Modeling a rural airport

Where should trees be trimmed or removed for safer aircraft landings and takeoffs? What is the condition of the runway and taxiway areas? Where could new storage buildings be built?

This 3D geospatial model enabled areas of taller trees to be measured and marked, and to get accurate tree-counts for better contractor estimates and onsite work instructions. The airport owners/operators now have an incredibly detailed, dimensioned orthomosaic image for developing plans for facility upgrades and expansions. Drainage problem areas can be easily identified and marked.

Project images/videos - select for more details

The dots indicate the programmed location of the drone when each nadir photo was recorded prior to using photogrammetry software to develop the 3D geospatial model.

Measuring one of 7 ground control targets to 3 cm accuracy (X, Y, Z), using a drone modified and calibrated by Klau Geomatics. Aerial Whidbey now uses GNSS location measurement equipment mounted on a hand-carried pole, to rapidly measure many points.

Two of seven measured ground control targets can be found in this aerial image from 250 feet above the runway. The programmed scan flight required multiple drone battery changes. The flight was fully coordinated with the airport owner, including filing of an FAA Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to alert incoming pilots.