Drone Solutions for Mapping and Surveying
Welcome to Candrone, where you'll find the future of mapping and surveying precision. We specialize in offering the mapping and surveying sector UAV aerial solutions. Our drone solutions, outfitted with sensors such as LiDAR, are the perfect addition to your mapping and surveying projects.
We provide a range of drone technology tailored for every facet of mapping and surveying work. Whether you require a drone for terrain mapping, structural inspections, or environmental assessment, we offer a variety of solutions for the task. Explore our portfolio of products below and reach out to our team for a consultation.
Why use drones for Surveying and Mapping
Drones have revolutionized the fields of surveying and mapping, offering several compelling advantages over traditional methods. Here are the top four reasons to use drones for these purposes:
Efficiency & Speed
Drones can cover large areas of land in a short amount of time, significantly speeding up the data collection process. This is particularly advantageous in large-scale projects or in areas that are difficult to access. The ability to quickly gather data means faster turnaround times for projects.
Cost Reduction
Using drones for surveying and mapping can be more cost-effective than traditional methods, which often require manned aircraft or extensive ground-based teams. Drones reduce the need for human labor and can access difficult terrain, leading to substantial cost savings on large and small projects alike.
Improved Safety
Drones minimize the need for surveyors to physically access potentially dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, such as steep terrains, high elevations, or hazardous sites. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the safety of personnel, making drones an attractive option for surveying projects with safety concerns.
Accurate Data
Modern drones are equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies that provide high-resolution photos and videos, enabling precise measurements and detailed maps. They can capture a wealth of data, including topographical information and 3D models, with a level of detail and accuracy that matches or exceeds traditional surveying methods.
Case Study
In Port Moody, British Columbia, a forestry client needed to conduct precise tree segmentation to support vegetation analysis and management in a densely forested area. Traditional methods like manual surveys or aerial photos lacked the resolution and efficiency required for accurate individual tree delineation, particularly in a complex terrain with overlapping canopies and varied elevations. The client needed a fast, reliable solution that could provide high-resolution data and clear segmentation across a large, vegetated area.
The Drone Solution:
Candrone deployed a DJI Matrice 300 RTK equipped with the Zenmuse L1 LiDAR sensor to collect a high-density point cloud over the study area. Once the data was captured, it was processed using LiDAR360 software, which provided a powerful toolkit for tree segmentation and terrain modeling. Candrone’s team used advanced algorithms within LiDAR360 to filter ground and non-ground points, generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and apply tree segmentation tools to identify individual tree crowns. The workflow combined drone-based LiDAR capture with GIS analysis, enabling precise classification of tree structures.
The Outcome:
The result was a successful segmentation of individual trees, visualized with a color-coded point cloud to differentiate each tree crown. The process revealed critical forest metrics, including tree height, crown dimensions, and canopy density. This level of detail empowered the client with actionable data for forest management decisions, delivered in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods. Candrone's integration of drone LiDAR and LiDAR360 software not only met the technical requirements—it showcased how a tailored UAV solution could solve a complex forestry challenge efficiently and accurately.
Lidar360 Tree Segmentation Case Study in Port Moody, British Columbia
Sustainable forest management requires a robust forest inventory. Luckily the advancements in UAV lidar systems are allowing for accurate extraction of forest metrics. Traditionally, forest metrics (including tree height and...
Best Drones for Surveying and Mapping
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK Combo: The Matrice 350 RTK supports Waypoint, Mapping, Oblique, and Linear missions, making high-precision mapping efficient. With Terrain Follow and Smart Oblique, you can obtain HD 2D and 3D digital results quickly, enabling high-precision and high-efficiency mapping.
- DJI Mavic 3E Photogrammetry Mapping Kit: The Mavic 3 Enterprise Photogrammetry Kit is for professionals eager to embark on drone mapping. This kit is ideal for surveyors, GIS professionals, and anyone in need of a comprehensive drone mapping solution. It includes both the necessary hardware and software components.
- Freefly Astro Hovermap LiDAR Mining Kit: Embrace the future of aerial surveying with the Hovermap and Freefly Astro drone bundle. This pioneering combination, designed for survey-grade data capture in challenging and GPS-denied environments, offers unmatched autonomy and mapping capabilities.
High Precision LiDAR Sensor
DJI Zenmuse L2
The Zenmuse L2 represents DJI's cutting-edge LiDAR technology, tailored for seamless integration with the Matrice 300 (With RC Plus Controller) and Matrice 350 RTK drones.
Aerial LiDAR for Surveying and Mapping
UAV LiDAR systems have transformed the surveying and mapping industry by providing highly accurate topographical data, detailed terrain models, volumetric measurements, and precise contour mapping with a speed and efficiency that far surpass traditional survey methods. The Zenmuse L2 LiDAR, fully compatible with the Matrice 300/350 series drones, represents DJI's most advanced LiDAR sensor for aerial surveying tasks. Its flawless integration into the DJI ecosystem simplifies operation, offering an intuitive experience for users.
For those who prefer granular control over data processing, the GreenValley LiDAR system offers a robust alternative. In contexts where GPS is unreliable or unavailable, such as dense forests or urban canyons, the Emesent Hovermap emerges as a leading solution. This SLAM-based LiDAR system is designed to cater to the unique challenges of surveying and mapping in GPS-denied environments. It not only provides high-precision mapping capabilities but also enables autonomous drone navigation, making it an invaluable tool for accessing and mapping hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
Handheld SLAM LiDAR Units for Surveying and Mapping
Handheld LiDAR scanners deliver highly accurate topographical data, intricate terrain models, volumetric assessments, and precise contour mappings with unprecedented speed and efficiency compared to traditional surveying methods. Among the forefront of these innovations is the integration of advanced handheld SLAM LiDAR technology into surveying practices, providing a mobile and versatile solution for data collection in diverse environments.
SLAM LiDAR, which stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping using Light Detection and Ranging, is a revolutionary technology particularly suited to handheld scanners like the Hovermap and LiGrip. It enables these devices to create high-precision maps of their surroundings while simultaneously determining their own location within that space, even in environments where GPS is unreliable or unavailable.
Software Solutions for Surveying and Mapping
Software solutions like LiDAR 360 and DJI Terra are powerful tools for processing and analyzing topographical data, detailed terrain models, volumetric measurements, and precise contour mapping collected by UAV LiDAR systems. DJI Terra, particularly well-integrated with DJI's drone ecosystem, offers a seamless operation experience, making it user-friendly for aerial surveying tasks. On the other hand, LiDAR 360 stands out for its comprehensive data processing capabilities, providing a robust solution for those requiring detailed analysis and control over their surveying projects.
Photogrammetry Solution
DJI Zenmuse P1 45mp Full-frame
The DJI Zenmuse P1 full-frame camera designed for the Matrice 300/350. The DJI Zenmuse P1 is a groundbreaking aerial surveying tool that integrates a full-frame sensor with interchangeable fixed-focus lenses on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal.
Surveying and Mapping Accessories
These tools are engineered for seamless integration with surveying drones. Their robust design and portability make them ideal for field operations in various environments, from urban areas to remote landscapes. Together, these accessories are essential tools in the surveying and mapping toolkit, enhancing data accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
