Surveying and Mapping’s Evolution through Geospatial Services and UAV Technology
Allen & Company’s Advanced Technology department is at the forefront of the geospatial evolution thanks to our fleet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
As major players in the transformation of the surveying and mapping industry, Allen & Company’s array of UAVs have been instrumental in delivering enhanced outputs for our clients. Going beyond the capabilities of traditional photogrammetry, our Advanced Technologies have ushered the firm into a new era of increased accuracy, maximized efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the field of data collection and analysis. Most importantly, our clients have seen the difference and now depend on the fidelity and richness of UAV-acquired data with our LiDAR/3D laser scanning and other technology payloads.
At Allen & Company, UAVs are reshaping the way our surveying professionals gather and utilize geospatial data for a wide range of applications, from urban planning to supporting the development of commercial and theme park projects in Florida. Whether you call them UAVs or drones, these versatile industrial aircraft take to the skies thanks to our team of FAA Part 107 licensed pilots, equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies that have been miniaturized over the years.
UAVs as Geospatial Services Assets
Traditionally, surveying and mapping tasks involved manual labor, time-intensive measurements, and costly equipment. Allen & Company’s team members have found themselves in the difficult task of trying to cover an area with thick brush, swamps, and wildlife, including dangerous rattlesnakes, alligators, and wild boar. Add to that the need to have accuracy while having to manage through difficult or inaccessible locations—all while having to meet the deadline for a demanding client. Considering all these factors, this is where our Advanced Technology team excels at using UAVs for surveying and mapping.
The adoption of drones or UAVs has revolutionized this practice by providing an efficient and accurate solution. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, and GPS technology, Allen & Company’s UAVs can quickly and precisely capture vast amounts of geospatial data—often at a fraction of the time it would take using traditional surveying methods. Once collected, the data can then be transformed into detailed 3D models, mesh graphics, and point cloud data sets, providing an unprecedented level of accuracy and detail not available a decade ago.
Specialized Applications for Surveying and Mapping
The integration of these technologies has significantly reduced the time and resources required for surveying and mapping projects, creating new possibilities for industries that rely on precise geographical information. Without question, the impact of UAVs on the surveying and mapping industry is far-reaching, with applications spanning various sectors:
- Construction and Infrastructure Development: UAVs are rapidly becoming indispensable tools for construction companies and infrastructure developers. Here in Central Florida alone, Allen & Company supports many enterprise-level builders by monitoring construction progress, analyzing geospatial data, and creating topographic maps of construction sites. As valued partners to our clients, our capabilities enhance project management, reduce errors, and promote safer working environments.
- Agricultural and Resource Management: Our UAVs have proven invaluable for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts, particularly in supporting Central Florida’s agricultural industries. The Advanced Technology teams can survey remote and sensitive ecosystems, helping municipalities and government agencies monitor wildlife populations, track deforestation, and assess the impact of severe storms and hurricanes. These insights are crucial for developing effective conservation policies, irrigation solutions, and overall effective management of our cities and towns.
- Urban Planning and Management: Urban planners leverage Allen & Company’s Advanced Technologies to create detailed urban models, analyze traffic patterns, and plan infrastructure upgrades. Our UAVs can rapidly scan, photograph, and assess the dynamics of a designated project area and create accurate resource or asset assessments. These services can also help public and private organizations in their planning for infrastructure expansion, which in turn fuels Central Florida’s progress and growth.
- Cultural Heritage Documentation: This is an area that continues to grow as cultural heritage organizations can benefit from UAVs’ ability to capture high-resolution images of historical sites and artifacts. These images facilitate the creation of detailed 3D models, aiding in the documentation and restoration of cultural heritage sites. In the event of a major storm or hurricane, this data can help manage through the rebuilding of historical landmarks, as well as document their physical condition for insurance recovery purposes.
The integration of UAVs into geospatial services offers numerous advantages that have increased their widespread adoption by Allen & Company. Through our ongoing cross-training of surveying and mapping professionals—many of whom have earned their FAA drone pilot license—we have created new opportunities in what some considered to be a “dying” profession. Instead, the profession has evolved to offer innovative services using aerial tools that continue to redefine our industry. From time and cost efficiency to enhanced accuracy and real-time data—Allen & Company can deliver the most impressive results of any competitor using state-of-the-art tools, without compromising our team members’ safety and with greater accessibility to project sites than ever before.
In the coming years, Allen & Company expects further advancements in UAV technology, with increased sensor capabilities and data processing techniques that should increase the sophistication of our deliverables. These developments will likely lead to even more refined and comprehensive geospatial services, expanding the possibilities for industries that rely on accurate and up-to-date geographical information. The rapid data collection, enhanced accuracy, and versatility of drones are reshaping how technology evolves—and at Allen & Company, we can anticipate a future where UAVs play an increasingly integral role in shaping our understanding of Central Florida’s landscapes and environments.
