Aerial LiDAR

Deployed in a matter of minutes, UAVs or drones capture data that can be analyzed and accessed within hours rather than days or weeks. The visual data that’s gathered by our drone team is used to create an accurate 3D model for planning and preliminary design.

WHAT WE DO

Equipped with downward-facing LiDAR sensors or cameras for collecting data, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drones or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), are another tool that TWM uses to take aerial views of a job site. These tools carry out topographic surveys in a fraction of the time as traditional methods. The ground is photographed several times from multiple vantage points and each angle is geo-tagged with coordinates to produce thousands of measurements. From this data, detailed 3D maps/models of the project area can be produced and used to extract information.

Our Riegl-based LiDAR sensors can scan the ground from the sky, seeing past vegetation to get a bare-earth model. Equipped with high-end IMUs, we can generate survey-grade, design-ready topographic surveys of practically any site.

With aerial mapping, drones can fly at low altitude and capture data throughout any atmospheric conditions or unsafe areas, such as steep slopes, harsh terrain, or otherwise inaccessible areas. Consistent and high-accuracy outputs result in greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness on projects of almost any size.

Orthomosaic Maps

Our drones can collect imagery that can be processed into high-resolution, detail-rich, orthophotos by combining many smaller images. These photos are orthorectified to remove the perspective that is inherent with any image. This deliverable is ideal for viewing large land areas, getting precise measurements on construction sites, monitoring vegetation or crop health, and performing inspections.

Orthomosaic Maps

3D Point Cloud

Densified point clouds can be generated from drone images or collected directly with our LiDAR sensors. Each point has its own set of coordinates (x, y, and z) to measure an object’s depth, shape, and elevation. When collected and combined into a series of points (usually in the millions or even billions), this is called a point cloud. These data-rich assets provide virtual representations of a geographical area, terrain, or building to analyze distances, volumes, and on-site progress. Our team uses LiDAR and photogrammetry methods to capture data.

3D Point Cloud

Digital Surface & Terrain Models

These mapping methods capture acquired points on the ground or follow the structures on the surface. Both applications generate accurate positioning points, and our team deploys both LiDAR and photogrammetry mapping techniques. For high-vegetation areas, LiDAR is more effective as it can penetrate gaps to reach ground level terrain while photogrammetry is better suited to capture surface level topographical features.

Digital Surface & Terrain Models

Contour Lines

Drones offer the opportunity to capture the high density of topographic points that are necessary for small contour intervals. These contour lines connect all the points of similar elevation together and is used to calculate project metrics of varying terrain profiles such as slopes, water flow and drainage systems, cost estimates, surface hazards, and volumes of materials.

Contour Lines

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Our Work & Projects

Explore some of TWM’s UAV projects that demonstrate our design expertise, technical knowledge, and comprehensive range of capabilities.

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The Power of Aerial LiDAR Quickly Transforms Data to Deliverables

Advanced. Affordable. Accurate. TWM has numerous survey crew chiefs who have their FAA Part 107 certification for capturing data with TWM’s UAV (drone) aircrafts. In addition to our state-of-the-art equipment for aerial LiDAR photogrammetry/imaging, our firm uses high-definition 3D laser scanning/terrestrial LiDAR for precision data and mobile LiDAR to collect data at highway speeds. By utilizing this technology, TWM can help design professionals save time, increase revenue, minimize risk, and correct conflicts prior to construction.

  • Rapidly takes photos of an entire site or structure from multiple angles or panoramic view

  • Maps large exterior areas or difficult to access areas

  • Limits exposure to site hazards

  • Reduces field time and survey costs

  • Provides accurate and comprehensive data

  • Live video feed

TYPICAL PROJECTS

  • Aerial mapping/photography

  • Topographic surveys

  • Overhead structures and structure inspections

  • Site assessment and planning

  • Utility monitoring/GIS mapping

  • Construction observation

  • Emergency response

OTHER GEOSPATIAL SERVICES

TWM separates itself from the competition by using state-of-the-art technology for data collection. Besides traditional surveying methods, we own, operate, and test reality capture tools daily, including UAVs, mobile/terrestrial LiDAR units, and the accompanying software.

We have the resources to provide multiple, fully-equipped survey crews matched to a project’s needs. Our expertise includes boundary, ALTA, right-of-way, construction, and engineering surveys.

This reality capture data tool uses an advanced high definition laser scanner to collect millions of data points in a fraction of the time of conventional methods.

An innovative mapping solution, this reality capture technology completes data collection five times faster by collecting survey-quality point data measurements, simply by walking or driving at highway speeds.

For water dependent projects, TWM offers a highly skilled team of professionals who measure and map water bodies and shorelines to capture full coverage and data.

Combining visual features with supporting databases, this digital mapping method is used to maintain utilities, monitor transportation conditions, and other activities.

TWM employs various detecting equipment to survey and map underground utilities and log utility depth and offset. Data is easily exportable to GIS, CAD, and other applications.

Also known as construction staking, TWM’s services use robotic total stations, 3D laser scanners, and digital levels to provide accurate construction plan data.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. NOTHING LESS.

That’s our company mission and our promise to you. Our success is built upon a solid reputation for getting the job done right. One thing we are particularly proud of is approximately 95% of TWM’s work comes from repeat business. We believe our resolution of challenges sets us apart, and based on our level of repeat business, we think our clients will agree.