Professional LiDAR Mapping Services

Our LiDAR mapping services use advanced drone-mounted laser scanners to deliver survey-grade terrain analysis and highly accurate 3D mapping for critical projects. By combining LiDAR data with RTK/PPK GPS and IMU technology, we produce centimeter-level elevation models up to 100× faster than traditional ground surveying methods.

500+

Acres Mapped Weekly

2-5cm

Vertical Accuracy

1-3cm

Horizontal Accuracy

50+

Projects Completed

Understanding LiDAR Technology

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping uses precision laser technology to capture millions of measurements per second, creating highly accurate 3D models of terrain, structures, and vegetation. Unlike traditional surveying or standard drone photography, LiDAR penetrates vegetation canopy, works in any lighting condition, and delivers centimeter-level accuracy essential for engineering, surveying, and geospatial analysis.

Why Choose LiDAR Mapping?

  • Penetrates dense vegetation to capture bare-earth terrain

  • Works effectively in overcast conditions and low light
  • Captures millions of precise measurements in minutes
  • Delivers 2-5cm vertical accuracy with ground control
  • Maps 200-400 acres per day per team
  • Safer than ground surveys on steep terrain
  • Provides multiple surface returns for complex environments
  • Creates detailed 3D models and elevation data simultaneously

Our LiDAR Technology & Equipment

DJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR System

Industry-Leading Sensor Technology

  • Vertical accuracy: 4cm with RTK

  • Horizontal accuracy: 5cm with RTK

  • 240,000 points per second capture rate

  • 450-meter maximum detection range

  • Multi-return capability for vegetation penetration

  • Coverage: Up to 2.5 km² per flight

Survey Grade Accuracy

Professional Precision Standards

  • RTK/PPK GPS corrections for cm-level accuracy

  • IMU-based orientation tracking

  • Ground control point integration when required

  • ASPRS Class 1 vertical accuracy compliance

  • USGS LiDAR Base Specification standards

  • Point cloud classification to 12 categories

  • Compatible with Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Global Mapper

Rapid Coverage Capability

Efficient Large-Area Mapping

  • 200-400 acres per day typical coverage

  • Same-day emergency deployment available

  • Challenging terrain specialists

  • Multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR + photogrammetry)

  • Difficult-access area expertise

  • Repeat surveys for change detection

  • Full processing in 7-10 business days

Complete Deliverable Suite

Professional Data Products

  • Classified point clouds (.las/.laz)

  • Digital Terrain Models (DTM)

  • Digital Elevation Models (DEM)

  • Contour maps (custom intervals)

  • High-resolution orthomosaic imagery

  • 3D mesh models and visualizations

  • CAD-compatible formats

Choosing the Right Mapping Technology

Understanding which technology best fits your project requirements

Feature LiDAR Mapping Photogrammetry Ground Survey
Vertical Accuracy 2-5cm 5-10cm <1cm*
Vegetation Penetration Excellent Poor N/A
Speed (100 acres) 1 day 1 day 2-4 weeks
Weather Dependency Low High Low
Lighting Requirements None Critical None
Dense Forest Capability Excellent Unusable Difficult
Steep Slope Safety Excellent Excellent High Risk
Cost (100 acres) $$ $ $$$$

*Ground survey more accurate but impractical for areas >5 acres

When LiDAR is the Right Choice:

  • Sites with dense vegetation or tree canopy

  • Utility corridors requiring vegetation mapping

  • Projects requiring penetration through vegetation

  • Large areas requiring rapid data collection (50+ acres)

  • Bare-earth terrain modeling needed

  • Time-critical projects with tight deadlines

  • Steep slopes, cliffs, or hazardous terrain

  • Emergency response and disaster assessment

Industries & Applications We Serve

LiDAR mapping solutions across diverse sectors and use cases

lidar mapping services

Construction & Engineering

  • Pre-construction topographic surveys
  • Cut/fill volume calculations
  • Grade verification and as-built surveys
  • Earthwork quantity analysis
  • Drainage and watershed modeling
  • Site development planning
lidar mapping services

Land Surveying & Civil Engineering

  • Topographic mapping
  • Subdivision and development planning
  • Easement documentation
  • Floodplain and hydraulic analysis
  • Digital terrain model creation
lidar mapping services

Utilities & Infrastructure

  • Transmission line corridor mapping
  • Pipeline route surveys
  • Vegetation encroachment analysis
  • Clearance verification studies
  • Pole and tower inventory
  • ROW management and planning

Environmental & Natural Resources

  • Watershed analysis and modeling
  • Stream and river mapping
  • Habitat and wildlife corridor mapping
  • Erosion monitoring
  • Landslide and slope stability assessment
  • Coastal change detection
mining-survey

Mining & Aggregates

  • Open-pit and quarry surveying
  • Stockpile volume measurements
  • Highwall stability analysis
  • Mine planning and design
  • Reclamation monitoring
  • Haul road optimization
government

Government & Municipal

  • City planning and development
  • Infrastructure assessment
  • Emergency management and response
  • Disaster documentation
  • Transportation corridor planning
  • Public works projects
forestry-lidar

Forestry & Agriculture

  • Timber cruising and inventory
  • Canopy height analysis
  • Biomass estimation
  • Precision agriculture planning
  • Irrigation system design
  • Orchard and vineyard mapping
disaster management drone services

Emergency Response &
Disaster Management

  • Landslide and subsidence documentation
  • Flood damage assessment
  • Wildfire impact mapping
  • Earthquake damage surveys
  • Storm damage evaluation
  • Critical infrastructure monitoring

Our LiDAR Mapping Process

From consultation to final deliverables in 7-10 business days

Project Consultation & Planning

We begin every project by understanding your specific needs and objectives.

  • Discuss accuracy requirements and deliverable specifications
  • Review site conditions, access, and potential challenges
  • Determine optimal flight parameters and sensor configuration
  • Identify any ground control point requirements
  • Provide detailed proposal with timeline and investment

Day 1

Pre-Flight Preparation

Proper planning ensures efficient data capture and optimal results.

  • Obtain FAA airspace authorizations (LAANC/Part 107)
  • Conduct site reconnaissance and safety assessment
  • Establish ground control points if required for maximum accuracy
  • Monitor weather conditions for optimal flight windows
  • Calibrate and test all equipment systems
  • Coordinate with site contacts and stakeholders

Days 1-3

LiDAR Data Acquisition

Our FAA-certified pilots deploy to capture your data with precision.

  • Execute flight missions according to project plan
  • Real-time data quality monitoring during capture
  • Multiple passes for comprehensive coverage
  • Simultaneous RGB imagery capture for visual context
  • Ground control survey measurements
  • Backup data verification before leaving site

Days 2-4

Data Processing & Analysis

Raw LiDAR data is transformed into actionable deliverables.

  • Point cloud generation from raw laser returns
  • Classification of ground, vegetation, buildings, water features
  • DTM and DEM creation at specified resolution
  • Contour generation at custom intervals
  • Orthomosaic processing and rectification
  • Accuracy verification against ground control
  • Multi-phase quality control review

Days 3-10

Delivery & Technical Support

Professional deliverables in formats you can use immediately.

  • Secure file transfer of all data products
  • Coordinate system and format verification
  • Technical documentation and metadata
  • Training on data usage if needed
  • Revision support for specification adjustments
  • Ongoing technical consultation
  • Data archiving for future reference

Day 7+

Technical Specifications & Capabilities

Professional-grade equipment and survey-standard accuracy

Positional Accuracy

  • Vertical (Z) Accuracy: 2-4cm RMSE with ground control points
  • Horizontal (XY) Accuracy: 3-5cm RMSE with ground control points
  • Relative Accuracy: 1-2cm within survey area
  • Absolute Accuracy: Meets ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards
  • GPS: RTK/PPK corrections for cm-level positioning
  • Compliance: ASPRS Class 1, USGS LiDAR Base Specification

Point Cloud Characteristics

  • Point Density (Standard): 50-100 points per square meter
  • Point Density (High-Density): 100-200 points per square meter
  • Point Density (Custom): Up to 300 points/m² on request
  • Pulse Rate: 240,000 pulses per second
  • Scan Rate: Up to 100 scans per second
  • Multiple Returns: Up to 5 returns per pulse
  • Classification: 12 ASPRS standard classes

Coverage & Performance

  • Daily Coverage: 200-400 acres (terrain dependent)
  • Maximum Detection Range: 450 meters above ground level
  • Typical Flying Height: 80-120 meters AGL
  • Swath Width: 160-200 meters at typical altitude
  • Point Spacing: 10-20cm at standard density
  • Flight Speed: 8-12 m/s typical
  • Overlap: 50% minimum for optimal coverage

File Formats & Software Compaitibility

Point Cloud Formats:

  • .las / .laz (standard LiDAR format)
  • .e57 (ASTM standard)
  • .xyz (ASCII point cloud)
  • .ply (polygon file format)

Compatible Software:

  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • ArcGIS Pro / ArcMap
  • Global Mapper
  • CloudCompare (free)
  • QGIS (free)

Frequently Asked Questions

Drone photography (photogrammetry) creates 3D models by analyzing overlapping photographs, while LiDAR uses laser pulses to directly measure distances. LiDAR excels in vegetated areas (it can “see through” gaps in tree canopy), works in any lighting condition, and provides superior vertical accuracy (2-5cm vs 5-10cm for photogrammetry). Photogrammetry offers better visual detail and color information. Many projects benefit from combining both technologies.

Drone LiDAR achieves 2-5cm vertical accuracy with ground control points—sufficient for most engineering, construction, and surveying applications. While ground surveys can achieve sub-centimeter accuracy, they’re impractical for large areas, can’t safely access dangerous terrain, and are 50-100x slower. For projects over 5-10 acres, LiDAR offers the best balance of accuracy, speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Yes and no. LiDAR pulses can penetrate gaps in forest canopy, with typically 70-90% of pulses reaching the ground in moderate vegetation. The laser doesn’t actually see “through” leaves, but rather finds openings between them. Multiple returns from each pulse allow us to capture both canopy height and ground elevation simultaneously. This makes LiDAR far superior to photogrammetry for forested or vegetated sites.

LiDAR becomes cost-effective around 25-50 acres, though we handle projects of any size when LiDAR’s specific capabilities are needed (vegetation penetration, rapid delivery, hazardous terrain). The technology truly excels on large areas—100+ acres or corridor projects—where ground surveying would be time-prohibitive and expensive.

Data acquisition in the field: 200-400 acres per day depending on terrain and required point density. Total project timeline including processing: 7-10 business days is standard. For time-critical projects, we can often provide preliminary data within 24 hours and rush final deliverables in 48-72 hours. Emergency response projects get same-day or next-day mobilization.

You can hire a professional aerial surveying company to fly your property with a LiDAR-equipped drone or aircraft. After the site is scanned, the provider processes the data into deliverables like a point cloud, DEM/DTM, contours, and orthomosaics. Most providers, including AeroViews, can deliver files in formats such as LAS, LAZ, DXF, DWG, and GeoTIFF. For small sites, a drone LiDAR scan is usually the fastest and most cost-effective option.

Pricing depends on acreage, terrain, and required deliverables. Drone LiDAR surveys often start around $8–$15 per acre for large sites and $2,500–$5,000 minimums for small sites due to mobilization, processing, and ground control. Complex environments (dense vegetation, steep terrain, or engineering-grade accuracy) can increase the cost.

No. Google Maps does not display LiDAR data. It uses satellite imagery, aerial photography, and Street View imagery. Some regions in Google Earth Pro use elevation sources derived from government LiDAR, but Google Maps itself does not provide access to raw LiDAR point clouds or survey-grade data.

Yes, in many places. In the United States, numerous states publish free or low-cost LiDAR datasets through government GIS portals. These are typically captured by manned aircraft and can range from low-density to high-density point clouds. However, public datasets may not have the accuracy or freshness required for engineering, construction, or property-specific design work—so private LiDAR surveys are often required for precise, up-to-date data.

Aerial mapping uses unmanned aerial systems and licensed professionals to collect data from new heights across large locations quickly. It captures geospatial data and detailed image production, enabling crews to work with unmatched efficiency. These aerial methods reach places that traditional methods struggle with, saving time and money while giving clients a clear view of their sites.

LiDAR sensors are powerful tools used in lidar services to filter data and produce precise 3D models. By enabling efficient data capture from a vehicle or UAS platform, they gather information quickly across different terrains. Professional crews use advanced lidar sensors as a key part of providing clients high-quality production results.

Data capture refers to the process of collecting image and geospatial data needed for the final deliverables. Crews gather information from UAS flights or other vehicles to maximize reach and efficiency. This enables quick production for clients at a lower cost than traditional methods. With the right tools, every location surveyed becomes a strong example of advanced geospatial technology in action.

Lidar services are used to create highly accurate 3D elevation data, especially when clients need large areas mapped quickly. Licensed professionals collect data using specialized equipment and lidar sensors to produce clean, filtered outputs. These services offer major advantages on projects involving multiple locations or complex terrains, helping crews deliver results with speed and precision.

This technology offers unmatched precision because it captures detailed geospatial data and image information from above, rather than relying solely on traditional ground methods. It enables efficient production of models that are accurate and reliable. Professional crews ensure clients receive the best results possible while keeping the project moving quickly.

LiDAR excels in challenging terrains like forests, steep slopes, or uneven ground where ground crews would struggle. Using unmanned aerial systems helps reach distant locations, enabling teams to collect data quickly with reduced cost and risk. These advantages make LiDAR a key solution for projects where other methods fall short.

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