Aerial LiDAR Scanning

Services: Aerial LiDAR Scanning

What is Aerial LiDAR Scanning?

Aerial LiDAR scanning is a process that uses drone-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors to capture high-density elevation data across large land areas. By emitting rapid laser pulses and measuring their reflection from the ground, LiDAR produces a precise three-dimensional surface model, even through vegetation. At Atlas Surveying, this innovative technology allows us to complete large-scale topographic surveys with high accuracy and efficiency, especially on terrain that would traditionally require extensive field work.

Why Do You Need Aerial LiDAR Scanning?

Aerial LiDAR enables rapid data collection over expansive, complex, or heavily vegetated sites where traditional survey methods would be time-consuming or logistically challenging. This service is ideal for land development planning, mass grading verification, and site closeouts. Although not currently offered as a standalone service, our LiDAR data seamlessly supports survey deliverables such as topographic surveys, grading analysis, and construction as-builts—helping developers and contractors make faster, more informed decisions.

Key Components of Aerial LiDAR Scanning

From FAA-licensed flight planning to survey-grade CAD deliverables

  1. Flight Planning and LiDAR Acquisition:

    FAA Licensed drone pilots plan and execute flight paths using LiDAR-equipped drones, adjusting parameters such as altitude and flight density to match the scope and detail of the site.

  2. High-Resolution Point Cloud Generation:

    LiDAR pulses generate a dense 3D point cloud, capturing millions of elevation points—even penetrating light vegetation to reach the bare Earth surface.

  3. Ground Control Integration:

    LiDAR data is tied to ground control points established by field crews, ensuring survey-grade accuracy and alignment throughout the dataset.

  4. CAD and Topo Deliverables:

    The processed LiDAR data is used by our CAD team to generate detailed topographic maps and surface models for civil design, permitting, or construction documentation.

How to Request Aerial LiDAR-Supported Surveys from Atlas Surveying

To request survey deliverables supported by aerial LiDAR, please provide:

Site location and topographic scope

Intended use of LiDAR-based data (e.g., grading plan, as-built, permitting)

Project location and access details

Contact information for coordination & billing and target timeline for deliverables

Why Choose Atlas Surveying for Aerial LiDAR Scanning?

Atlas Surveying leverages state-of-the-art drone-mounted LiDAR technology in the hands of FAA certified pilots to reduce turnaround times and improve the accuracy of deliverables across large-scale projects. Our pilots, field crews, and CAD technicians work together seamlessly to provide survey-grade results, often in a fraction of the time required by conventional methods. Whether you're clearing land for development or closing out a mass grading project, our aerial LiDAR solutions give you the insight you need, fast.

Contact Atlas Surveying today to learn how aerial LiDAR scanning can support your next project with speed and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers you need to move forward with confidence

How accurate is Aerial LiDAR data?

When integrated with survey control, our LiDAR captures data with vertical accuracy around an inch.

What is LiDAR and how does it work?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. LiDAR uses laser pulses from a sensor to capture elevation data, enabling the recreation of any 3D surface. In surveying, we use LiDAR to create detailed 3D terrain models across large areas.

What types of projects benefit from aerial LiDAR?

Land development, mass grading, site planning, and topographic mapping projects all benefit from fast, high-volume LiDAR scans.