From Grand Canyon to Pearl Harbor: How professional surveyors meticulously tested drones before capturing data on their most critical sites

How do the pros test drone platforms to take on some of the most sensitive, high-profile projects in the world? Carlos Femmer, Head of Remote Sensing and Geomatics, and Chad Maxwell, Senior Geomatics Manager at HDR, will unpack their program, testing approach and expertise in this rich conversation.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Why survey success depends on hardware reliability as much as planning and processing tools 
• How the built-in parachute and efficient flight design reduce risk on sensitive sites
• How the HDR team has never had to re-fly Wingtra on a site, and what that means for client credibility
• The photogrammetry science behind GCP-free accuracy, and why checkpoints still matter
• Why it’s worth it to open up to more efficient ground control workflows for safety and efficiency’s sake 
• Actual results: real reductions in field time, from real projects
• How to pitch drone photogrammetry to colleagues and clients who are still skeptical