Advantages of airborne LiDAR

Speed of survey

Airborne LiDAR acquisition and processing is one of the fastest ways of performing a topographic survey.  Typical progress rates for linear infrastructure routes - such as electricity transmission lines or highways - are 50–100 miles (80–160 km ), per day.

High resolution

Greater than 40 LiDAR points per square meter can be captured, by an aerial LiDAR system.  For terrain modeling, this ensures that even the most subtle topographic variations will be recorded.  For as-built surveys, assets are recorded in high definition.  During consultation, Network Mapping will suggest a resolution suitable for your project requirements.  We establish ground truthing sites for all projects surveyed conventionally, and use these to provide an accuracy statement - signed off and verified by a licensed surveyor - for the final products.

Accuracy

Our aerial survey acquisition parameters and ground-based differential control will be tailored to meet your accuracy requirements.

Cost

LiDAR surveys can represent significant cost savings, compared to traditional forms of topographical survey.  Including the survey cost, our clients typically report that survey outputs enable them to reduce end-to-end project costs, through an enhanced ability to expedite project timescales and ensure efficiencies in design.

Canopy Penetration

One of the most significant features of LIDAR is 'multi-pulse sensing' - whereby the first returned pulse indicates the highest point, and the last pulse denotes the lowest survey measurement.  There may also be multiple 'mid pulses' (up to 3).  As a result, LIDAR has the ability to “see” through vegetation.  This means that engineering designs will be based on the true ground surface, rather than the tops of vegetation.