Photogrammerty Drone Surveys

Photogrammetry turns hundreds or thousands of geo-tagged, overlapping images into measurable maps and 3D data. With RTK/PPK positioning and ground control points (GCPs), the results are survey-grade and ready for engineering.

Why use it

Speed & coverage: Map large or rugged sites in a fraction of the time.
Detail: Crisp imagery plus dense points reveal edges, curbs, stockpiles, and grade breaks.
Cost-effective: Ideal for frequent updates (progress, volumes) versus full ground crews.
Safety: Reduce exposure near traffic, slopes, and unstable areas.
Design-ready: Clean EG surfaces, contours, and CAD deliverables for engineers.

Typical accuracy (project-dependent)

With proper RTK/PPK + GCPs: ~2–5 cm horizontal, ~3–8 cm vertical.
Verified by independent check shots and control reports.

Deliverables

Orthomosaic (georeferenced aerial map)
Point cloud (LAS/LAZ, RCP/RCS)
DSM/DTM surfaces, contours, and TINs
Planimetric linework (curbs, edges, features)
Volume & cut/fill reports (PDF/CAD)
All aligned to your project coordinates/datums

Common uses

Topographic/design mapping for sites and corridors
Earthwork & stockpile volumes and progress tracking
As-built checks before paving/closeout
Roadway & drainage planning (crowns, swales, tie-ins)
Vegetation monitoring & site documentation
Coastal/shoreline mapping (land side; water requires supplemental methods)

Our workflow (Hawaii Surveying)

Plan & permits: Mission planning, FAA Part 107/LAANC, and site coordination.
Control: Establish GNSS control/benchmarks and GCPs (Hawai‘i State Plane / project datum).
Flight: High-overlap image capture with RTK/PPK.
Processing: Photogrammetric reconstruction, QA/QC, checks to control.
Delivery: Orthos, surfaces, contours, volumes, CAD/PDF packages—ready for design.

Limitations & best practices

Vegetation: Photogrammetry models the top of vegetation; it does not “see through” trees. For bare-earth under canopy, use drone LiDAR or terrestrial scanning.
Water/reflective surfaces: Poor image tie-points; supplement with hydrographic or ground methods.
Wind/glare/rain: Flight windows matter—plan for weather and lighting.
Control matters: GCPs and check shots are key to consistent, defensible accuracy.

Hawaii-specific notes

Coastal glare, trade winds, and terrain relief require careful flight planning.
We coordinate airspace near airports, military areas, and harbors.
Integrations available with terrestrial LiDAR and hydrographic surveys for seamless land-to-water models.

Hawaii Surveying serves Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, delivering fast, accurate photogrammetry mapping—and, when needed, LiDAR, GNSS/RTK, and robotic total stations for full survey coverage.

Proud members of Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3).

Why use a Photogrammerty Drone for Surveying?

Because it captures large areas fast with high-resolution imagery that turns into accurate orthomosaics, point clouds, and surfaces—cutting field time, improving safety, and giving designers better data.

Key benefits

Speed & coverage: Map big or rugged sites in a fraction of the time.
Detail: Crisp imagery + dense points reveal curbs, edges, and subtle grade breaks.
Cost-effective updates: Ideal for frequent progress checks and volumes.
Safety: Less exposure near traffic, slopes, and unstable ground.
Design-ready outputs: Clean EG surfaces, contours, and CAD deliverables.
Defensible accuracy: With RTK/PPK and ground control, typical results are design-grade (project dependent).

Common use cases

Topographic/design mapping for sites and corridors
Earthwork & stockpile volumes, pay quantities, and progress tracking
As-built checks before paving/closeout (pads, curb & gutter, pavements)
Roadway & drainage planning (crowns, cross-slopes, swales, tie-ins)
Construction documentation and owner reports
Environmental & vegetation monitoring (surface change over time)
Coastal/shoreline mapping on landward areas (pair with hydro for water)

Deliverables you’ll get

Orthomosaic (georeferenced aerial map)
Point cloud (LAS/LAZ, RCP/RCS)
DSM/DTM surfaces, contours, TIN
Volume reports and planimetric linework (DWG/PDF)

When to choose LiDAR instead

Under heavy tree canopy (photogrammetry models the top of vegetation)
Feature-poor or reflective surfaces (water, shiny roofs)
In those cases, we’ll recommend drone LiDAR or terrestrial scanning.

Hawaii Surveying serves Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, delivering fast, accurate photogrammetry—and, when needed, LiDAR, GNSS/RTK, and robotic total stations for full survey coverage.

Proud Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3) member crews.

Ready to get started?

We're eager to learn about your project and get to work providing a fast, precise, and high-quality solution based on your needs.