01 / Topography
Understand the ground.
Separate ground from above-ground features to prepare terrain and surface outputs for site planning, earthworks and drainage context.
LiDAR & terrain intelligence
A precise foundation
for the next decision.
Bring drone-captured geometry into planning and engineering. Flybi prepares classified point clouds, terrain and surface models, and contours around your site, coordinate system and intended downstream use.
A closer look / Motion overview
From points to a clearer physical picture.
Read three source-derived terrain outputs: the orthomosaic, digital surface model and digital terrain model. Site-identifying labels are withheld; the outputs retain their scientific context.
Original project evidenceFLYBI / IN CONTEXT
Orthomosaic · Identity labels redacted; measurements retained
Digital surface model · Identity labels redacted; measurements retainedDigital terrain model · Identity labels redacted; measurements retained01 / Locate
Begin with the spatial context.
The project orthomosaic provides a photographic site reference. It sits alongside the geometric outputs used in the mapping workflow.
Choose a chapter, or play the sequence.
Original source outputs and authentic interface captures, shown as a workflow sequence. These are separate reference views, not recorded footage or a time-series comparison.
Film will be added when approved footage is ready.Read the complete workflow
Begin with the spatial context.
The project orthomosaic provides a photographic site reference. It sits alongside the geometric outputs used in the mapping workflow.
Original orthomosaicRead the visible surface.
The original digital surface model shows the surface represented by the acquisition and processing. Review its reference and quality information before using it.
Original surface modelKeep the ground model distinct.
The original digital terrain model is a separate output from the surface model. Agree terrain, contours and handover formats around the planning question.
Original terrain model
Geometry that supports the work
From captured points
to useful surfaces.
LiDAR is a measurement method. The value lies in acquisition design, control, classification and outputs that fit the engineering question.
02 / Corridors
Keep the alignment connected.
Keep alignments, crossings and adjoining terrain in one coordinate reference. Specify the corridor width and detail needed by the receiving design team.
03 / Complex terrain
Work with the conditions.
Scope capture around vegetation, terrain, access and coverage. Ground visibility and point classification affect the final terrain product.
Interactive explanation
The landscape.
A different way to read it.
Drag the divider to read the same landscape through a conceptual classification layer. Vegetation and exposed ground need different treatment when preparing useful geometry. The example is illustrative, not measured LiDAR data.
VegetationExposed groundConceptual point pattern · not measured data
Deliverables
Agree the output.
Then design the capture.
01 / Point cloud
Keep the geometry.
A point cloud in agreed LAS/LAZ or other compatible format, with the classification scheme, coordinate reference, coverage and quality metadata.
02 / Terrain & surface models
Choose the right representation.
Ground terrain (DTM) and top-surface (DSM) outputs selected for the task. GeoTIFF rasters and other agreed formats retain the coordinate and resolution information.
03 / Contours & engineering handoff
Fit the downstream workflow.
Contours and CAD/GIS outputs with agreed intervals, units and layers. Check them against the engineering use and achievable measurement specification before handover.
How the work comes together
A measurement specification that means something.
01 / Design
Start with intended use.
Agree boundary, required accuracy, coverage, ground conditions, coordinate system and output formats.
02 / Control
Establish the reference.
Scope ground control and independent checks appropriate to the project. Document the basis of accuracy reporting.
03 / Review
Check the handover.
Review coverage, classification and output suitability before the deliverables move into the client’s engineering workflow.
Before the flight
Match the measurement programme
to the task.
Is point density the same as accuracy?
No. Density describes how many points represent an area. Accuracy concerns how well measurements relate to the relevant reference. Both need to be specified and assessed for the intended use.
What is the difference between a DTM and a DSM?
A DTM represents the ground terrain. A DSM represents the top visible surface, which may include buildings and vegetation. The processing and classification approach determines the output.
Can LiDAR always see the ground beneath vegetation?
No. Some pulses may reach the ground through canopy gaps, but ground returns depend on vegetation, capture geometry and conditions. Required terrain completeness should be scoped explicitly.
Can you deliver to our CAD or GIS workflow?
Discuss the coordinate reference, formats, contour intervals and model resolution with the project team before acquisition, so the handover matches your downstream work.
Start with the decision
What does your team
need to map?
Share the area, required outputs and engineering use. We’ll begin with the specification.