Aircraft & Helicopter Capture
When projects exceed drone range, our helicopter and manned aircraft LiDAR services deliver survey-grade terrain data across thousands of acres and hundreds of miles. From pipeline corridors and transmission line surveys to county-wide floodplain mapping and forestry assessment, we deploy the right airborne platform for every scale. Combined with our drone fleet, THE FUTURE 3D offers complete aerial survey coverage from 1 acre to 1,000+ square miles.
Key Features
Industry-leading capabilities that set our aircraft & helicopter capture services apart.
Helicopter LiDAR
High-powered sensors capturing terrain through vegetation at flight speeds of 60-120 knots. Ideal for 500+ acre projects and long corridors.
Fixed-Wing Drone Mapping
VTOL and fixed-wing drones with 60-90 minute endurance for large-area photogrammetry; coverage per flight depends on altitude, required GSD and airspace access.
Manned Aircraft LiDAR
Regional-scale airborne LiDAR for county-wide mapping, FEMA floodplain studies, and national terrain model updates at 2-5 cm accuracy.
Corridor Surveys
Power line, pipeline, highway, and rail corridor mapping spanning hundreds of miles in a single campaign.
Vegetation Penetration
Multi-return LiDAR captures bare-earth terrain beneath dense forest canopy for forestry, archaeology, and environmental assessments.
Multi-Platform Integration
Combine helicopter macro-level data with drone micro-level detail at specific locations within the same project.
Our Process
A streamlined workflow designed to deliver exceptional results.
Project Scoping
Define coverage area, accuracy requirements, and deliverables. Select optimal platform (helicopter, fixed-wing, or multi-platform).
Flight Planning
Design flight lines, coordinate airspace authorization, and establish ground control network.
Data Acquisition
Execute survey flights with GPS/IMU and LiDAR sensor systems. Quality checks in-field before demobilization.
Processing & Delivery
Classify point clouds, generate DTM/DSM, produce deliverables in requested formats (LAS, E57, GeoTIFF, DXF).
What You'll Receive
- Classified Point Cloud
- Bare-Earth DTM
- Digital Surface Model
- Contour Maps
- Orthomosaic Imagery
- Corridor Profile Data
Key Benefits
- Cover 1,000+ acres in a single day
- Map corridors spanning hundreds of miles
- Penetrate vegetation for bare-earth terrain
- Survey-grade accuracy at regional scale
- Complement drone data with wider coverage
- FAA-compliant operations nationwide
Industries We Serve
Our aircraft & helicopter capture services support professionals across these industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use helicopter LiDAR instead of a drone?
Helicopter LiDAR is used for survey areas over 500 acres, corridors over 10 miles, and situations where FAA airspace restrictions prevent drone operations. For most projects under 500 acres, drone LiDAR is more cost-effective.
How much does helicopter LiDAR cost?
Helicopter LiDAR surveys are quoted per project. Small corridor surveys start at $15,000-$25,000. Large regional mapping projects can exceed $100,000. Per-mile and per-acre pricing available — contact us for a custom quote.
What accuracy does airborne LiDAR achieve?
For drone LiDAR, DJI publishes a Zenmuse L2 system accuracy of 5 cm horizontal / 4 cm vertical at 150 m flight altitude. Helicopter and manned-aircraft LiDAR accuracy depends on the sensor flown, the flight altitude, the GNSS constellation, and the ground control established — we state the achievable figure for the specific platform once the project parameters are set.
Can you combine helicopter and drone surveys?
Yes — many projects benefit from helicopter LiDAR for macro-level coverage (a 5,000-acre forest) combined with drone LiDAR for micro-level detail at specific locations (bridge crossings, pump stations). We coordinate multi-platform surveys as a single project.
Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote
Learn More
Explore guides and answers related to aircraft & helicopter capture.
Aircraft & Helicopter Capture Available Nationwide
Our aircraft & helicopter capture services are available across all 50 states and select international locations. Select your city for local pricing and availability.
Explore 400+ locations across the United States & internationally
Ready to Get Started?
Request a custom quote for your aircraft & helicopter capture project. We typically respond within 1 hour to discuss your project needs.