Frequently asked questions
The basics on our services, deliverables, and how we work. Don’t see your question? Ask us directly.
What’s the difference between photogrammetry and LiDAR?
Photogrammetry takes 3D measurements from many overlapping photographs, and it’s the best choice for true-color surfaces and orthophotos. LiDAR uses laser pulses, and some of them reach the ground through gaps in vegetation, so it can map bare earth that photos can’t see. We offer both and often combine them on one project.
Should I choose UAV LiDAR or manned aerial mapping?
It depends on the size of the area and the detail you need. Drones are ideal for focused, high-resolution capture of a site or corridor; our manned UltraCam Falcon camera is built for large-area, state-grade coverage. For large vegetated areas we can fly a hybrid mission that pairs imagery with LiDAR. Tell us the site and we’ll recommend the right fit.
What deliverable formats do you provide?
Point clouds in LAS/LAZ, orthophotos in GeoTIFF, surfaces and linework in DWG/DXF (Civil 3D-ready), terrain and contour products, KMZ, and PDF map sheets. Tell us what software your team uses and we’ll match it.
Do your surface models import into Civil 3D?
Yes. We deliver TIN surfaces, breaklines, and contours that drop directly into Civil 3D and AutoCAD, so your engineers can start designing without reprocessing the data.
What’s the difference between a DTM and a DSM?
A DTM (digital terrain model) is the bare-earth surface with buildings and vegetation removed. A DSM (digital surface model) keeps the first surface: rooftops, tree canopy, and structures. Many projects use both.
Can LiDAR really capture the ground under trees?
In vegetated terrain, a portion of each laser pulse reaches the ground through gaps in the canopy, so LiDAR can reconstruct bare earth where photography only sees treetops. It’s one of the main reasons to choose LiDAR for forestry, corridors, and brushy sites.
What is 3D reality capture?
It means building a 3D model of a real site from aerial capture. The result is a colorized point cloud or reality mesh you can use for digital twins, visualization, measurement, and design coordination.
How accurate is the data?
We deliver to the accuracy your project specifies and work to ASPRS mapping-accuracy standards. Tell us the tolerance your application needs and we’ll plan the capture to meet it.
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast, with statewide capability.
What do you need from me to quote a project?
A boundary of the area, plus the deliverables you need, the accuracy or scale required, and your timeline. The quote form has an optional “Outline your site” step: draw the area (or a corridor, for a pipeline or road) straight onto a satellite map, attach a KMZ or KML you already have, or just describe the location with an address, a parcel number (APN), or nearby landmarks. Send whatever you have and we’ll ask for anything else.
How do I get started?
Send us the project location and what you’re trying to accomplish through our contact form, and we’ll recommend the right capture method and deliverable and get you a quote.