Laser scanner surveying vs. drones: Modern solutions in surveying

Drones with built-in laser scanner (LiDAR) are one of the most powerful innovations to hit surveying in recent years. They allow the rapid and extremely precise acquisition of spatial data – even in terrain that is difficult or completely inaccessible to classical surveying methods.

Thanks to the integration of the scanner with the UAV, you can today measure an area that previously required days of work by a field team – in a few hours, with an accuracy of a few centimeters.

• Drone emits thousands of laser pulses per second
• Their return time makes it possible to determine the exact position of each point on the surface
• The result is a 3D point cloud, ready for further analysis (numerical terrain model, cross sections, visualizations, maps)

• Measurement accuracy – millimeter precision of spatial data
• Speed of action – you save time in the field and at the development stage
• Safety – no need to work in dangerous locations
• Competitive advantage – you offer modern solutions that customers expect

• Mapping of vast investment areas
• Measurement of earth masses and volumes
• Controlling the progress of construction work
• Inventories of technical infrastructure
• Monitoring of landslides, slopes and erosion-prone areas

While technology offers great opportunities, it is worth remembering:

• requires advanced operator training
• LiDAR UAV equipment still comes at a high cost
• Flights must comply with local BVLOS/VLOS regulations

We expect an even greater role in the coming years:

• AI in point cloud analysis,
• automated drone missions,
• integration with BIM, CAD and GIS.

This is a good time to invest in competence and equipment – before the market becomes saturated.