Rekon Solutions

Your Challenges

Challenge 7: Engineering-Grade Topographic Survey for Design Planning

Designing for hillside terrain comes with complexity. For this residential development project, Rekon combined drone LiDAR and photogrammetry to map 116 hectares of brush-covered slope. It gave engineers a reliable bare-earth model to build on with confidence.

The Problem

The client needed highly detailed topographic data to inform their engineering design team. The terrain (that was a desert hillside with sagebrush and scattered trees) required more than photogrammetry alone could deliver to achieve bare-earth accuracy.

The Rekon Solution

We deployed drone-based LiDAR to penetrate vegetation and generate an accurate bare-earth elevation model, supported by photogrammetry for high-resolution visuals. With 116 hectares of sloped terrain and sparse vegetation, this dual approach ensured the data was both precise and easy to interpret for the design team.

Understanding the Site First

After site review, we confirmed partial vegetation with scattered trees and brush. While photogrammetry could suffice, LiDAR was chosen to capture the true ground surface beneath vegetation and rugged terrain.

Smooth Aerial Operations

  • Mapped 116 hectares of hillside terrain
  • Used existing access roads for efficient ground survey
  • Executed LiDAR and photogrammetry flights without major complications
  • Transported and processed data in-office post-capture

Deliverables That Informed Design

  • Bare-Earth DEM derived from LiDAR
  • High-resolution orthoimagery from photogrammetry
  • LAZ, DSM, contours, orthophotos
  • Propeller access for client-side viewing and measurement

The Long-Term Impact

  • [✓] Delivered topographic data ready for design integration
  • [✓] Combined visuals and bare-earth elevation for deeper site understanding
  • [✓] Saved time by avoiding terrain-induced data gaps
  • [✓] Enabled design team to move forward with precision and confidence

Rekon Let’s You Map Smarter

From forests to highways, our drone and LiDAR solutions deliver accuracy, speed, and peace of mind. Let’s talk about your project Now.