Using Drone Surveys with GCPs for Real-Time Monitoring of Construction Progress with AI

Construction projects are notoriously complex, involving multiple teams, a variety of stakeholders, and strict timelines. Keeping everything on track while maintaining accuracy and safety is a continuous challenge. Fortunately, the combination of drones, Ground Control Points (GCPs), and AI is revolutionizing how construction teams monitor and manage their projects, providing up-to-the-minute insights into progress, ensuring adherence to safety standards, and optimizing overall project execution.

The Role of Drones in Construction Progress Monitoring

Drones have become invaluable tools in construction, offering high-resolution aerial imagery and the ability to capture vast areas in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Equipped with advanced sensors, drones can survey sites and provide detailed, accurate data for a variety of applications, including topographic surveys, volumetric calculations, and 3D modeling.

By using drones to monitor construction progress, teams can quickly gather real-time data, assess changes, and spot any issues that might arise—before they escalate into costly delays or safety concerns. However, for this data to be truly valuable, it needs to be accurate and integrated into an intelligent system that can process it effectively. This is where Ground Control Points (GCPs) and AI-powered analysis come into play.

Ground Control Points (GCPs): Ensuring Accuracy in Aerial Data

One of the biggest challenges in drone surveying is ensuring that the aerial imagery and data collected align perfectly with real-world coordinates and scale. Ground Control Points (GCPs) are physical reference markers placed on the ground to anchor aerial data to real-world coordinates. Traditional GCPs require time-consuming surveying before or after flights. InTerra’s SmarTarget®, however, is a patented, GPS-enabled GCP that records high-precision positions automatically, eliminating the need for post-processing surveys and dramatically reducing field time.  These reference points allow surveyors to correct any distortions or errors in the data caused by drone flight patterns, atmospheric conditions, or sensor limitations. With GCPs, drone surveys become more reliable, providing highly precise measurements that construction teams can confidently rely on for planning and decision-making.

For even higher precision, SmarTarget can be paired with InTerra’s Datum™—a compact, on-site GPS base station. When a nearby Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) isn’t available, Datum provides local correction data, enabling sub-centimeter-level accuracy and consistent positioning across the site.

Incorporating GCPs into drone surveys ensures that the data captured aligns with the true dimensions and locations of the construction site. Whether tracking the positioning of new structures, checking site boundaries, or monitoring earthworks, GCPs make it possible to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, which is critical for construction projects that rely on precise measurements.

AI-Powered Analysis: Transforming Raw Data into Actionable Insights

While drones capture high-resolution imagery and survey data, the real value lies in transforming that data into usable insights. This is where AI-powered software platforms come in—and why InTerra partners with industry leaders like gNextLabs and Datumate.

InTerra’s patented SmarTarget® and Datum™ systems provide survey-grade, GPS-referenced data that is essential for accurate photogrammetric modeling and site analysis. These datasets are seamlessly compatible with advanced platforms like gNextLabs, which uses AI-driven workflows to automatically identify construction progress, detect anomalies, compare site conditions to engineering plans, and generate detailed visualizations—dramatically accelerating decision-making and improving oversight.

Similarly, Datumate offers intelligent photogrammetry and construction analytics tools that work hand-in-hand with high-accuracy inputs from SmarTarget and Datum. Their solutions enable precise 3D modeling, volume calculations, and timeline-based progress tracking—essential capabilities for project managers overseeing complex, fast-moving sites.

You can learn more about these collaborations in our InTerra News announcement highlighting our partnerships with gNext and Datumate.

By combining InTerra’s geospatial precision with AI-powered platforms from trusted partners, construction teams gain access to decision-ready intelligence—not just raw data. It’s a smarter, faster, and more accurate way to manage projects in real time.

AI’s capabilities extend further by automating routine tasks such as volume calculations or identifying safety hazards. AI algorithms can process data to automatically calculate stockpiles of materials, detect structural anomalies, or assess progress toward key milestones. This makes it easier for project managers to track performance and adjust timelines accordingly.

Real-Time Monitoring: Keeping Projects on Track and Safe

Real-time progress tracking is essential for keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget. Using drones with GCPs and AI, construction teams can monitor the site constantly, reducing the need for manual inspections, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error.

With AI-driven drone surveys, construction managers can receive up-to-date visual progress reports and data analysis without waiting for weekly reports or site visits. This near-instantaneous feedback helps teams stay informed about the status of various construction phases, such as excavation, foundation work, or structural framing. If there’s an issue, it’s identified and flagged immediately, allowing for prompt corrective action.

Benefits for Construction Teams

  1. Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency

By combining drone technology with GCPs and AI, construction teams benefit from extremely accurate, real-time data that can significantly improve planning, resource allocation, and execution. The integration of AI ensures that the data is processed and analyzed instantly, enabling teams to act on it before it becomes a problem.

  1. Faster Decision-Making

The speed at which AI can process drone data means that construction teams don’t have to wait for weeks to assess progress. Whether it’s measuring material stockpiles, verifying construction milestones, or checking the overall site progress, decisions can be made quickly, reducing delays and preventing costly mistakes.

  1. Improved Safety and Risk Management

AI-powered monitoring helps ensure that safety standards are met across the site, reducing the risk of accidents and costly insurance claims. Real-time safety alerts help supervisors enforce site protocols and address safety concerns immediately.

  1. Cost Savings and Time Efficiency

With the ability to quickly assess project progress and identify issues early, teams can avoid unnecessary rework, reduce delays, and make better use of their resources. This results in cost savings and helps keep the project on schedule, which is especially crucial for large-scale or time-sensitive projects.

 

The integration of drones, AI-powered analytics, and GPS-enabled Ground Control Points like InTerra’s SmarTarget® represents a transformative advancement in construction project management. By delivering survey-grade, real-time data without the burden of traditional workflows, SmarTarget streamlines progress monitoring and enhances accuracy across the board. When paired with Datum™, InTerra’s compact local base station, teams can achieve consistent sub-centimeter accuracy, even in locations without nearby CORS access.

This level of precision enables AI platforms to operate with confidence—detecting deviations, automating measurements, and identifying safety risks based on reliable, georeferenced data. The result: faster decision-making, fewer delays, and improved resource efficiency across the project lifecycle.

In today’s fast-moving, high-stakes construction environment, relying on outdated methods is no longer an option. With SmarTarget and Datum, project teams aren’t just observing site progress, they’re actively managing it with unprecedented clarity and control.

 

by Ally Cook

Why You Should Have a Local Base for Ground Control Points

In the world of construction and surveying, precision is everything. A single miscalculation can lead to costly delays, material waste, and even structural issues. That’s why ground control points (GCPs) play a vital role in ensuring accuracy in mapping and modeling. While GCPs can be sourced from various systems, having a local base for them provides unmatched benefits that can significantly impact the success of your project.

Datum, InTerra's GPS Local Base Station

 

1. Improved Accuracy

A local base ensures that GCPs are tailored to the specific site, eliminating errors caused by regional discrepancies in geospatial data. Local measurements take into account the unique conditions of the site, resulting in more precise data for surveyors and engineers to work with. This accuracy is especially critical for applications like drone mapping, where even small inconsistencies can lead to flawed outputs.

2. Enhanced Efficiency

Time is a crucial factor in construction and surveying projects. Establishing GCPs locally allows surveyors to start work immediately, without the need to wait for external corrections or data verifications. This not only speeds up the workflow but also ensures that projects stay on schedule.

3. Cost Savings

Having a local base reduces the need for external correction services and minimizes the reliance on remote data systems. This translates to lower operational costs, fewer delays, and less downtime. Additionally, travel expenses associated with setting up or verifying GCPs in distant locations are significantly reduced.

4. Site-Specific Customization

Every construction site is unique, with varying terrain, ground conditions, and potential obstructions. A local base allows surveyors to account for these specific factors when setting up GCPs. This customization ensures the data collected is relevant and applicable to the project’s needs.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Construction sites are dynamic environments, with changes occurring frequently. Whether it’s a shift in terrain or a modification to the project plan, having a local base means GCPs can be updated quickly and efficiently. This adaptability ensures that your control network remains consistent and reliable throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Seamless Integration with Equipment

Modern survey tools, such as drones, GPS devices, and total stations, require consistent and reliable data to function effectively. A local base enhances connectivity and ensures seamless communication between equipment, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall productivity.

 

Investing in a local base for ground control points is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic decision that enhances accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By tailoring GCPs like the InTerra SmarTarget to the specific needs of a site, you can ensure smoother project execution, better data quality, and ultimately, greater success. Whether you’re using drones for mapping or traditional surveying tools, having a local base gives you the edge you need to stay ahead in today’s competitive construction industry.

For surveyors and construction professionals looking to maximize these benefits, InTerra’s Datum – a local Base Station offers the perfect solution. Designed to work seamlessly with SmarTarget, Datum provides Local corrections, ensuring sub-centimeter precision with minimal setup time. By establishing a local base, Datum eliminates inefficiencies, reduces reliance on external correction services, and enhances workflow efficiency. The advantages are clear: fewer errors, faster workflows, and cost savings that add up over time. Don’t leave your project’s accuracy to chance—make the smart choice and go local with Datum.

by Ally Cook

Understanding Obstruction Evaluation: Ensuring Safe Airspace and Airport Operations

In aviation, ensuring the safety of airspace and airport operations is non-negotiable. Every element within and around the vicinity of flight paths—whether man-made structures like buildings, towers, and wind turbines, or natural features such as tall trees or terrain—has the potential to impact the safety and efficiency of air traffic. To address these risks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs a rigorous process known as Obstruction Evaluation (OE). This process is critical for identifying and mitigating hazards to air navigation, ensuring that no obstruction compromises the integrity of flight operations or airport capacity. 

Obstruction evaluation is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a cornerstone of aviation safety, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainable growth in increasingly urbanized and technologically advanced environments. 

What Is Obstruction Evaluation? → Understanding FAA Obstruction Evaluation 

Obstruction evaluation refers to the FAA’s process of analyzing and determining if a structure could interfere with airspace and the safe operation of aircraft. According to the FAA, this evaluation is essential for ensuring that new constructions or modifications to existing structures don't adversely affect navigational facilities, airport capacity, or overall aviation safety. 

Why Obstruction Evaluation Matters → The Critical Role of Obstruction Evaluation 

With the ongoing expansion of urban areas and the rise of new technologies, more structures are being built in proximity to airports, including tall buildings, wind turbines, cell towers, and even natural obstacles like trees in critical flight zones. These structures can create potential obstacles for aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing—two of the most critical flight phases. 

Obstruction evaluation helps mitigate risks by: 

  1. Identifying Potential Hazards: Structures deemed a potential risk are thoroughly assessed to understand how they might impact flight operations. 
  2. Maintaining Safety: By ensuring structures don’t encroach on critical flight paths, the FAA upholds aviation safety standards. 
  3. Supporting Airport Capacity: The evaluation process also considers the potential effects on an airport’s efficiency and capacity, enabling sustainable growth without compromising operational integrity.  
Figure 1: Representative diagram of runway approach slopes. Source: FAA AC 150/5300-13, Appendix 2

Construction Equipment

Equipment and machinery play a critical role in modern construction projects but require careful consideration during obstruction evaluations near airports. Equipment such as batch plants, cranes, boom trucks, concrete pumps, drilling rigs, and stockpiles often operate at significant heights and can pose temporary hazards to airspace if not properly managed. Additionally, mobile construction areas, haul routes, staging zones, and temporary lighting systems can affect visibility and navigation, particularly during critical flight operations like takeoff and landing. Ensuring these structures comply with FAA height and location regulations is essential for maintaining airspace safety while allowing for efficient project execution. By proactively addressing these factors during the planning and execution phases, developers can mitigate risks to flight safety while maintaining operational efficiency on construction sites.

The Role of Drones and Ground Control Points in Obstruction Evaluation

As obstruction evaluation evolves, drones and ground control points (GCPs) have become valuable tools in the process. These technologies help provide accurate data, increase efficiency, and improve safety during evaluations.

Drones in Obstruction Evaluation

Drones have transformed how obstruction evaluations are conducted, offering precise aerial data that allows for a highly accurate assessment of structures. Here’s how drones are leveraged:

  1. Efficient Data Collection: Drones can quickly survey large areas, capturing detailed images and measurements of structures in and around the airport vicinity. This allows for a faster, more comprehensive assessment than traditional methods.
  2. High-Resolution Imagery: Drones equipped with high-definition cameras capture clear images and video footage of potential obstructions. This imagery provides critical visual data that allows the FAA to evaluate obstacles with greater precision.
  3. 3D Mapping and Modeling: Using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or photogrammetry, drones can create accurate 3D models of structures and their surroundings. These models provide a detailed visual representation, helping evaluators better understand the structure’s spatial relationship to flight paths and navigational aids.
  4. Safer Operations: Drones can reach areas that may be dangerous or impractical for human surveyors, ensuring that evaluation teams can conduct thorough assessments while staying safe.

Ground Control Points (GCPs) in Obstruction Evaluation

In conjunction with drones, ground control points (GCPs) play a vital role in ensuring data accuracy during obstruction evaluations. GCPs are physical markers with known geographic locations, placed strategically within the survey area to serve as reference points for aerial data. Here’s why GCPs are essential:

  1. Improved Accuracy: GCPs allow drone operators to calibrate their mapping data, helping ensure that the measurements captured by drones align precisely with real-world coordinates. This accuracy is crucial for obstruction evaluation, where even small discrepancies in measurements could impact airspace safety.
  2. Enhanced Data Reliability: By using GCPs, drone-captured data is more reliable and can meet the high standards required for aviation safety. Accurate data helps the FAA make informed decisions about whether a structure poses a risk and should be modified or restricted.
  3. Support for Compliance: GCPs also help ensure that mapping data adheres to FAA regulations, as they provide standardized points of reference. This compliance is essential, especially when evaluating large areas with various elevations and complex structures.

The FAA’s Obstruction Evaluation Process

The FAA’s obstruction evaluation process is conducted in several steps, with drones and GCPs often used in the data collection phases. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Filing a Notice of Proposed Construction: Anyone planning to construct or modify a structure that might pose an obstruction must notify the FAA. This includes any structure exceeding certain height thresholds, such as 200 feet above ground level or in proximity to an airport.
  2. Preliminary Screening: The FAA performs an initial review to determine if the structure could affect air navigation or airport operations. In this phase, drones and GCPs can provide essential data for accurate preliminary assessment.
  3. Detailed Aeronautical Study: If a potential risk is identified, the FAA conducts a comprehensive aeronautical study. Drones and GCPs are often used in this phase to gather high-precision data on the structure’s height, location, and proximity to flight paths and navigational aids.
  4. Public Involvement: In cases where the structure could significantly impact airport operations or the surrounding community, the FAA may seek public comments. This allows stakeholders, including local communities and aviation organizations, to voice concerns or support.
  5. Determination of No Hazard or Hazard: After a detailed analysis, the FAA issues a determination. If the structure is deemed safe, it receives a “Determination of No Hazard.” If it poses a risk, the FAA may work with the proposer to adjust the plans, such as reducing the height or relocating the structure.
Figure 2: Bibb County, Alabama Airport Image Courtesy of ALDOT UAS Team

Why Obstruction Evaluation is Important for Developers and Airport Authorities

For developers, understanding the obstruction evaluation process is crucial before embarking on projects near airports. Engaging with the FAA early in the planning stages, and utilizing drones and GCPs for accurate data, can prevent costly delays and ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations.

For airport authorities and planners, this process is essential for maintaining safe and efficient airport operations while allowing for urban growth. It helps balance the need for new developments with the responsibility of keeping air navigation safe.

The FAA’s obstruction evaluation process is essential to aviation safety, ensuring that structures near airports don’t interfere with air navigation or airport operations. With advancements in drone technology and the use of GCPs, the FAA can conduct more precise and efficient evaluations, safeguarding our skies while allowing for responsible growth and development.

For more information on obstruction evaluation, visit the FAA’s Obstruction Evaluation page.

For guidelines from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), take a look at the Advisory Circular (AC) for standards and recommendations for airport design.

 

Glossary

  • Imaginary Surfaces: Surfaces defined in 14 CFR Part 77 and are in relation to the airport and each runway. The size of these imaginary surfaces is based on the category of each runway for current and future airport operations. Any objects which penetrate these surfaces are considered an obstruction and affects navigable airspace.
  • Approach Surface: An imaginary obstruction limiting surface defined in 14 CFR Part 77which is longitudinally centered on an extended runway centerline and extends outward and upward from the primary surface at each end of a runway at a designated slope and distance upon the type of available or planned approach by aircraft to a runway.
  • Conical Surface: An imaginary obstruction-limiting surface defined in 14 CFR Part 77that extends from the edge of the horizontal surface outward and upward at a slope of 20 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.
  • Horizontal Surface: An imagery obstruction-limiting surface defined in 14 CFR Part 77that is specified as a portion of a horizontal plane surrounding a runway located 150 feet above the established airport elevation. The specific horizontal dimension of this surface is a function of the types of approaches existing or planned for the runway. Appendix A, Glossary A-14
  • Primary Surface: An imaginary obstruction-limiting surface defined in 14 CFR Part 77that is specified as a rectangular surface longitudinally centered about a runway. The specific dimensions of this surface are function of types of approaches existing or planned for the runway.
  • Transitional Surface: An imaginary obstruction-limiting surface defined in 14 CFR Part 77that extends outward and upward at right angles to the runway centerline and the runway centerline extended at a slope of 7 to 1 from the slides of the primary surface.
  • Obstruction: An existing or future object that is of a greater height than any of the heights or surfaces defined in 14 CFR Part 77.23 and 77.25. (Note that obstructions to air navigation are presumed to be hazards to air navigation until an FAA study has determined otherwise.)

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is the responsibility of the reader to fully research and understand all applicable legal, regulatory, and technical requirements for conducting an FAA Airfield Obstruction Survey. This includes, but is not limited to, understanding FAA regulations such as FAR Part 77, obtaining the necessary permissions, clearances, and certifications, and ensuring the accuracy and compliance of all collected data and methodologies. The reader is advised to consult with qualified legal, regulatory, and industry professionals to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and standards. The authors of this document accept no liability for actions taken based on its content.

 

by Ally Cook

Innovations in Surveying Technology: Transforming Modern Practices

Surveying, an ancient practice critical for land management, infrastructure development, and boundary establishment, has undergone significant transformations throughout history. Driven by the demand for greater accuracy and efficiency, the tools and methods employed by surveyors have evolved, from the early use of chains and theodolites to today’s cutting-edge technologies. Innovations such as GPS, drones, and 3D laser scanning have redefined the profession, enabling surveyors to meet the growing needs of modern construction, urban planning, and environmental conservation with precision and speed. 

1. Total Stations: The First Digital Leap 

Innovation: The total station is perhaps one of the most significant advancements in surveying technology, emerging in the 1970s. It combined electronic distance measurement (EDM) with theodolites, allowing surveyors to measure both angles and distances simultaneously in one device. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Efficiency: Surveyors no longer need to carry multiple instruments, significantly reducing the time spent in the field. 
  • Accuracy: Total stations provide greater precision in measurements, which improves the quality of surveys, especially for large-scale projects. 
  • Data Management: The inclusion of digital data storage allows surveyors to record and transfer measurements electronically, minimizing errors associated with manual recording and calculation. 

This innovation speeds up projects and enables surveyors to handle increasingly complex tasks, such as mapping urban landscapes and conducting engineering surveys with precision. 

2. Global Positioning System (GPS): Precise Location from Satellites 

Innovation: The introduction of GPS in the 1990s revolutionized surveying. By using satellites, GPS technology allows surveyors to determine the exact position of any point on Earth with incredible accuracy. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Access: GPS makes it possible to survey in remote or difficult-to-reach locations, such as forests, mountains, and areas with heavy vegetation.  
  • Real-Time Data: GPS-equipped tools can provide real-time position updates, meaning surveyors can make adjustments or corrections on-site, reducing the need for re-surveys.  
  • Speed: Surveyors no longer need to rely on line-of-sight measurements or set up physical benchmarks over long distances. GPS allows them to work more efficiently over large areas in less time. 

GPS technology fundamentally changes how surveyors approach their work, enabling them to cover larger areas more efficiently and deliver highly accurate results in real time. This innovation is particularly crucial for infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and agricultural land management. 

3. Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs): A New Perspective from the Sky 

Innovation: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors began to be integrated into surveying workflows in the early 2000s. Drones offer a way to capture aerial data quickly and with greater detail than traditional ground-based methods or even manned aerial photography. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Aerial Surveys: Drones allow surveyors to capture high-resolution images of large areas in a fraction of the time it would take to walk or drive the terrain. This is especially beneficial for topographic surveys, land development, and environmental monitoring. 
  • Safety: Drones minimize the need for surveyors to physically access dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, such as cliffs, rooftops, or unstable terrain, as well as avoiding construction areas and traffic.  Read more here. 
  • Cost-Effective: Drone surveys significantly lower the cost of aerial surveys by eliminating the need for helicopters or airplanes, while still providing high-quality imagery and data. 

Drones have become indispensable tools in the surveying industry, especially for large infrastructure projects, environmental studies, and disaster response planning.  Construction companies, for example, have integrated drones into their workflows to monitor site progress, while environmental agencies use them for wildlife surveys and deforestation tracking. 

Ground Control Points (GCPs) like InTerra’s SmarTarget® have become essential in achieving centimeter-level precision, particularly in drone-based photogrammetry. These reference points ensure that data captured from drones or satellites aligns with real-world locations. The SmarTarget®, with its easy-to-use design, simplifies the identification and calibration of control points, making it a critical tool for surveyors working in both urban and remote areas. This technology is increasingly being adopted for large-scale projects like highway construction and environmental restoration, where accuracy is paramount. 

4. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): 3D Mapping at Lightning Speed 

Innovation: LiDAR technology, which uses laser pulses to measure distances, allows surveyors to create detailed 3D maps and models of landscapes, buildings, and other physical structures. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Precision: LiDAR’s ability to generate highly accurate 3D point clouds enables surveyors to capture fine details, from individual trees to intricate building facades. This is critical for projects that require exact topographic data, such as floodplain mapping, urban planning, and archaeological preservation. 
  • Versatility: LiDAR can be mounted on drones, helicopters, or ground-based vehicles, allowing surveyors to cover vast or inaccessible areas while maintaining high accuracy. 
  • Speed and Data Volume: The technology can scan large areas at high speed, collecting millions of data points in minutes. This results in more comprehensive and detailed data, which can be used for a variety of applications, including city planning, road construction, and environmental management. 

LiDAR has transformed how surveys are conducted, enabling the collection of rich, three-dimensional data at an unprecedented scale and detail. 

5. Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Digital Twin of Infrastructure 

Innovation: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical spaces. BIM technology integrates data from different sources—like LiDAR, GPS, and drones—to create comprehensive, dynamic models of buildings and infrastructure. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Collaboration: BIM allows surveyors, architects, and engineers to collaborate more effectively by providing a shared, up-to-date model of a project. Changes made to the model during the design or construction phase are immediately available to all stakeholders, improving project coordination. 
  • Lifecycle Management: BIM supports not only the design and construction of structures but also their ongoing management and maintenance. Surveyors can continue to update and refine the model over the building’s lifecycle, ensuring accurate information is always available for renovations, expansions, or repairs. 
  • Improved Accuracy: BIM reduces errors in construction projects by ensuring that everyone involved works from the same accurate, detailed model. This minimizes costly mistakes and delays caused by outdated or incorrect data. 

By integrating digital models with real-world data, BIM allows surveying to evolve from a discipline focused on the creation of static maps to one that contributes to dynamic, real-time management of built environments. 

6. Automation and AI: The Future of Surveying 

Innovation: Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are the latest trends transforming surveying, providing faster data analysis, predictive insights, and automated workflows. 

Impact on Surveying Practices: 

  • Data Processing: AI algorithms can quickly process and analyze large volumes of data, identifying patterns, anomalies, and insights that might take human surveyors much longer to uncover. This is particularly useful for monitoring infrastructure, detecting changes in topography, or analyzing satellite imagery for environmental changes. 
  • Autonomous Surveying: Robots and autonomous vehicles equipped with surveying tools are beginning to take on repetitive or dangerous tasks, freeing human surveyors to focus on more complex decision-making. 
  • Predictive Analytics: AI can predict potential issues in construction or environmental changes by analyzing past data. For example, AI systems can monitor infrastructure deterioration and suggest preemptive repairs or maintenance before failures occur. 

Automation and AI are just beginning to impact the field, but they promise to make surveying more efficient and insightful as the technology continues to develop. 

 Conclusion: Surveying in the 21st Century and Beyond 

The field of surveying has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century, driven by technological innovations such as total stations, GPS, drones, LiDAR, BIM, and AI. These advancements have significantly improved the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of surveying practices. Today’s surveyors no longer just map the physical world—they create dynamic digital models that serve as the foundation for decision-making in construction, environmental management, and urban planning. 

The recent introduction of Ground Control Points (GCPs) like the InTerra SmarTarget® is another example of how modern technology continues to improve accuracy, particularly in drone-based surveys. By offering surveyors reliable, highly visible reference points, these tools allow for centimeter-level precision in even the most challenging environments. 

Looking ahead, the integration of advanced technologies with traditional methods will only accelerate. The use of artificial intelligence, automation, and predictive analytics will further streamline workflows, enhance data accuracy, and provide predictive insights. Surveyors will be better equipped to manage increasingly complex projects, from smart city development to large-scale environmental restoration efforts. 

As these innovations continue to evolve, the future of surveying lies in the convergence of cutting-edge tools and human expertise, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in precision mapping and data collection. 

by Ally Cook

Unlocking the Potential of GCPs in the Mining Industry

Mining operations, by their nature, involve large-scale excavation, resource extraction, and infrastructure development, often in remote or harsh environments. Accurate, reliable geospatial data is vital for the success of these operations, as it ensures efficiency, safety, and the sustainable management of resources. Ground Control Points (GCPs), an essential tool in geospatial data collection, play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Let's explore how GCPs can be applied in the mining industry, enhancing operations and decision-making.

Figure 1- This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2

What are Ground Control Points?

Ground Control Points are known, fixed points on the Earth's surface with precise geographic coordinates. They serve as reference points for positioning and aligning aerial imagery and other remote sensing data. By accurately anchoring this data to the Earth's surface, GCPs ensure that maps and 3D models generated from the data are geospatially accurate and reliable.

Key Applications of GCPs in the Mining Industry

  • Accurate Mapping and Surveying: Mining operations rely on accurate maps for a variety of purposes, including planning, safety assessments, and environmental management. GCPs provide the spatial reference needed to create high-resolution, geospatially correct maps and 3D models. Aerial surveys using drones or manned aircraft are often employed to capture imagery and data over large mine sites. By placing GCPs throughout the area, the captured data can be properly georeferenced, ensuring accurate measurements of landforms, stockpiles, and mine infrastructure.
  • Monitoring Ground Deformation: Mining operations can cause ground subsidence and deformation, which pose risks to both infrastructure and worker safety. Monitoring ground movement in and around a mine is critical, particularly in underground mining, where subsidence can lead to collapses. GCPs are used as fixed reference points to measure changes in the Earth's surface over time. Using remote sensing technologies like photogrammetry, mining companies can detect even subtle shifts in the ground. These measurements allow for proactive management of subsidence risks and help ensure the structural stability of mine shafts, tailings dams, and nearby communities.
  • Tailings Dam Monitoring and Safety: Tailings dams, which store the waste byproducts of mining processes, are some of the most critical structures in a mine site. Failures in these dams can lead to catastrophic environmental disasters. GCPs play a key role in monitoring the integrity of tailings dams by providing accurate reference points for continuous geospatial monitoring. Regular surveys using drones or satellites, combined with GCPs, allow mining companies to detect early signs of dam deformation, seepage, or erosion. By tracking these changes, mine operators can take timely actions to reinforce the dam, preventing potential disasters and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Stockpile Volume Calculation: Efficient management of raw material stockpiles is essential in mining, where precise knowledge of volumes can affect inventory, logistics, and financial reporting. GCPs are used to georeference aerial or ground-based surveys, enabling accurate calculations of stockpile volumes. By employing GCPs in combination with UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) surveys, mining operators can quickly and cost-effectively measure stockpile volumes. This data helps streamline inventory management, optimize material flow, and enhance operational efficiency.
  • Mine Planning and Design: Effective mine planning relies on detailed geospatial data to determine the best approach for resource extraction. GCPs enable the creation of high-resolution 3D models of the mine site, providing engineers with an accurate representation of the terrain and subsurface conditions. These 3D models are invaluable in designing pit walls, haul roads, and other infrastructure, ensuring they are optimized for safety, cost, and productivity. GCPs ensure that the data used for planning is accurate, reducing the likelihood of errors that could lead to costly rework or safety hazards.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment and Rehabilitation: Mining activities have significant environmental impacts, and GCPs play a role in monitoring and mitigating these effects. By providing accurate geospatial references, GCPs support environmental monitoring programs that track changes in vegetation, water bodies, and soil quality over time. In post-mining reclamation, GCPs are used to measure landform changes, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts restore the land to a stable, natural state. Accurate monitoring is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining community and stakeholder trust.

In conclusion, Ground Control Points have long been an essential tool in mining, enabling safe, precise, and efficient operations. InTerra's SmarTarget is not just pushing the boundaries of GCP technology—it is redefining how the mining industry approaches surveying and mapping. By delivering unprecedented speed, accuracy, and flexibility, SmarTarget empowers mining companies to boost productivity, enhance safety, and achieve superior results across their operations.

by Ally Cook

Consistent Practices for Consistent Results in GCP Deployment

As with any project, maintaining consistency in the steps before and after the final process is key to success. To maximize accuracy of GCP deployment without unnecessary methods, consider using these guidelines:

  • Strategic Placement: Distribute GCPs evenly across the survey area, prioritizing areas with significant terrain variations.  “GCPs act as the bridge between the map and the real world. They ensure that the latitude and longitude of features on the map align with their real-world counterparts. This alignment is crucial for a wide range of applications, including urban planning, environmental studies, and disaster management, where knowing the exact location of features is of utmost importance.”1  
  • Visibility: Ensure GCPs are clearly visible in the imagery. The size, color, and shape of the target should stand out to ensure that it is distinguishable and easy to reference.
  • Experimentation: Test different GCP configurations to find the optimal balance for your specific project. “When monitoring changes over time, such as urban development, deforestation, or glacier movement, GCPs aid in detecting subtle shifts in the landscape. By providing a stable reference frame, GCPs enhance the accuracy of change detection analyses, allowing for reliable assessments of environmental changes.”1

By understanding the nuanced relationship between GCPs and map accuracy, you can make informed decisions to optimize your drone mapping workflow and achieve the desired level of precision without over-investing in GCPs.

 

The Myth of More is Better

Although the consistent practices used in the setup of GCP’s are vital, the usage of equipment during the deployment determines final results. Some may think that more equipment should be used to maintain more accurate data and results. However, adding more GCPs isn't a guaranteed path to perfection. In fact, excessive GCPs can sometimes hinder accuracy rather than improve it. Here's why:

  • Diminishing Returns: Beyond a certain point, additional GCPs offer decreasing marginal benefits. The software may struggle to differentiate between closely spaced points, leading to errors in calculations.
  • Computational Burden: Processing a large number of GCPs can be computationally intensive, potentially slowing down the mapping process without a significant accuracy gain.
  • Cost and Time: Deploying and accurately surveying a large number of GCPs can be time-consuming and expensive.

Finding the Optimal Number of GCPs

The ideal number of GCPs depends on various factors, including:

  • Project Scale: Larger areas generally require more GCPs.
  • Desired Accuracy: Higher precision demands a denser GCP network.
  • Terrain Complexity: Challenging terrain may necessitate additional GCPs.
  • Software Capabilities: The photogrammetry software used can influence the optimal GCP count.
An aerial view of project site with optimal placement of SmarTargets.
Figure 1 - Optimal placement of SmarTargets

InTerra can help you determine the optimal number of GCPs for your project and ensure that your drone mapping efforts yield the highest possible accuracy. The SmarTarget® is a cost-effective and timely solution to obtain high-accuracy ground control points simultaneously with the drone flight. By using proper practices and our equipment, data will be more accurate, time saving, and cost-effective. Contact us for a free demo and more information.

 

 

 

Sources:

  1. https://tinyl.io/BIYy
  2. https://tinyl.io/BIZ4
  3. https://tinyl.io/BIZ8

by Ally Cook

More GCPs Don't Always Mean More Accurate Drone Maps

More GCPs Don't Always Mean More Accurate Drone Maps

When looking into the world of surveying technology, the accuracy of equipment is the company’s biggest advantage. The allure of precision in drone mapping often leads to the misconception that more Ground Control Points (GCPs) equate to higher accuracy. While GCPs undeniably play a crucial role in enhancing map precision, there's a critical nuance: the relationship between GCP quantity and accuracy isn't linear.

 

Understanding the Role of GCPs

“In an age where technology seems to be advancing at lightning speed, the use of drones in various sectors has transformed the way we see and understand the world around us.”1 GCPs serve as fixed reference points on the ground. By capturing these points in drone imagery and inputting their known coordinates into photogrammetry software, we can correct for camera lens distortion, altitude variations, and other factors that can skew measurements. This process significantly improves map accuracy.  “Skipping ground control points may yield perfectly fine results, but your reconstruction might not have the correct scale, orientation, or absolute position information. GCPs or RTK geotags can help you verify the accuracy of the reconstruction.”2.

 

Sources:

 

  1. https://tinyl.io/BIYy
  2. https://tinyl.io/BIZ0

by Ally Cook