What level of accuracy can drone mapping achieve?

With RTK or PPK and well-placed GCPs, we routinely achieve centimetre-level accuracy (e.g., ~1–2 cm horizontal and ~2–3 cm vertical).

Do I need ground control points, or can you fly PPK only?

GCPs improve absolute accuracy and are recommended for engineering-grade deliverables. We often use a hybrid workflow. RTK/PPK for consistency plus a limited number of GCPs and independent check points to meet your tolerances efficiently.

How do you validate accuracy and provide QA reporting?

We collect independent checkpoints, report horizontal/vertical residuals and RMSE, and include coordinate system details, camera calibration, and flight parameters. You receive a QA summary with accuracy stats and control/check point tables.

Which file formats and coordinate systems can you export?

Formats: GeoTIFF (COG optional), LAZ/LAS, DXF/DWG, SHP, GeoPackage, CSV, and PDF summaries. CRS: NAD83(CSRS) / UTM zones, MTM, site-specific local grids, and custom vertical datums when provided.

Can you measure stockpiles and earthworks volumes?

Yes. We compute per-pile volumes, cut/fill maps against design or best-fit bases, and provide time-series comparisons for audits. Deliverables can include per-pile IDs, CSV tables, and annotated plan sheets.

How do you handle vegetation or tall grass in terrain models?

Photogrammetry models the visible surface (DSM). Where true bare-earth is required under vegetation, we recommend LiDAR or a fused LiDAR+RGB workflow. We can also classify and filter point clouds to reduce vegetation influence.

What capture settings do you use for high-quality maps?

Typical parameters: 0.5–2 cm/pixel GSD, ≥80/70% front/side overlap (higher for complex sites), constant altitude, consistent lighting, and low-wind conditions. We use crosshatch or corridor patterns when appropriate.

How long does a mapping project take from flight to delivery?

Field time depends on site size and airspace access; many sites are flown in a few hours. Standard delivery is 3–7 business days; large or multi-phase projects are scheduled with staged handoffs.

What do you need from us before the survey?

Site address and scope, access details, known hazards, preferred coordinate system, any existing survey control or design surfaces, and deliverable requirements. If GCPs are needed, we’ll coordinate placement and survey method.

Are you compliant and insured?

Yes. We operate under Transport Canada RPAS rules, coordinate with NAV CANADA when required, follow site safety plans, and maintain commercial aviation liability coverage.

What equipment and workflow do you use?

Enterprise RTK/PPK aircraft with high-resolution mapping payloads, survey-grade GNSS for control and checks, and professional photogrammetry software. Workflows are standardized for repeatability, with full QA/QC and audit-ready exports.

Mapping Services

Drone Mapping

High-precision aerial mapping using photogrammetry and LiDAR. From orthomosaics to volumetric surveys, we deliver accurate spatial data for better decision-making.

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Survey-Quality Data

Southern Ontario

Flexible Deliverables

Overview

Accurate Spatial Data, Faster

Drone mapping captures detailed aerial data of your site using advanced sensors and precise positioning systems. The result is accurate, georeferenced maps and models that support surveying, planning, monitoring, and analysis across a wide range of industries.

We use both photogrammetry (RGB imagery) and LiDAR to match the capture method to your project requirements, whether you need photorealistic orthomosaics, dense point clouds, or volumetric measurements.

Our Services

Mapping Solutions

Stockpile Measurements

Accurate volumetric surveys for aggregates, mining, construction, and waste management. Measure stockpile volumes in hours with 1–3% accuracy.

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Data Processing

Professional photogrammetry and LiDAR processing to transform raw aerial data into orthomosaics, point clouds, 3D models, and CAD-ready deliverables.

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What You Receive

Deliverables

Orthomosaics

Point Clouds

Elevation Models

CAD & GIS Exports

Applications

Industries We Serve

Construction

Aggregates & Mining

Land Development

Environmental

Why Holland Productions

The Difference

Survey-Quality Accuracy

RTK/PPK positioning and ground control points deliver 1–3 cm accuracy for engineering and planning applications.

Fast Turnaround

Most projects delivered within 1–2 business days. Same-day delivery available for urgent requirements.

Multiple Capture Methods

Photogrammetry and LiDAR capabilities let us match the right technology to your specific project needs.

FAQ

Common Questions

What is drone mapping?

Drone mapping uses aerial imagery and sensors to create accurate maps, models, and measurements of a site. Drones fly autonomously over an area, capturing overlapping images or LiDAR data that is then processed into georeferenced deliverables like orthomosaics, point clouds, and elevation models.

How accurate is drone mapping?

With RTK/PPK positioning and ground control points, we typically achieve 1–3 cm horizontal and vertical accuracy. Accuracy depends on flight parameters, ground control, and site conditions. We can discuss your specific accuracy requirements during project planning.

What's the difference between photogrammetry and LiDAR?

Photogrammetry uses overlapping photos to reconstruct 3D geometry and produces photorealistic textures. LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances directly, producing dense point clouds that can penetrate vegetation. We often recommend LiDAR for forested areas or when you need bare-earth terrain data.

How large an area can you map?

We regularly map sites ranging from a few acres to hundreds of hectares. For very large projects, we can deploy multiple flights over several days. The limiting factors are typically battery life and airspace regulations rather than technical capability.

What deliverables do you provide?

Standard deliverables include orthomosaics (GeoTIFF), point clouds (LAS/LAZ), digital elevation models (DSM/DTM), contour lines, and PDF reports. We also provide CAD exports (DXF/DWG), 3D models, and volume calculations depending on project requirements.

How long does a mapping project take?

Field work for most sites takes a few hours to a full day depending on size and complexity. Processing and delivery typically takes 1–2 business days for standard projects. We can accommodate rush timelines when needed.

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Ready to Map Your Site?

From stockpile volumes to site surveys, we deliver the accurate spatial data you need.