Frequently Asked Questions

What is GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyses, and maps all types of spatial and non-spatial data. With GIS, you can take all sorts of data that have a geographic component and visualise them on a map. For example, you can map the locations of different businesses, the distribution of natural resources, population density, or even the spread of diseases. This helps us understand patterns, relationships, and trends that might not be obvious in raw data alone.

GIS is used in many different fields, such as urban planning, environmental management, public health, transportation, emergency response, construction, mining and even marketing. By combining spatial data with other types of information, GIS allows us to make better decisions, solve complex problems, and gain valuable insights.

What is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing is the process of gathering information about an object or area from a distance, without physically being there. It involves using various technologies and sensors to detect and measure objects, features, or phenomena on the Earth's surface or in the atmosphere.

One of the most common examples of remote sensing is satellite imagery. Satellites orbiting the Earth are equipped with sensors that can capture images and data from space. These sensors can record different types of information, such as visible light, infrared radiation, or radar signals, depending on their purpose.

What is Machine Control?

Machine control is a technology used in construction and earthmoving operations that allows heavy equipment, such as excavators, dozers, graders, and pavers, to be controlled and guided with high precision using digital models and positioning systems.

Traditionally, construction projects relied on surveyors to stake out the site and provide reference points for equipment operators to follow. This process was time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to human error. Machine control automates and streamlines this process, improving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

What is Site Engineering?

A setting out engineer is a professional who plays a crucial role in construction projects, particularly in the early stages of site preparation and layout. They are responsible for translating the architectural and engineering designs into physical reality on the construction site.

Setting out engineers typically use a variety of surveying equipment, such as total stations, levels, theodolites, and GPS systems, to accurately measure and mark positions on the site. They also rely on specialised software such as GIS and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to interpret and transfer the design data.

What are Drone Surveys?

Drone surveying is a modern technique that involves using drones or small unmanned aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors to capture aerial data and imagery for various surveying and mapping applications.

Traditional surveying methods often involve ground-based equipment and personnel physically measuring and inspecting sites, which can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and sometimes dangerous or inaccessible. Drone surveying offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer alternative, particularly for large or challenging areas.

What are the benefits and advantages of Drone Surveys?

The advantages of drone surveying include faster data acquisition, ability to visualise project/site conditions without putting boots on the ground, improved safety by eliminating the need for personnel in hazardous areas, cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods, and the ability to capture high-resolution data from unique perspectives.

What are the types of Drone Surveys?

At LAT, we specialise in geospatial solutions and services. Drone surveys are at the heart of data collection and we provide two main types; photogrammetry and LiDAR. We also provide videography and photography services for projects such as building/structural inspections.

Photogrammetry surveys rely on collecting a series of images along a predefined route with a minimum of 60% overlap both front and side. Once the images are collected, they are stitched together to generate 2D and 3D mapping outputs. These are passive remote sensing surveys that rely on the natural light conditions to collect data. They are perfect for projects such as buildings, infrastructure, or construction overviews, stockpile calculations, etc.

LiDAR surveys utilise an eye-safe laser that emits from the platform to the ground and back. Usually, modern LiDAR platforms allow for multiple returns meaning the lasers can penetrate vegetation canopies to collect topographic data. The latest UAS-borne LiDAR platforms also combine photogrammetry methods that allow for a colourised point cloud output and the generation of a 2D orthomosaic. These are active remote sensing surveys that rely on the laser pulses being generated from the platform. They are prefect for projects such as infrastructure or construction overviews, stockpile calculations, long/linear features such as breakwaters, archaeology exploration, etc.

How accurate are Drone Surveys?

With modern technology and a vast experience in drone surveys, we are typically achieving 2-3cm real world accuracy. This is achieved by utilising the latest RTK technology, sufficient and well placed Ground Control Points (GCPs) and Check Points (CPs), and ample overlap between data.

When conducting photogrammetry surveys, sufficient overlap between captured images are crucial to the success of the survey. The altitude directly impacts the quality of the imagery (along with other factors) and contributes towards the Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) - this relates to the measurements of each pixel in the image output and the distance it represents in the real-world for example, 1.5cm/pixel.