Construction Law
Utilizing LiDAR and Photogrammetry Together to Achieve Your Land Surveying Goals
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is quickly becoming an integral aspect of construction projects nationwide. Getting a perspective on your property from the air before you start building can help you avoid an array of potential setbacks, and it allows you to collect comprehensive data about your land without putting one of your workers at risk or spending an exorbitant amount of money on ineffective aerial photography using a manned aircraft.
UAVs are typically utilized to collect survey data utilizing two different methods: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and photogrammetry. To learn about the laws affecting the use of UAVs for surveying purposes, contact a construction lawyer in Clarksville, TN from Cotney Construction Law. Our legal experts can help you acquire the proper licensing necessary to fly UAVs commercially or verify the credentials of a land surveyor you plan to hire.
LiDAR Overview
Aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a popular method for surveying land because it utilizes avant-garde sensor technology to map geography as a precise 3D model. Aerial LiDAR uses a UAV to map an area from the sky. One of the most impressive features of LiDAR is its ability to cut through brush and vegetation to gain accurate insights about the ground. LiDAR produces data that can be imported to and manipulated in construction and architectural software.
Photogrammetry Overview
Another commonly used method for collecting UAV survey data is photogrammetry. Photogrammetry uses high-resolution cameras to build 2D and 3D surveys that can help contractors identify potential issues with a piece of property. Unlike LiDAR, photogrammetry can’t see through brush and vegetation, but its images are much clearer and more colorful than those produced using LiDAR. This data isn’t well-suited for software analysis, but it is effective when determining potential issues visually. This method is cost-effective and quick, but is best-suited to open plots of land with few obstructions.
LiDAR and Photogrammetry Together
Together, LiDAR and photogrammetry give contractors the opportunity to gain a previously unheard of level of insight about a piece of land before starting construction. By combining these two technologies, you can create 3D geographic models that utilize high-resolution images to provide comprehensive data about the environment, property boundaries, and land contour and texture in the location of your next project. Although this process can be costly, it can help you proactively avoid potential issues on complex projects.
Determining the best type of UAV survey data for your next project can be tricky. LiDAR and Photogrammetry accomplish a similar goal in two vastly different ways. If your project requires a significant survey, you should consider hiring a professional who can collect data using LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you avoid unnecessary re-work costs.
If you would like to speak with a construction law attorney in Clarksville, TN, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.