UAV Photogrammetry

Better data saving time and costs.

Photogrammetry using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) have become an integral part of our toolkit. We use drones to save time and lower costs when plotting and planning large scale sites. Paired with powerful processing capabilities, we can produce survey-grade maps and accurate 3D models, providing clients with better data.

Project managers and virtual design coordinators can save valuable time and eliminate risk using drone maps and 3D models. Whether keeping construction projects on track with sharable maps, comparing BIM models, inspecting job sites for safety, or measuring stockpiles and earthmoving volumes, data gathered with drones improves communication and makes construction a more efficient and safer industry to work in.

Real world information into the digital world:

Plan

Safety is paramount while flying any aircraft. There is a lot on the line with incorporating drones into the workplace. Being aware and accepting that risk is part of managing any drone operation. We take the necessary steps to ensure we are minimizing that risk and doing everything to support a safe environment. Our flight team needs to locate any potential hazards that may occur in advance. Our team will have to be aware of any airspace regulations, structures, persons, or equipment that is nearby and plan accordingly. Our experts make sure we always plan our operations according to the environment and the weather. All of this and much more makes it crucial to have a solid plan before starting any mission. Pre-planning for desired accuracy and ground resolution, necessary ground control and various other flight parameters are essential for high-quality results.

Ground control

To collect highly accurate data, a network of ground control targets need to be placed and measured before the flight operations can begin. Recent advancements in GPS technology have reduced this need somewhat, but for projects where cm-level accuracy is crucial this is still a big part of the process.

Fly

Scanning the project site using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with high resolution camera to capture real world information about buildings, infrastructure and industrial facilities into the digital world. The images captured are evaluated by means of photogrammetry in order to create three-dimensional models, the optical quality of the lenses used is highly important for this type of task. We use only the best Zeiss Batis lenses paired with low noise full frame image sensors. This allows us to gather very high-quality images, thanks to the superior geometric and radiometric quality of these lenses. All members of our flight crew are trained professionals who can both focus on delivering the highest quality data and maintaining the safety of the operations.

Process

Once the existing conditions are captured in high resolution photographs, 2D information is then brought into the processing software to generate 3D point clouds. 3D point clouds are then ground control checked and further processed to extract profiles of the ground, buildings, vegetation, etc. depending on the project needs. Removing unwanted noise that the photogrammetry process inevitably creates and objects of no interest from point clouds is done during processing. Filtering out unnecessary parts in early stages of the workflow reduces excess data that burdens IT infrastructure. Being specific about goals for data capture in the planning phase can have drastic effect on the amount of data that will be dragged through the process. Reduced data size translates quickly to faster lead times and reduced costs.

Quality control measure

All our terrain measurements adhere to quality control procedures, checked in accordance with the local Swedish standard SIS-TS 21144:2016.

Deliver

Extracting 2D and 3D data from point clouds is an essential step in the photogrammetry process. Profiles, elevations and 3D models (terrain models, etc.) can be efficiently generated by intuitive extraction workflows. Analysis tools allow the comparison of as-built conditions with digital CAD models. All this leads to detailed suggestions for planning and the development of infrastructure projects.

Document existing site conditions

Solutions for the efficient and precise capturing and processing of emerging and existing site conditions for road and rail construction, residential construction, energy and industrial plants.

Our extensive knowledge in unmanned aerial vehicles can be leveraged for various construction, infrastructure and insurance inspection scenarios.

We can fly drones to inspect sites and infrastructure more efficiently, and in a safer manner.

Using drones, building inspectors can identify issues on roofs, building exteriors, and elevated towers without the need to spend hours walking or climbing a site. This eliminates the need to send workers into unsafe conditions, unless it’s necessary.

For insurance inspectors, drones streamline the claims process, making it easier to assess property and get customers back on their feet quickly.