What AI Brings to Surveying
If you thought drones were an exciting advancement in surveying, hold on to your hats–AI is upping the capabilities of both data capture and processing. Driving greater precision and greater analytic capability, and more informed decision making, the application of AI has changed geospatial engineering forever.
Automated drones can capture millions of data points in an instant. AI streamlines the capture process but is even more effective during post processing, AI speeds up insights and analysis and reduces the time it takes to convert massive point clouds into a whole array of maps and models. It also eliminates much of the chance of human error.
One example of the way AI is transforming surveying is through improvements to digital elevation models, AI extracts elevation information from every pixel and finds the highest spot above the ground. Artificial neural networks have proved capable of rendering the most accurate DEMs to date, removing all vegetation and man made improvements to reveal bare earth contours.
More than 3D Maps and Models
Drone surveying is capable of so much more than producing maps and models, though, including inspections, monitoring, construction verification, charting change over time, thermal imaging, volumetrics, and more.
Machine learning is just like it sounds. As more and more historical data is accumulated, AI learns to recognize patterns and can spot anomalies, predict failure, detect defects, and suggest actions. The capabilities of AI are just beginning to be fully realized in the construction and manufacturing industries, as well as other fields.
Darling Geomatics “Truth It” Commitment
With our commitment to precision, Darling Geomatics provides an added layer of quality assurance: “ground truthing.” Ground truthing relates real, observable, measurable data to remotely collected data for purposes of calibration. We verify that output is correct and accurate.
We do this with ground control points (GCPs). Strategically placed GCPs help us validate, or “truth,” our work. Like an airplane when they fly, we set targets on the ground to measure accuracy and distance. We can then use the coordinates of the GCPs to correctly align 3D digital maps and models with the physical world.
GCPs allow us to set a verifiable, exact distance from point A to B. Without GCPs, you are guessing within 10 feet where you are within a given mile.
The addition of more GCPs adds to the accuracy of a survey. Sub-centimeter accuracy is needed for aerial control, although sub-millimeter might be required for other projects.
Our decades of expertise in the surveying field and rigorous attention to detail make us industry leaders. The capability of modern geospatial software is amazing; still, trust but verify is our maxim.
Darling Geomatics Stays on the Cutting Edge
As you have surely surmised, drone surveying is much more than just providing pretty aerial pictures. Drones do the heavy-lifting, capturing in just one flight the massive amount of data needed to fuel an array of 2D and 3D deliverables that meet the accuracy standards needed for engineering.
Our award-winning team of surveyors has over two decades of experience in the industry. We’ve made it a matter of pride to employ the latest in state-of-the-art equipment to provide the best, most innovative solutions for our clients.
We pride ourselves on offering safe, cost-effective drone services that can save you money and time. Our years of experience and commitment to excellence have made us a recognized name worldwide.
We would love to show you how AI has transformed drone surveying and help you envision how new technologies can be harnessed on your project.
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