u/trudesea

So I'm looking at a FreeFly Astro Max and IF800, (maybe there is better out there I don't know about) but the LIDAR is what I'm having trouble deciding.

My use case(s) are: Surveying civil engineering sites for proposals and progression. I need to be able to map every milestone in a project from start to finish. These projects are 99% roads, road resurfacing, roundabouts, etc. I also need to use that LIDAR data for machine control, so the software is also a factor.

My current choice is the YellowScan Vx20-300, I know there are more expensive ones out there but this one seems to be the best bang for buck and the jump to Trueview or Phoenix systems cost is huge.

Anyone that works in the space have suggestions?

So I'm running a M3E using Drone Deploy (Company subscription so changing is a hurdle) RTK is on the way for the drone. Will start with a RTK service with 2cm accuracy, but will push for a RTK device to use on site if it increases accuracy (which I assume it will to some extent)

I am flying these roads manually because I have to comply with OOP and automated flights are difficult due to variances in maps and the real world. Many times I have to hover for minutes while traffic clears so I can transition over the road. It's simply easier just to put the camera on a timer and fly at a consistent speed and direction, at this time my flights are all corridor and not hatched....I also have to move constantly to keep VLOS. Not to mention I have hundreds of roads to fly.

From my research I am reading I can expect much better results from photogrammetry vs using a lower end LIDAR. Surprising but I now understand why.

I am new to all this so any input is appreciated.

So I've been working with a company as their full time drone pilot for almost a month. I document road paving in residential areas. The start to the process is before photos of course. Well I was on this street doing so.

I finish up and get in my service truck which has the company logo on the doors and also caution lights front/rear so I'm not exactly suspicious lol

I start to drive out and this dude steps out in front of the truck with his hands out in front of him palms up. Not knowing what the hell this guy wanted or was about to do, I contemplated going around him but there was a car parked at the curb and thee was no room, plus I'm also thinking he could be doing a insurance scam or something....so I stopped and rolled down the passenger window.

Dude said in a nasty tone, you have permission to fly here?, show me your paperwork. I'm like, I don't need permission to fly here and I wouldn't be required show you paperwork even if I did. He said you fly over my house, I'm like no I didn't...I was directly over the area between the sidewalk and your house. You cannot fly over my property. I was like you don't own the airspace I can fly all over your house, but I wouldn't do that....it's not professional. I'm gonna call the police, you stay here. I said ok you go do that, I'm going to lunch and then I left.

I'm sure that it won't be the last encounter in my career.