Remote sensing from above

Stoney-Miller Consultants began offering sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial Systems, a.k.a. drone) services to our clients in 2019. This technology has allowed SMC to offer rapidly produced aerial imagery, georeferenced 3D models and contour maps for individual projects. The ability to acquire position data from the onboard GPS makes our sUAS the perfect tool for collecting highly accurate data. Drone technology makes acquiring imagery and data in hard to reaches areas, such as mountainous terrain, tall structures, or bluff faces, an easy and quick task.

In addition to aerial imagery, we offer LiDAR (laser imaging, detection and ranging) data acquisition and data reduction services. With an onboard LiDAR sensor, our sUAS are capable of capturing high resolution elevation surveys. LiDAR is also well-suited to areas with high vegetative coverage as the mechanics of the system allow for multiple returns of the internal laser, measuring both the vegetative canopy and the ground surface. Our equipment consists of a Quanergy M8 Ultra LiDAR sensor and Sony A6000 camera mounted to an AEVEX Geo-MMS (mobile mapping system). This payload combination allows us to capture LiDAR data while simultaneously capturing 24MP photos of the project site with great precision. The collected LiDAR data and photos are then processed into a point cloud and orthomosaic image of the entire project site. This data can then be further processed into a colorized point cloud, digital surface/terrain model, or contour map, depending on our client’s needs. Our LiDAR payload is carried by our DJI Matrice 600 Pro sUAS, providing the flight time to cover a 50-acre site in about 20 minutes. With multiple sets of batteries and additional flights, this allows us to cover hundreds of acres in a single day.

Our drones typically fly at altitudes of 100-400 feet above ground, allowing our clients to continue work at the ground level.

Output formats include GIS and CAD/BIM compatible files, as well as Cloud hosted solutions for imagery, 3D models and meshes, which are easily accessed from any device with internet browser capability. Our on-staff team of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) licensed (FAA Part 107) sUAS pilots are extremely knowledgeable of the guidelines regulating these systems, ensuring our clients that their projects will conform with Federal, State, and local regulations.

Please contact Vince Murdzak in our Aliso Viejo, CA office @ (949)380-4886 for your project needs. We are happy to provide sample data!

Application and Uses

  • Power Utilities Mapping/Inspection

  • Telecommunications Tower/Equipment Photography and 3D Modeling

  • Stockpile Measurement

  • Landslide Identification

  • Transportation Corridor Mapping

  • Mining - Highly Accurate Pit Models

  • Flood Control Mapping

  • Construction and Earthwork Progress Monitoring - Time Lapse Photography

  • Landslide and Slope Stability Documentation

  • Bluff Edge Delineation Studies (Suited to California Coastal Commission Permitting Requirements)

  • Terrain Modeling (e.g. DSM/DTM and Hydrologic Modeling)

  • Erosion Monitoring

  • Grading - Precise Volume Estimations

  • Pavement Inspections