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Paving the Way: How Ely Aerial Imaging Delivered Survey Level Precision with Lidar and RGB Imaging for a New Road Project

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drone flying over a new roadway

When a large construction company needed to map a 10-kilometer stretch of challenging terrain for a new road project, they turned to Ely Aerial Imaging. The task was clear but far from simple: provide an accurate picture of the land’s topography, including elevation changes, slopes, and natural obstacles, to guide the road's design and construction.

Thanks to cutting-edge drone technology and a dedicated team, Ely Aerial Imaging transformed what could have been a labour-intensive and time-consuming survey into a fast, accurate, and highly detailed process.


Understanding the Challenge


The project site was far from straightforward. Spanning semi-rural land, the area included dense tree cover, uneven ground, and even a shallow river crossing. Traditional surveying methods would have required teams to navigate this terrain manually—a time-consuming, expensive, and potentially risky endeavour.

Ely Aerial Imaging’s team quickly assessed the situation and decided to combine two advanced technologies:


  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to penetrate the dense vegetation and provide accurate ground-level elevation data.

  • RGB Imaging to create high-resolution, true-colour maps of the site.

But that wasn’t all. To ensure absolute precision, they planned to use Ground Control Points (GCPs)—markers on the ground that tie aerial data to real-world coordinates.


Planning and Execution


Laying the Groundwork

The first step was to prepare the site. The team placed 35 GCPs and Checkpoints across the project area. These were positioned strategically to cover all critical terrain features, including elevation changes and areas where accuracy was most crucial. Using a high-precision GPS receiver, the team recorded the exact coordinates of each point, ensuring centimetre-level accuracy.


“Placing the GCPs was like laying the foundation for the entire survey,” explained one of the project leads. “It’s tedious work, but it’s the key to tying everything together.”


Taking to the Skies


With the groundwork in place, it was time for the drones to take flight. Ely Aerial Imaging deployed two drones for the job:


  • A LiDAR-equipped drone flew at low altitudes, sending laser pulses to measure distances and create a 3D model of the terrain—even through the thick vegetation.

  • An RGB drone soared higher, capturing a mosaic of crisp, true-colour images that provided a clear visual representation of the site.


Multiple lidar survey flight paths were planned to ensure every inch of the terrain was covered. The drones flew under clear skies, completing the survey in just a few hours—a fraction of the time a traditional ground survey would have taken.


Turning Data into Insights


Processing the Lidar Survey Data


Back at the office, the team processed the LiDAR data to create a Digital Terrain Model (DTM). This model stripped away vegetation and structures, revealing the bare earth and providing a detailed view of the terrain.


“LiDAR is like magic,” said the lead data analyst. “It sees through everything—trees, shrubs, even shadows—and gives you the ground as it really is.”


Creating the Orthomosaic


The RGB images were stitched together into a high-resolution orthomosaic—a seamless, true-to-scale map of the area. The orthomosaic was georeferenced using the GCPs, ensuring it aligned perfectly with the LiDAR data.


Integrating the Data


The LiDAR and RGB outputs were combined into a single, cohesive map. This provided the construction company with both the precise elevation data they needed for grading and drainage planning and a clear visual overview of the site.


Delivering Results


Within days, Ely Aerial Imaging handed over the final deliverables:

  1. Digital Terrain Model (DTM): A highly accurate elevation map that revealed slopes, valleys, and other critical features.

  2. High-Resolution Orthomosaic: A visually stunning and precise map, perfect for overlaying design plans.

  3. Contour Maps and Slope Analysis: Tools to help the construction team identify potential challenges like steep slopes or flood-prone areas.


Making a Difference


The construction team immediately put the data to work. The DTM guided the road’s alignment, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming earthworks. The orthomosaic provided a visual reference for planners, while the slope analysis informed drainage system designs to prevent flooding.


“This kind of data saves weeks of work,” said the construction project manager. “And the level of detail—we’d never have gotten that from a traditional survey.”


Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead


For Ely Aerial Imaging, this project highlighted the power of combining advanced technologies like LiDAR and RGB imaging. By using drones, they not only delivered faster and more accurate results but also reduced the risks and costs associated with ground surveys.


“Every project teaches us something new,” reflected the founder of Ely Aerial Imaging. “For this one, it was all about the power of integration—how LiDAR and RGB, together with precise GCPs, can create something far greater than the sum of its parts.”

As drones continue to revolutionize industries like construction, Ely Aerial Imaging is ready to lead the charge, delivering innovative solutions for even the most complex challenges.

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