Km2. This model was produced with no disruption to the site using a pre programmed flight grid. Procesing was done on our inhouse computer suite and delivered with in 24 hours.

Photogrammetry Model

3D model from photographs

Model showing camera positions from pre loaded map into the drone.

Camera Calibration

Model showing camera positions from pre loaded map into the drone.

High Resolution

Full 3D model for intergration into CAD

Survey Data

Full 3D model for intergration into CAD

Camera Locations

Digital elevation model to go with the 3D model

Digital Elevation Model

Download the 3D Model in .pdf format.

Click here for the 3D model.

Click here for Survey detail in 3D

Intergration into Google Earth

Overlay the image into google earth for higher resolution imaging.

How Photogrammetry works

Drones have been known for their lower cost ability to take photographs on sites, for real estate, agriculture, building, and inspections and more. Technology now enables the use of drones combined with specialised software to create 3D models and mapping to a high level of accuracy.

Advantages of 3D Models with drones

The advantages of using real 3D information in which a realistic view is created of a certain region on earth are numerous going further than the simple notion of cost effectiveness.  Next to the realistic 2D or 3D mapping experience in visualizations, the use in algorithms, such as signal propagation algorithms, or in perception studies create a large advantage for local authorities, planning, architecture, real estate development and integration into existing work flows. The data collected for the modells is non disruptive and will negate the need for expensive down tome on site.

How Accurate is a drone Survey?

One of the most important parameters of your survey is the spatial resolution, which in photogrammetry terms is described as GSD (Ground Sampling Distance). In literature, it is defined as the distance between two consecutive pixel centers measured on the groour practice, it is simply the size of the pixel in the field.  1 cm (3 inches) pixel size using our DJI Mavic Pro, at an altitude of 25 m.

Essential Canal Basin Planning

Planning Permission

National Trust Essential Maintenance.

Planning Permission Submission

Photogrammetry for integration into CAD

Photogrammetry to create a 3D Model