Just what is design level survey mapping anyway?
There are two types of aerial mapping.
Design level survey mapping
and
3D mapping
.
3D mapping
is done at various levels of accuracy and flying heights mostly with manned aircraft ranging from 1' to 15' contour levels. This type of mapping is generally not used by design engineers to create accurate man-made features. It is used for dirt quantities, layout and design of roads, highways, power lines, etc.
The lowest that manned aircraft can fly is at 1000' AGL which equates to 2.5cm level mapping which is design level mapping but very expensive to aquire.
Design level survey mapping
is also
3D mapping
however the accuracy is within 0.07' (2 cm) or better. Engineers and Architects can use this mapping to design man made features such as buildings, parking lots, streets and so on that require a higher level of accuracy.
Drones can easily capture imagery for design level survey mapping if done right.
One button solutions using automated flight software can achieve
3D mapping
at various levels of accuracies depending upon the drone camera/sensor and software being used for processing.
Design level survey mapping
is the next level which takes more than a one button solution.