AERIAL Surveying using drones –

Photogrammetry & LiDAR

INTRODUCTION

Capital projects go through different steps in their lifecycle. These steps include wide site surveys, creation of
2D/3D maps, architectural designing, procurement, resource management, precision and quality management,
environmental monitoring, monitoring of execution, etc. While technological interventions speed up the pace of
construction, the processes (encompassing monitoring, quality control, identification of discrepancies and deviation,
etc.) continue to be time-consuming. They require a large physical commitment in terms of time, especially in the
case of project managers. This is where drones come in. Equipped with cameras and remote sensors, they have
significant utility in the construction sector. From aerial photography to 3D modelling, drones can transform almost
every step of the construction workflow. Their use not only saves money and resources, but also enables teams to
access granular data for streamlined communication and decision-making.

Drone technology allows for safe mapping of terrains and property, producing high-quality surveying results
that equal or surpass traditional methods, and is a cost-efficient way to complete more projects in less time. Aerial
surveying using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drone have applications across sectors and industries,
significantly saving time, resources and cost of surveying activities for large areas delivering quality data in record
time at reduced costs for both Interior and Exterior Surveying purposes.

Interior Surveying
Interior surveying consists of providing a large number of measurements in order to produce a geometric representation of
a building at any point. There are many applications: industrial buildings, public buildings (sports halls, exhibition hall),
historic buildings (museums, castles, churches), archaeological sites, etc. Modeling buildings enables the production of
plans, models and thermal balances which help in monitoring and documenting the evolution of a structure. This is a key
issue for better management of buildings. Good knowledge of the structure allows for implementation of evacuation or
contingency plans.

• Interior plans (architecture, evacuation plan),

• 3D models / models (BIM, architecture, 3D tour),
• 3D point clouds (measuring, technical inspection).

Exterior Surveying
Exterior drone surveys involve measuring all elements observable from outside. There is a wide range of
survey techniques: aerial photogrammetry, laser scanning, LiDAR, tacheometry, GNSS rover, etc. This
enables the user to obtain surveying outputs and maps in various formats for use in various industries
including land surveying, real estate, construction, energy, power, mining, agriculture, etc.

• generating Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Digital Surface Models (DSM),
• topographical surveys and contour mapping,
• rendering 3D models of land areas,
• volumetric surveys, stockaging of assets, inventory management of stock piles,
• land and property inspection and management in real estate using digital aerial images,
• technical inspection of structures (railways, tunnels, viaducts & bridges, retaining walls, overpasses, oil & gas industrial
sites), crop inspection in agriculture industries

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UAV AERIAL MAPPING - INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

• Collects accurate spatial data from • Drone derived digital surface and
above rather than ground, reducing risk terrain models have limitless
for surveyors, geologists applications

• Boosts pit and quarry productivity • Drone DSMs and DTMs can be
through improved inventory imported into CAD to build virtual
management and planning models to define boundaries or to
stimulate flooding using a drone’s
• Safely carry out surveys of stocks or orthomosaics
the pit or mine face avoiding risk of
land or rock slide, quagmire. • Using aerial imagery to realize urban
project planning
URBAN
PLANNING &
MINING
LAND
MANAGEMENT

• Enables automated mapping of large • Perform pre- and as-built surveys

areas resulting in faster topographic
surveys which provide higher accuracy
and detailed orthomosaics
• Can perform cadastral surveying of
property boundaries with low
acquisition data costs and enables
mapping of inaccessible areas
• LiDAR mapping captures precise
digital representation of objects,
buildings, vegetation and the ground
without the need to physically access
the job sites
• Easily measures cut and fill areas and
volumetric surveying through more
accurate meaurements obtained
• 3D models that are based on drone-
based data collection, can accurately
display day-to-day updates that can be
used for monitoring as well as can be
shared among all stakeholders for
reporting updates

LAND CONSTRUCTION
SURVEYING & EARTHWORK

• Remote inspection of critical structures

like chimneys, cooling towers, oil and
gas fields, dams and reservoirs, power
line corridors, windmills solar energy
fields, etc. easily and safely
• Inspection of power lines is an
important use case for drones where
they have replaced helicopters and
ground operations in order to automate
expensive and time-consuming grid
surveys, as well improve safety, data
management and reducing the
environmental impact.

ENERGY &
POWER

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PHOTOGRAMMETRY VS LIDAR
PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Takes measurements from digital images,
orthomosaics using a drone mounted high
resolution digital camera.
Multiple overlapping photos (80 to 90% overlap)
of the ground or model are taken as the UAV flies
along an autonomous programmed flight path
called a waypoint.
Photogrammetry generates points based on what
the camera sensor can detect illuminated by
ambient light.
The main outputs of photogrammetric surveys are
raw images, ortophotomaps, Digital Surface
Models and 3D points clouds created from
stitching and processing hundreds or thousands of
images.
The outputs are very visual with a pixel size (or
Ground Sampling Distance) even below 1cm.
Photogrammetry can generate full-color 3D and
2D models (in the various light spectrum) of the
terrain that is easier to visualize and interpret than
LiDAR. With that in mind, photogrammetry is the
technology of choice for use cases where visual
assessment is required (e.g., construction
inspections, asset management, and agriculture).
Photogrammetry points clouds are more visual
(each pixel has RGB), but often with generalized
details, so it might be appropriate for objects
where a lower level of geometric detail is
acceptable but visual interpretation is essential.
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LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging
Measures heights of points in the landscape
below the UAV using light pulses from a laser
scanner.
Measuring 10 to 100 points per square meter
(depending upon the use case) creates a very
detailed digital model of a landscape.
It shoots outs laser and measures the time it takes
for the light to return emitting its own energy source
rather than detecting energy emitted from objects
on the ground.
The main product of LiDAR survey is a 3D point
cloud. The density of the point cloud depends on
the sensor characteristics (scan frequency and
repetition rate), as well the flight parameters.
It is important to note that LiDAR sensor is only
sampling positions without RGB, creating a
monochrome dataset. It is possible to overlay color
on the LiDAR data in post-processing based on
images based on classification (classifying each
point to a particular type/group of objects, e.g.,
trees, buildings, cars, ground, electric wires).
LiDAR laser beams as an active sensor technology
can penetrate vegetation. LiDAR is able to get
through gaps in the canopy and reach the terrain
and objects below, so it can be useful for
generating Digital Terrain Models.
LiDAR is also particularly useful for modeling
narrow objects such as power lines or telecom
towers as photogrammetry might not recognize
narrow and poorly visible objects. Besides, LiDAR
can work in poor lighting conditions and even at
night.
WORKING METHODOLOGY
• Most drone platforms (from DJI, Parrot, Yuneec, Sensefly, etc.) come equipped with an on board digital
camera capable of capturing detailed images which can be processed in photogrammetry softwares (like
Pix4D Mapper, PhotoScan, Autodesk Recap, etc.) for obtaining coloured 2D maps/3D models.

• For LiDAR scanning, specialized LiDAR scanners (from Leica Geosystems, Velodyne, LeddarTech, etc.)
capable of being mounted on drone platforms are selected based on use cases, LiDAR features required
and payload limit of drone mounting platform.

Certain Ground Control

Drone platform with the Points (GCP) are marked in
The area under observation is
mounted sensor is deployed the area whose co-ordinates
mapped by the camera/sensor
using Drone flight programs are obtained using traditional
and a coloured photoset/3D
like Pix4D Capture, Drone surveying methods to check
point cloud is generated by the
Deploy, etc. along a planned the accuracy of the aerial
digital camera/LiDAR sensor
flight path/waypoint while also survey results and to spatially
respectively with each
customizing mapping correct the obtained map to its
photo/point having a three
parameters like the image true location on earth. This is
dimensional spatial co-
overlap, camera angle and generally enough for a high
ordinate, a longitude, latitude
flight altitude according to the relative accuracy in order to
and altitude measurement
needs obtain length, area, volume
measurements.

The processed 2D maps or 3D

The raw data is feeded into
models can be imported into
photogrammetry softwares like
CAD, BIM softwares like Civil
Pix4D Mapper, PhotoScan,
3D, AutoCAD for further
Autodesk Recap, etc. which
processing or Projects demanding a higher
takes the data and stitches the
orthorectification* and can be level of global accuracy or
multiple photos together to
used to extract measurements absolute accuracy like property
generate a 2D map or 3D
like length, area, volume, and boundary surveys and
model of the mapped area.
volumetric surveys, etc. and to topographical contour maps
Most photogrammetry
generate digital surface models make use of a number of check
softwares generate a 2D map
(DSM), digital terrain models points in addition to the GCPs.
or 3D model themselves and
(DTM), digital elevation models
would allow basic length,
(DEM), Orthophotos, 3D
distance, area and volume
building models, Contour
measurements.
maps, etc.

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FIXED WING VS MULTI ROTOR DRONE PLATFORMS
FIXED WING
Greater stability – Because fixed-wing drones are
designed like conventional aircraft they are better
able to withstand side winds. This is an important
consideration in use cases where survey areas are
exposed to windy conditions such as electricity
pylons in open countryside.
Ability to recover from power loss – One
overlooked benefit of fixed-wing drones is their
ability to recover from a total power failure. The
sudden loss of power in a multirotor can result in
complete loss of the aircraft. But a fixed-wing drone
is able to continue flying, and more importantly, land
safely without power.
Take-off and landing area required – Most fixed-
wing drones require a substantial distance for take-
off and landing. The actual distance required
depends on the model and its configuration.
Increased cost – Fixed-wing drones are usually
more expensive than their multirotor counterparts.
Although the price disparity is decreasing a little, a
well equipped fixed-wing drone costs approximately
twice as much as a similarly equipped multirotor.
Less maneuverable – Fixed-wing aircraft are less
maneuverable than multirotor aircraft. This can
present a challenge for some survey applications,
especially those in confined spaces where the
drone needs to turn quickly.
Increased range – The main advantage of fixed-
wing aircraft is their ability to cover great distances
on a single battery. Due to their superior engine
efficiency, most commercial models can fly for an
hour or more and cover around 400 hectares while
giving a flight time of around 2 hours. This makes
them ideal for surveying oil pipelines or electricity
pylons.
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MULTI ROTOR
Greater maneuverability – One of the biggest
advantages of multirotor aircraft is their
maneuverability compared to fixed-wing aircraft.
This enables them to fly in areas other drones can’t
reach, hover in a stationary position and provide
vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability.
Compact design – Because they don’t have wings,
multirotors are compact enough to carry around in
a compact case making them suitable for easily
carrying around between various survey sites.
Ease of use – Multirotors are very easy to control
and can fly in any direction. They can also operate
in headless mode which aligns drone movements
relative to the controller. So the drone always
moves forward no matter which direction it is facing.
Cost effective design – Multirotors are much more
cost effective than their fixed-wing counterparts
which can cost twice as much as a similarly
equipped multirotor. This allows users to invest the
funds in other equipment like multiple sensors.
Increased payload capacity – Multirotors can
carry much more payload than a fixed-wing aircraft.
This can come in handy if you need to carry a range
of sensors including thermal imaging and multiple
HD cameras.
Reduced range – The one disadvantage of
multirotor aircraft is their reduced range and speed
compared to fixed-wing aircraft. With a typical range
of around 7KM and flight time of around 30 minutes,
this is seldom an issue for most applications, but if
we have a large area to survey users may want to
opt for a fixed-wing aircraft instead.
DSM, DTM AND DEM
• In a LiDAR system, pulses of light travel to the ground.
• When the pulse of light bounces off its target and returns to the sensor, it gives the range (a variable
distance) to the Earth. Hence, how this system earned its name of Light Detection and Ranging.
• In the end, LiDAR delivers a massive point cloud filled of varying elevation values. But height can come
from the top of buildings, tree canopy, powerlines and other features.
DSM – Digital
Surface Model
A DSM captures the natural and
built features on the Earth’s
surface and so it gives the
elevation or height of the various
features on the earth’s surface
including vegetation, tree tops,
buildings, power lines, etc.
A DSM is useful in 3D modeling
for telecommunications, urban
planning and aviation. Because
objects extrude from the Earth,
this is particularly useful in the
following use cases.
RUNWAY APPROACH ZONE
ENCROACHMENT: In aviation,
DSMs can determine runway
obstructions in the approach
zone.
TRANSMISSION LINES
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT:
Along a transmission line, DSMs
can see where and how much
vegetation is encroaching.
URBAN PLANNING
VIEW OBSTRUCTION: Urban
planners use DSM to check how
a proposed building would affect
the viewshed of residents and
businesses.
DEM – Digital
Elevation Model
A DEM - digital elevation model is
a bare-earth raster grid
referenced to a vertical datum.
When you filter out non-ground
points such as bridges and roads,
you get a smooth digital elevation
model. The built (power lines,
buildings and towers) and natural
(trees and other types of
vegetation) aren’t included in a
DEM.
When you void vegetation and
man-made features from
elevation data, you generate a
DEM. A bare-earth elevation
model is particularly useful in
hydrology, soils and land use
planning.
HYDROLOGIC MODELLING:
Hydrologists use DEMs to
delineate watersheds, calculate
flow accumulation and flow
direction.
TERRAIN STABILITY: Areas
prone to avalanches are high
slope areas with sparse
vegetation. This is useful when
planning a highway or residential
subdivision.
SOIL MAPPING: DEMs assist in
mapping soils which is a function
of elevation (as well as geology,
time and climate).
DTM – Digital
Terrain Model
Although in some regions a DTM
is actually synonymous with a
DEM, a DTM has a slight different
meaning.
A DTM is a vector data set
composed of regularly spaced
points and natural features such
as ridges and breaklines. A DTM
augments a DEM by including
linear features of the bare-earth
terrain.
DTMs are typically created
through stereo photogrammetry.
The DTM points are regularly-
spaced and characterize the
shape of the bare-earth terrain.
The DTM is not continuous and
it’s not a surface model. From the
regularly-space and contour
lines, one can interpolate a DTM
into a DEM.
A DTM represents distinctive
terrain features much better
because of its 3D breaklines and
regularly spaced 3D mass points.