Accurate data. Fast. Every time.

What types of projects does Utah LiDAR support?

Utah LiDAR supports topographic mapping, stockpile and pit volume calculations, earthwork measurement, construction as-builts, existing-condition documentation, and contract LiDAR collection for surveying and civil engineering firms. Common project types include land development, mass grading, mining, aggregate operations, oil and gas sites, roads, utility corridors, and large or difficult-access properties.

What deliverables can Utah LiDAR provide?

Deliverables are customized around the intended use of the data and may include classified LAS or LAZ point clouds, digital terrain models, existing-ground surfaces, contours, breaklines, preliminary CAD linework, stockpile volume reports, cut-and-fill calculations, elevation-difference exhibits, and files compatible with Civil 3D and other design workflows. The exact file formats, coordinate system, surface requirements, and level of processing are confirmed before field collection begins.

How accurate is drone LiDAR data?

Drone LiDAR can produce dense, high-accuracy elevation data when the project is properly planned and controlled. Final accuracy depends on the sensor, flight height, terrain, vegetation, ground control, satellite conditions, processing method, and required deliverables. Utah LiDAR scopes each project around the client's accuracy requirements rather than applying one accuracy claim to every site.

Does Utah LiDAR replace a Professional Land Surveyor?

No. Utah LiDAR provides LiDAR and RTK field-data collection, point-cloud processing, preliminary mapping data, and project-specific deliverables. When a project requires professional land-surveying judgment, certification, or a stamped survey product, the client's Professional Land Surveyor remains responsible for review and approval. Utah LiDAR is designed to give surveyors and design teams denser field data while reducing collection time and project bottlenecks.

Can Utah LiDAR mobilize outside Utah?

Yes. Utah LiDAR is based in the Uintah Basin and mobilizes for qualifying projects throughout Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Montana. Scheduling and mobilization depend on the project location, acreage or corridor length, site access, airspace, terrain, weather, control requirements, deliverables, and requested turnaround.

What information is needed to prepare a LiDAR project quote?

To prepare an accurate quote, Utah LiDAR typically needs the project location, site acreage or corridor length, project limits or boundary file, intended use of the data, required accuracy, existing survey control, horizontal and vertical coordinate requirements, requested deliverables, terrain and vegetation conditions, site-access information, and desired schedule. Providing a KMZ, KML, shapefile, CAD file, or marked site map can help define the project area.

• Project location
• Site acreage or corridor length
• Project limits or boundary file
• Intended use of the data
• Required accuracy
• Existing survey control
• Horizontal and vertical coordinate requirements
• Requested deliverables
• Terrain and vegetation conditions
• Site-access information
• Desired schedule

How long does a LiDAR project take?

Turnaround depends on the size and complexity of the site, travel requirements, weather, airspace, vegetation, control, processing, and requested deliverables. Smaller projects may be collected and processed quickly, while large, remote, heavily vegetated, or multi-phase projects may require additional time. Utah LiDAR confirms the anticipated collection and delivery schedule during project scoping.

What is the difference between LiDAR and drone photogrammetry?

LiDAR measures distance using laser pulses and creates a dense three-dimensional point cloud. Photogrammetry creates three-dimensional models by matching features across overlapping photographs. LiDAR is often better suited for bare-earth terrain modeling, uneven ground, and areas with vegetation. Photogrammetry can be useful when detailed color imagery and textured surface models are important. Some projects benefit from using both methods.