No two drone mapping projects are exactly alike. From active construction sites to remote mountain terrain, every project presents its own set of goals and challenges. One of the things we enjoy most about providing LiDAR and aerial mapping services is adapting our workflow to meet each client’s unique needs.
Here’s a look at a couple of recent Summit LiDAR projects and how our team successfully delivered accurate data in some challenging environments.
Project Spotlight: Mapping a Colorado Ski Resort
One of our recent projects took us to a local Colorado ski resort, where we completed a comprehensive aerial mapping survey covering more than 200 acres.
The client requested both LiDAR and photogrammetry to produce several mapping deliverables, including:
- High-resolution orthomosaic imagery
- 3D surface models
- Topographic mapping and contour data
- Accurate surface data to support roadway, grading, and engineering design
Although final engineering drawings and CAD linework are completed by licensed engineering or surveying professionals, the aerial datasets collected during our survey provide the detailed foundation needed for those deliverables.
Challenge: Wind and Weather
In Colorado, mountain weather can change quickly, making flight planning especially important. To maximize favorable conditions, our team scheduled flights during the early morning hours when winds were typically calmer and weather conditions were more predictable.
Challenge: Limited Power and Battery Management
With no readily available power source on-site, careful planning was essential. The project required multiple drone flights to capture the entire area, so we brought additional batteries, charging stations, and a generator to keep operations running efficiently throughout the day.
Challenge: Significant Elevation Changes
The survey area included approximately 300 to 400 feet of elevation change across the site. Changes in terrain like this require careful flight planning to maintain consistent data quality and accuracy so as not to fly the drone straight into a mountain.
By utilizing properly placed ground control points (GCPs) and adjusting our flight planning to account for the changing topography, we were able to collect high-quality data across the entire project area.
Challenge: Capturing High-Quality Imagery
Unlike LiDAR, photogrammetry relies on high-quality imagery captured in appropriate lighting conditions. To produce clear orthomosaic imagery, those flights were scheduled during optimal daylight hours while still taking advantage of the calmer morning weather.
Through careful planning and preparation, our team successfully completed the project on the first deployment, providing the client with the mapping products they needed without requiring a return visit.
Project Spotlight: High-Altitude Mining Site Near Leadville
Another recent project brought us to a former mining area south of Leadville.
Although this site covered approximately 15 acres, it presented an entirely different set of challenges. Located at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, the project was above the tree line in a remote alpine environment.
Reaching the site required all-wheel drive and some hiking to even get to the project area before any drone operations could begin.
Challenge: Remote Location
Unlike many construction sites, this location had no cellular service, meaning our team could not rely on phone or internet access for troubleshooting or technical support while in the field.
Preparation became even more important. Equipment, flight plans, software, and backup resources all had to be verified before arriving on-site since assistance wouldn’t be readily available once operations began.
Challenge: Extreme Conditions
High elevations can introduce additional considerations for drone operations, including rapidly changing weather, increased exposure to the elements, and the logistics of transporting equipment into difficult terrain.
Despite these challenges, our team successfully collected the required mapping data while maintaining safe and efficient field operations.
Every Project Requires a Different Approach
These two projects highlight an important aspect of drone mapping: every site is different.
Whether it’s coordinating multiple flights across hundreds of acres, navigating steep mountain terrain, or preparing for remote locations without power or cell service, successful LiDAR projects depend on thoughtful planning as much as the technology itself.
At Summit LiDAR, we tailor our approach to each project’s unique conditions to deliver accurate, reliable data our clients can use with confidence.
