As new technologies expand the range of options for geospatial data collection, surveyors and mapping professionals must decide which platforms best fit their goals. This session brings together lessons learned from projects using drones, helicopters, and traditional surveying methods. Speakers will compare cost, accuracy, efficiency, and operational considerations, helping attendees identify when each approach delivers the greatest value.
The following presentations will be shared in this session:
Sensor Platforming: UAS vs. Helicopter
Presented by Matt Clark, Whiteout Solutions
Manned fixed-wing aircraft have been one of dominant methods of geospatial data collection for a decade. Over the years, companies offering those solutions have found value in adapting their payloads for helicopter platforms. UAS platforms with lighter payloads opened the door for many businesses to start collecting geospatial data. To date, not many of these companies have stepped up from UAS to helicopter. Since the summer of 2023 Whiteout Solutions has been conducting missions using both platforms and learned a lot along the way. Prior to each project, we carefully evaluate the area of interest and the client’s specific objectives to determine which platform will deliver the most efficient and effective data collection. This ensures we align the technology with the project’s scale, terrain, and data resolution needs. Each platform offers their own unique benefits and drawbacks but add incredible versatility to the complex data acquisition landscape.
Pros and Cons of Drone Surveying vs. Traditional Surveying
Presented by Douglas Spotted Eagle, Sundance Media Group
Integrating drones into surveying workflows presents challenges, but the benefits often outweigh the obstacles, delivering measurable value in cost savings, time efficiency, and improved safety. This session will explore how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have transformed traditional data collection methods and survey projects, showing surveyors how to do more with less while maintaining accuracy and reliability.
The presentation will discuss platform and sensor payload options, demonstrate how drones are reshaping established workflows, and examine the return on investment for incorporating UAS technology into surveying operations. Attendees will leave with practical insights into leveraging drones to enhance their core business and optimize mapping and surveying projects.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Traditional and Modern Survey Methods
Presented by Francisco Gonzales, Kuker-Ranken
The surveying industry is undergoing a rapid transformation as new technologies such as UAVs, LiDAR, and 3D laser scanning become more accessible. However, traditional survey methods—total stations, GNSS receivers, and manual data collection—remain essential for accuracy, legal compliance, and reliability. This presentation explores how combining these tools through hybrid workflows can enhance efficiency, reduce field time, and improve overall project outcomes. Attendees will learn practical strategies for integrating modern reality capture technologies with established surveying practices, supported by real-world case studies, hands-on examples, and tips for overcoming common challenges such as data management and training. Whether you’re a seasoned surveyor or new to emerging tech, this session will help you bridge the gap and future-proof your surveying practice.
