Engineering decisions
Know Your Tool
Equipment is chosen from mission requirements — not the other way around. Our M30T workflow is excellent for some jobs and the wrong answer for others.
| Our M30T workflow | Survey-grade deliverable | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Progress monitoring, documentation, inspection, education | Legally defensible measurements and design verification |
| Accuracy | Relative, approximate — consistent week to week if flown the same way | Known, tested and reported against independent checkpoints |
| Control | Aircraft GNSS (optionally RTK) positions | Ground control points + checkpoints, RTK/PPK, documented method |
| Sensor | M30T wide camera (12 MP, 1/2") | Mapping-grade payload (e.g. full-frame photogrammetry camera or LiDAR) |
| Sign-off | Student analyst / instructor | Licensed professional surveyor takes responsibility |
| Right answer to… | “What changed this week?” | “Is the slab within ±10 mm of design?” |
Weekly construction progress
The superintendent wants a consistent weekly visual record of the whole site.
- Whole-site coverage
- Repeatable every week
- Visual evidence, relative change
Roof flashing inspection
Check whether roof edge flashing is installed and undamaged.
- Fine visual detail
- Specific locations
- Safe standoff
Find a wet insulation area
Find likely moisture under the new roof after rain.
- Temperature differences
- Right time of day
- Trained interpretation
Certify slab elevation to design tolerance
The engineer needs certified elevations to confirm the slab is within ±10 mm of design.
- Known, reported accuracy
- Ground control & checkpoints
- Professional sign-off
Stockpile volume for payment
The contractor will be paid by the cubic yard of soil moved.
- Accuracy that holds up in a contract dispute
- Documented method
- Control points
Search for a missing hiker at dusk
Help locate a person in a wooded area as light fades.
- Heat signatures
- Speed
- Coordination with incident command
Bridge bearing inspection
Look for cracks and corrosion on bridge bearings.
- Close visual detail
- Hard-to-reach angles
- Inspector judgement