Drone Surveying in Ontario

Drone Surveying and Mapping, Available on Request

Geo Vision Surveying Inc provides drone surveying and mapping on request, as one of several tools we use to measure a site. For many projects, ground surveying with robotic total stations and GPS/GNSS receivers is the right method. Drone mapping makes sense where a site is large and open, where a full visual record is valuable, or where ground access is limited. We assess each project and recommend the method that delivers the information you need at a sensible cost.

What's Included

• Project assessment: site size, ground cover, access, airspace and the information required.
• Ground control: control points measured with GPS/GNSS or total station, so the mapping ties to a known reference.
• Flight and capture: planned flights over the agreed area, subject to weather and operating rules.
• Processing: creation of the agreed mapping products from the imagery.
• Ground checks: where design-grade detail is needed, key areas are confirmed with ground measurements.

When Drone Surveying Fits

• Large open sites where ground surveying every point would take much longer
• Site documentation and progress records on construction and development projects
• Earthworks and stockpile surfaces, where the site and required detail are suitable
• Areas that are difficult or unsafe to walk
• Preliminary mapping for planning before a detailed topographic survey

Drone mapping is not the best fit for every job. Areas under tree cover, small lots, building interiors and work needing tight elevation checks are usually better measured from the ground or with SLAM LiDAR scanning. Most stockpile and earthworks measurements are done by total station and GPS/GNSS, with the drone available when it adds value.

Equipment and Methods

Drone flights are combined with ground control measured using GPS/GNSS receivers or robotic total stations. Accuracy depends on ground control, flight height, the camera or sensor and site conditions, so we agree the accuracy your project needs before confirming the method. Flight feasibility, site access, weather and operating requirements are reviewed before scheduling, and flights follow Transport Canada's drone safety rules.

Deliverables

Deliverables are agreed for each project and may include:

• Orthomosaic images of the site
• Surface models and contours
• Stockpile or earthworks volume calculations
• CAD drawings of mapped features, where agreed

Our Process

1. Send the details. Your site location, the purpose of the survey, the area to cover and the deliverables you need.
2. Method check. We assess whether drone mapping, ground surveying or a mix of both suits the site.
3. Plan and control. We plan the flight and set or measure ground control.
4. Capture. We fly the agreed area when conditions allow, and check coverage on site.
5. Process and deliver. We prepare and check the agreed mapping products and deliver them in the agreed formats.

For design-grade ground detail, see topographic surveys; for grade checks on earthworks, see grading surveys; and for layout once design is approved, see construction surveying.