Manned Aerial Surveys

As the name implies, manned aerial surveys acquire vital geospatial data from manned aircraft including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and [hot-air] balloons. Survey sensors used in the surveys are varied and can include light detection and ranging (LiDAR), photographic, thermal, and bathymetric sensors.

Land Surveys often uses manned aerial surveys to capture fit-for-purpose geospatial data across large physical areas of interest. This requires detailed analysis of the area of interest, mission requirements, airspace restrictions, meteorological conditions, air traffic control requirements, aircraft and sensor parameters, and aircrew and ground control requirements.

Land Surveys and its aviation partners perform surveys nationally and internationally. Airborne survey data retrieved can be processed to produce a range of deliverables depending on the type of survey requested, including but not limited to digital terrain model (DTM), contours, classified point clouds, model key points (MKP), orthomosaics, multispectral data and 3D reality meshes.

Manned aircraft are used for large-scale surveys or for areas in which unmanned surveys are prohibited due to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) restrictions.

Manned airborne surveys can be used and enhanced with data derived from conventional survey equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Manned helicopters combine the benefits of both manned aeroplanes (their endurance and payload capacity) with those of UAVs (their ability to hover and get close to targets and use a small area for take-off and landing). Manned helicopters can also capture oblique imagery that is required to create accurate 3D models of vertical structures.

Manned aerial surveys can cover vast areas efficiently and accurately. Given recent advances in technology, modern airborne sensors require far less ground control than previously. LiDAR systems are equipped with advanced navigation units and multiple-return, full waveform capability enabling the creation of accurate digital elevation models (DEM) even in dense vegetation.

Unmanned aircraft are required by Australian law to not fly higher than 400 feet (122 metres), beyond the visual line of sight (unless specific CASA approval has been obtained), within three nautical miles of controlled airports (again unless CASA approval has been obtained) or within 30 metres of people. Manned aircraft are exempt from these restrictions.

Manned aerial surveys can carry large payloads and precise survey equipment that cannot be mounted on UAVs. As a result, manned aircraft can capture massive volumes of data, accurately and efficiently. The hardware and software can cope with large-scale projects and satisfy the needs of substantial datasets such as large mine sites, densely vegetated terrain, populous areas and areas covering hundreds of square kilometres.

Land Surveys has a long-standing operating history and a highly experienced workforce. It has accumulated substantial knowledge and intellectual property for 25 years and this is actively utilised daily by our 300-plus skilled staff members nationwide.
Land Surveys’ people and their collective skills and experience are the company’s strongest asset. This is readily evident across a range of functions including aerial surveying, flight planning, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, remote monitoring LiDAR processing and research and development activities

Dataset examples:

https://app.pointerra.io/pointclouds/2000251-hanging-rock-wind-farm/?guest_token=pc_C3pd8T9rF8E9YGPHnyqw4S
https://app.pointerra.io/pointclouds/2000349-neoen-mount-hopeful-wind-farm-qld/?guest_token=pc_6Ws8Zi2JBT7e6ozsxsdAcY

Located across Australia, Land Surveys has experienced professionals to capture your fit-for-purpose geospatial data. Contact us today on 1300 526 378 to find your nearest network.