Professional LiDAR & 3D Modeling for Engineering Projects

The DJI Matrice 400 and Zenmuse L3 LiDAR system list manufacturer-rated accuracies of roughly ±5 cm vertical and ±3 cm horizontal with proper ground control. Field results can vary due to site conditions, control quality, and operational variables. All projects include rigorous QA workflows with check shots to verify accuracy against established survey benchmarks. This meets or exceeds the precision requirements for most civil engineering, land development, and design applications.

We deliver data in formats that integrate directly with your CAD and GIS workflows: classified LAS/LAZ point clouds, AutoCAD DWG surfaces and contours, Civil 3D TIN surfaces, GeoTIFF orthomosaics and DEMs, Esri shapefiles and geodatabases, textured 3D meshes (OBJ, FBX), and BIM-compatible models for Revit. All datasets are georeferenced to your project's coordinate system and datum.

Flight operations can typically be completed in 1-3 days depending on site size and complexity. Data processing and delivery usually takes 5-10 business days for standard topographic surveys, LiDAR point clouds, and orthomosaics. Complex 3D modeling or large corridor projects may require 2-3 weeks. Rush services are available for time-sensitive projects. We'll provide a detailed timeline with your quote.

LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure precise distances and penetrates vegetation to capture ground terrain beneath trees and brush—ideal for topographic surveys, bare earth modeling, and forested sites. Photogrammetry uses high-resolution imagery to create 3D models and delivers photorealistic textures, RGB orthomosaics, and detailed surface features—best for construction monitoring, as-built documentation, and architectural visualization. We often combine both methods for comprehensive site coverage.

Yes. Delta Drone Solutions is led by a California-licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). Backed by professional surveying licensure, our team also provides advanced geomatic engineering services including LiDAR acquisition, photogrammetry, GNSS control networks, 3D modeling, orthomosaic generation, digital terrain modeling (DTM/DEM), point cloud classification, GIS-ready datasets, and other modern geospatial technologies. This ensures our aerial mapping services are conducted with professional surveying discipline, rigorous QA workflows, and adherence to engineering accuracy standards. We understand the technical requirements of civil engineering projects and can coordinate seamlessly with licensed land surveyors, civil engineers, and design teams on survey control, coordinate systems, datums, and deliverable specifications.

Yes. For survey-grade projects, we establish and survey ground control points (GCPs) using professional GPS/GNSS equipment. These control points are used to georeference the aerial data and validate accuracy with independent check shots. If you already have existing survey control or benchmarks on site, we can tie into your established coordinate system. RTK-enabled drones provide high accuracy, but ground control ensures the highest level of precision and professional verification.

We're based in Northern California and serve Sacramento, Roseville, Placer County, Yolo County, Chico, Redding, and the surrounding region. We regularly mobilize throughout Northern California for projects and can deploy statewide for larger contracts, emergency response, or wildfire mapping. Contact us to discuss your project location and timeline.