FAQs

Aerial Mapping creates visual representations of areas using drone-captured images to produce maps, orthomosaics, and 3D models, commonly used in urban planning, construction, and real estate. Aerial Survey focuses on precise geospatial data collection, such as elevations and coordinates, for industries like engineering, mining, and agriculture, supporting tasks like topographic analysis and volume calculations. While aerial mapping creates visual overviews, aerial surveying focuses on gathering detailed, measurable data for analytical purposes. Keep in mind that for both aerial mapping and aerial survey deliverables, a Registered Land Surveyor (RLS) must be consulted. In the case of an aerial survey, an RLS must be hired to verify all aspects of the deliverable before it is presented to the client. Never claim that any data is "survey grade" unless an RLS has thoroughly verified, ground-truthed, and cross-checked the data to their professional satisfaction. Only after this process can an RLS confidently certify and stamp the work. At Extreme Aerial Production we do aerial data collection! And always hug a surveyor for good luck when doing either type of mission.

Fixed-wing drones resemble traditional airplanes, using wings to generate lift. They are designed for efficiency and are ideal for covering large areas quickly. Typically, fixed-wing drones are used in applications like agricultural surveys, pipeline monitoring, and large-scale mapping projects. Their longer flight times and greater range make them suitable for missions requiring extended coverage. However, they generally cannot hover and need a runway or launcher for takeoff and landing. Quadcopter Drones have four rotors, allowing them to hover, take off, and land vertically. They offer excellent maneuverability and are well-suited for tasks requiring precision, such as aerial photography, inspections, and close-up data collection. While their flight times are shorter compared to fixed-wing drones, quadcopters excel in flexibility and ease of deployment. Not sure which to choose? Fixed-wing drones are ideal for long-range, large-area projects, while quadcopters are better suited for precision work in smaller or confined areas.

Quadcopters are drones with four rotors; they offer a balance of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and maneuverability. Widely used for tasks like aerial photography, inspections, and mapping, they’re lightweight, easy to deploy, and well-suited for smaller payloads and shorter flight durations. Octocopters feature eight rotors, which provides greater stability, lifting capacity, and redundancy. If one rotor fails, the drone can still maintain flight, making it ideal for more demanding tasks. Octocopters are commonly used in applications like heavy-lift cinematography, industrial inspections, and carrying specialized equipment such as thermal cameras or LiDAR sensors. Basically, quadcopters are more compact and cost-efficient, while octocopters offer enhanced stability, payload capacity, and reliability for complex or heavy-duty missions.

Flying over people is restricted under FAA regulations unless specific conditions are met to ensure safety. Here's what you need to know: For recreational flyers, flying over people is generally prohibited unless the individuals are directly participating in the operation or are in a controlled, restricted-access area with no unauthorized personnel present. For commercial pilots operating under Part 107, flying over people is allowed if the drone meets specific FAA safety requirements under the Category 1-4 rules. Category 1 drones must weigh less than 0.55 lbs (250 grams), including all attached equipment, and have no exposed rotating parts that could cause injury. Category 2 and 3 drones must comply with FAA safety standards, including impact force limitations, with Category 3 flights restricted to areas where people are aware of the operation or protected by a covered structure. Category 4 drones require an FAA-issued airworthiness certificate and must be operated according to manufacturer guidelines. Exceptions and Waivers: FAA Waiver: Operators can apply for a waiver to fly over people if they demonstrate adequate safety measures. Public Events: Flying over open-air assemblies without specific FAA approval is prohibited. Always ensure compliance with FAA regulations and prioritize public safety during operations.

With drones' increased popularity, there are many regulations about where and when they can fly. At Extreme Aerial, we have FAA approval to fly in situations where many amateur and even professional outfitters would not be able to fly. For example: Luke Air Force Base – Operating near this critical military installation requires stringent compliance. Harry Reid International Airport – Formerly McCarran International Airport, this busy airspace demands specialized permissions. Arizona Airports – We can operate as close as 500 feet from the runway in certain cases, an area where most drone operations are prohibited. In order to fly drones and capture aerial photography, FAA approval is required in the following situations: Controlled Airspace (Class B, C, D, and E Surface Airspace): If you plan to fly in controlled airspace near airports, you must obtain authorization through the FAA's LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system or FAA DroneZone. Flights Above 400 Feet AGL (Above Ground Level): Flying above the 400-foot limit generally requires a waiver unless the flight is within 400 feet of a structure. Night Operations: Part 107-certified pilots can fly at night without a waiver if their drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting. Recreational flyers must follow additional guidelines or obtain approval. Flying Over People or Moving Vehicles: FAA approval or a waiver is required unless the drone meets specific safety standards or is part of a certified operation. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations: Flying beyond the pilot’s line of sight requires a special waiver from the FAA. Restricted Areas and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): Flights in restricted airspace or during TFRs (such as near stadiums or during certain events) require special FAA clearance. For most commercial operations under Part 107, adherence to these regulations ensures legal compliance. Always check local airspace conditions and FAA guidelines before flying.

So glad you asked! At Extreme Aerial, we pride ourselves on always delivering professional, high quality results with the best technology available on the market. We continually invest in new equipment and training. But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself! As of January 31, 2024: 21,384 flights flown and counting! 💪🏻😎

It's a drone Yes, it was expensive Yes, it has a camera Legally, 400 feet high 40+ mph Within the line of sight No, you can't fly it

LiDAR stands for ‘light detection and ranging.’ The technology itself has been around for a while, but its use in drones is a more recent development. LiDAR is an active, remote sensing system that emits light from a rapidly firing laser. It then measures how long it takes for the light pulses to come back after they bounce off the ground, which is used to calculate the distance traveled. This distance is then converted to elevation. In addition to the sensor, measurements are made using both a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which can identify where the light energy is, and an Internal Measurement Unit (IMU), which calculates where the LiDAR sensor is positioned in the sky. All three of these must work harmoniously together in a process called direct geo-referencing, which allows the data to be recorded into information you can use.

Photogrammetry involves a drone taking a lot of high-resolution photos of one area. These images overlay so that the same point on the ground can be seen in many photos, from multiple points of view. These vantage points are used to build incredible 3D constructions that provide not only basics, like elevation and height but also highly specific details, like the color and texture of each point on the map. Drones that use photogrammetry are much less expensive than LiDAR, and more user-friendly. Both LiDAR and photogrammetry are able to produce amazing 3D surveys. LiDAR will produce the most accurate results over dense survey areas. Photogrammetry is your best bet for surveys of larger areas, with data results that are easier to read. Learn more about the pros and cons of photogrammetry vs. LiDAR.