LiDAR drone surveys

Using the excellent DJI Matrice 350 with RTK positioning and the latest Zenmuse L2 LiDAR payload, we can offer UAV LiDAR surveys. Highly accurate measurements can be achieved using the L2, RTK corrections and establishing ground control points on the survey site.

What is Lidar?

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging,is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the UAV system — generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

The pulses sent by the LiDAR module are excellent in penetrating vegetation, allowing for highly detailed Digital Surface and Digital Terrain models. 

Digital Surface Model (DSM) vs Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

A DSM is a 3D representation of terrain and all the objects within that space; whilst in a DTM all the objects (for example trees, vegetation and buildings) have been removed so that only the ground surface remains.

DTMs are particularly useful for environmental and forestry management applications, as UAV LiDAR visualizes both the foliage and the ground. The point cloud data is used to create models of the canopy structure, providing specific information such as tree volumes and tree height.

Used in an archaeological survey context, the vegetation can be 'stripped away' to visualise the ground below and thus help identify previously hidden features.

Collecting data

UAV mounted LiDAR surveys are a quicker and less costly alternative to manned aircraft, and certainly less time consuming than a manual alternative. A drone LiDAR survey can be completed in hours and deliverables provided within a day or so (depending on the project, of course!). Further, the resolution of the LiDAR returns will be significantly greater than from an aeroplane, as the drone flies much lower and slower. This allows for exceptionally accurate modelling. We collect data in ETRS89 and can convert to OSGB36 as required. We provide .las files, geoTIFFs and cloud-shared 3d modelling outputs.

How much does it cost?

As each survey has different requirements, we are pleased to offer bespoke quotations once we have a thorough understanding of the survey location and what you need to achieve. Most of the time is actually spent in pre-flight planning and then post-flight, processing the collected data. As a rough guide, you might expect to pay from £1500 per day.

Please note, we do not offer CAD / Linework.

We offer lidar drone surveys in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and West Sussex but are happy to discuss projects further afield.