In recent years contractors have seen the advantages of employing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones. State transportation departments are now using these systems and integrating them into their procedures.
“This is another tool in the toolbox,” says Derek Pfeifer, program manager with North Dakota Dept. of Transportation’s (NDDOT) Design Division. “We have found the technology is very good at examining small areas such as intersections and in areas that have significant ground cover the LiDAR can see through.” Over the past year, NDDOT has built a UAS program in cooperation with the FAA. Integrating LiDAR technology has been a component of that initiative. NDDOT has found uses for UAS LiDAR with bridge inspections, intersection surveys and excavation estimates.