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survey uas

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(@tgoold)
Posts: 16
Registered
Topic starter
 

Hi, We are in the beginning stages of acquiring / adding aerial services to our list. We have been researching for some time and are still having trouble making a decision on a survey uas. We would like to start on the low price end and work our way up. We are thinking copter 1st then a fixed wing.

I am hung up on the camera megapixel for some of the cheaper uas, 12mp max. I have had discussions with other users (not surveyors) that the 12mp would be sufficient?
Also to make sure we stay under the 4.4lbs total weight of the uas for the upcoming reg by the FAA. We do not have a pilot on staff.

Deliverables DTM, ortho Aerial Photo, utility inspections video and still pics, fly-thru video, real estate videos etc...
Our clients:
golf courses (75)
utilities (2)
private property owners (many)

Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful?

Todd
www.pointnorthland.com
todd@pointnorthland.com

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 2:41 am
(@peter-ehlert)
Posts: 2951
 

Probably the very first thing you should do is hire a Licensed/Registered Land Surveyor.
That person would be able to guide you thru the ins and outs of mapping, how your state laws control what you are legally permitted to produce, and the services you can advertise.
I see you are already pretty good at web page design... now on to learning about the mapping.

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 6:59 am
(@james-fleming)
Posts: 5687
Registered
 

Peter Ehlert, post: 364704, member: 60 wrote: Probably the very first thing you should do is hire a Licensed/Registered Land Surveyor.
That person would be able to guide you thru the ins and outs of mapping, how your state laws control what you are legally permitted to produce, and the services you can advertise.
I see you are already pretty good at web page design... now on to learning about the mapping.

[

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 7:10 am
(@tgoold)
Posts: 16
Registered
Topic starter
 

wow I didn't realize I wasn't a Professional Land Survey for the past 25 years. I will have to look into this. RE - RLS WI#2489, this must be just a hoax.

other thoughts and suggestions are welcomed.

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 7:19 am
(@peter-ehlert)
Posts: 2951
 

sorry Todd. I did not find that when I was searching you web page. Good luck.

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 7:32 am
(@rsasurv)
Posts: 116
Registered
 

Hi Todd,

Don't know how much you've researched but simply we use a DJI Phantom 3 ADVANCED, a iPad 3 something model with MAPS as a drone deployment software ans process ysing pix4D and the results are good. Even considering the standard 12MP camera. Would like a better full frame sensor but this one works just fine for what we do

Regards

Dirk

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 8:04 am
(@tgoold)
Posts: 16
Registered
Topic starter
 

Yes I have looked at these simply because of the reviews and price. I was thinking of the Phantom 3 or 4 or 3DR Solo because of the Sony camera coming soon.

thanks for your comments

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 8:10 am
 Thad
(@thad)
Posts: 396
Registered
 

Tgoold, post: 364668, member: 8615 wrote: Hi, We are in the beginning stages of acquiring / adding aerial services to our list. We have been researching for some time and are still having trouble making a decision on a survey uas. We would like to start on the low price end and work our way up. We are thinking copter 1st then a fixed wing.

I am hung up on the camera megapixel for some of the cheaper uas, 12mp max. I have had discussions with other users (not surveyors) that the 12mp would be sufficient?
Also to make sure we stay under the 4.4lbs total weight of the uas for the upcoming reg by the FAA. We do not have a pilot on staff.

Deliverables DTM, ortho Aerial Photo, utility inspections video and still pics, fly-thru video, real estate videos etc...
Our clients:
golf courses (75)
utilities (2)
private property owners (many)

Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful?

Todd
www.pointnorthland.com
todd@pointnorthland.com

I have a backup Inspire 1 with extra batteries, HD case and other extras for sale. Works great with Pix4d software. I decided not to continue since the FAA rules.
Over $5,000 worth of equipment for only $3,700 firm.
Gds3d@comporium.net if you want pictures or more information.
http://www.dji.com/mobile/product/inspire-1/aircraft#sub-feature
Thad

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 8:14 am
(@in-the-sandpit)
Posts: 50
 

dirkie2710, post: 364724, member: 10950 wrote: Hi Todd,

Don't know how much you've researched but simply we use a DJI Phantom 3 ADVANCED, a iPad 3 something model with MAPS as a drone deployment software ans process ysing pix4D and the results are good. Even considering the standard 12MP camera. Would like a better full frame sensor but this one works just fine for what we do

Regards

Dirk

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Similar to what I run. Depends on the scale of the project. Pix4D has improved out of sight over the last couple of years. Not every project needs a million dollars worth of lidar and cameras mobilised to get good results. We do that where the project requires it as well.

Fir what the OP describes a Phantom 3 or similar platform will do a reasonable job and provide a good entry point.

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 8:16 am
(@tgoold)
Posts: 16
Registered
Topic starter
 

great thanks

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 8:28 am
(@dmyhill)
Posts: 3082
Registered
 

Tgoold, post: 364668, member: 8615 wrote:
Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful?

Todd

I see you are from WI, but I think these guys have some nationwide capabilities. They have been helpful and educational...

http://www.d9solutions.com/

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 3:06 pm
(@dmyhill)
Posts: 3082
Registered
 

Oh, and I think it is still illegal without a specific exemption from the FAA, and a certificated pilot. Those guys can answer questions about that, as well.

 
Posted : 30/03/2016 3:07 pm
(@blakehuff)
Posts: 491
 

12 MP is the standard right now. Processing time seems to be the hangup for transitioning to higher resolutions. I use Mapir cameras because they fit all the gopro accessories. http://www.mapir.camera/

 
Posted : 31/03/2016 3:37 am
(@dandaman)
Posts: 25
Registered
 

I just purchased a Phantom 3 Advanced to play around with and test out the capabilities. The sensor size is rather small, but for the price you cannot go wrong. I'm just using recreational and researching the field and prospects for future use. It is not a survey grade solution but we don't have pilots nor do we have an FAA excemption, although I applied for one 4+ months back. FAA is due to issue revisions in the next few days. It is rumoured they will do away with the pilot requirement but you will be required to log every little think that you do with the aircraft.

I'm going to try out DroneDeploy this weekend to see what it can do!

 
Posted : 31/03/2016 9:39 am
(@tgoold)
Posts: 16
Registered
Topic starter
 

BlakeHuff, post: 364885, member: 28 wrote: 12 MP is the standard right now. Processing time seems to be the hangup for transitioning to higher resolutions. I use Mapir cameras because they fit all the gopro accessories. http://www.mapir.camera/

Thanks I will look into the Mapir optioins

 
Posted : 31/03/2016 9:55 am
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