Mapping Services: Low Level Helicopter Surveys

The Problem

Since the science of photogrammetry began, improving horizontal and vertical accuracies has always been a key goal, but not easily achieved. In spite of technical advances in equipment and field survey methods, horizontal and vertical accuracies are still limited by the traditional method of acquisition and the altitude of the aircraft.

The problem with traditional surveying and highway mapping is two-fold:

1. Traditional photogrammetric surveying doesn't provide necessary accuracies
   
   
2. Ground surveying is too dangerous for the surveyor and the general public

In order to achieve higher vertical accuracies, the aircraft must be operated at a low altitude and a slow pace - unsafe and prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a fixed-wing aircraft.


The Solution

Supplementing our traditional surveying, Spectrum Mapping has introduced our (Low level helicopter surveying services) for highly accurate, safe roadway mapping.

The logical alternative to traditional fixed-wing aircraft aerial survey is to use a helicopter, which is capable of very slow speeds and does not have to adhere to FAA regulations for fixed-wing aircraft.

Spectrum Mapping utilizes a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter with a powerful, high performance turbine engine. Mounted in the helicopter, a Leica RC 30 FMC camera sits on a vibration-free mounting system. As a result, Spectrum can provide a safe and cost effective alternative to obtaining field elevations by traditional field survey methods.

Spectrum’s solution combines low-level helicopter photogrammetry and precision control surveying to create various map products with vertical accuracies of less than three hundredths of a foot (.03'). The system is primarily used to safely conduct pavement surveys on congested highways, reducing traffic control, traffic congestion and project costs.


info@specmap.com