High-resolution aerial imagery provides an accurate and current visual representation of a project area. Captured using a survey-grade camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), hundreds or thousands of overlapping photographs are processed using advanced photogrammetric techniques to produce detailed orthophotos and surface models.
Orthophotography is an invaluable tool throughout the lifecycle of a project, from initial reconnaissance and planning through to construction monitoring, environmental management, mining operations, and rehabilitation. The resulting imagery provides a reliable visual record of site conditions and can be used to identify infrastructure, access routes, drainage patterns, vegetation cover, stockpiles, excavation progress, and other surface features with exceptional clarity.
By establishing a georeferenced baseline dataset, clients can compare future surveys against historical conditions, monitor change over time, support regulatory compliance, and improve project planning and decision-making.
Photogrammetry is particularly effective where detailed visual information is required and offers a cost-effective solution for producing high-resolution mapping products over large areas. For projects requiring highly accurate terrain modelling beneath vegetation cover or engineering-grade elevation data, LiDAR surveying may be the preferred solution.
Typical Deliverables
Ortho-Photogrammetry
Lidar
Technology
High-resolution aerial imagery processed using photogrammetric software
Laser pulses measure millions of individual 3D points
Primary Output
Orthophoto, DSM and textured 3D models
Dense point cloud, DTM, DSM and bare-earth models
Terrain Mapping
Accurately maps visible ground surfaces
Directly measures terrain and elevations with high precision
Vegetation
Limited by dense vegetation and canopy cover
Laser pulses can penetrate vegetation gaps to model the ground beneath
Surface Detail
Excellent visual detail and true-colour imagery
Exceptional three-dimensional measurement and elevation detail
Terrain Representation
High horizontal accuracy with excellent visual representation
High horizontal and vertical accuracy for engineering and surveying applications
Best Applications
Site mapping, orthophotos, progress monitoring, environmental surveys, volume calculations, inspection and documentation
Engineering surveys, topographic mapping, mine planning, corridor mapping, forestry, drainage analysis and precise terrain modelling
Deliverables
Orthophotos, DSM, contours, textured 3D models, volume calculations
Point clouds (LAS/LAZ), DTM, DSM, contours, cross-sections, volumes and engineering surfaces
All aerial services and compliance depicted or advertised are provided by DC Geomatics Drone Services, a registered ROC holder, as part of a formal Aerial Services Agreement.
