In the rapidly evolving field of geospatial data collection, achieving precise and comprehensive survey data is essential. Redefined Horizons, a geospatial services firm, was contracted to conduct a detailed land survey for an industrial site along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. To ensure high accuracy and efficiency, they deployed Inspired Flight’s IF1200 drone paired with the Phoenix miniRANGER-3 LiDAR system. This white paper explores the technology, methodology, and outcomes of the project, showcasing the transformative impact of UAV-based LiDAR in industrial surveying applications.
The survey covered an 80-acre industrial site situated between the Willamette River and Highway 30. The primary objectives included:
Brian Leiser, co-owner of Redefined Horizons, highlighted the importance of precise data acquisition:
“We needed to capture every detail, from elevation contours to buried infrastructure. The IF1200 provided the endurance and payload capacity to accomplish this efficiently.”
The deliverables extended beyond basic topography and included high-resolution ortho imagery, detailed GIS indexing, and a full 3D site model to support remote analysis and engineering planning.
Traditionally, land surveys relied on ground-based methods such as GNSS observations and total stations. While accurate, these approaches are time-intensive and require extensive manpower. Redefined Horizons opted for UAV-based LiDAR for its efficiency, high-density data capture, and ability to provide superior visualization for decision-makers.
Key advantages of UAV-based LiDAR for this project:
“We’re past the point where we rely solely on traditional methods for as-built surveys,” said Leiser. “Drones allow us to collect comprehensive datasets so we can anticipate client needs before they even arise.”
Selecting the right UAV was crucial to mission success. The Inspired Flight IF1200 met Redefined Horizons' needs by providing a robust, heavy-lift platform capable of handling the Phoenix miniRANGER-3 LiDAR system while ensuring reliability and compliance.
Leiser emphasized the importance of these capabilities:
“The IF1200A is like a work truck—it’s reliable, built to last, and capable of handling whatever we throw at it.”
The survey was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the highest data quality. The workflow included:
“We anticipate the client may need additional data in the future. With our high-density LiDAR and orthoimagery dataset, we can extract new insights without requiring additional site visits.”
The combination of the IF1200A drone and Phoenix miniRANGER-3 LiDAR system enabled Redefined Horizons to complete the survey in record time while maintaining exceptional data quality. The project successfully delivered:
Leiser was unequivocal about the IF1200’s impact:
“This drone is a game changer. We’re a small firm, but with technology like this, we can offer services that rival much larger companies. The IF1200 and Phoenix LiDAR system let us future-proof our operations.”
As the industry continues to evolve, UAV-based LiDAR is proving indispensable for surveyors looking to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Redefined Horizons’ work along the Willamette River exemplifies the power of UAV technology in modern land surveying.
Founded by Brian Lizer and Landon Blake, Redefined Horizons is a geospatial services firm specializing in land surveying, GIS integration, and remote sensing. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and customer responsiveness, the company delivers precision data to support engineering, construction, and environmental projects across the U.S.
For more information, visit: www.rh-survey.com