Our Newest Survey Tool: LiDAR
Updated: Sep 23
Earlier this year, Buckton invested in DJI L2 LiDAR technology to add to our surveying toolkit. Director Richard Cullen says for certain projects it's meant faster, safer, and more precise data for clients.
"It's one way we're pairing the latest tech with real surveying expertise to get better results," he says.
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology which works by sending laser pulses towards the ground and measuring the time taken for them to return. It produces a detailed three-dimensional ‘point cloud’ of the land, vegetation, buildings and other features below.
The advantages of LiDAR
"One of the main advantages is its ability to identify the ground beneath vegetation," explains Richard. While LiDAR can't see through completely solid cover, some laser pulses pass through gaps between leaves, branches and scrub, providing a much clearer model of the underlying terrain than conventional drone photogrammetry can.
"Mounted to our Matrice 300 drone, our LiDAR also covers large areas relatively quickly," he says, "giving us a far greater density of information than would normally be practical using individual ground observations."
Where we’ve put it to work
We’ve now used LiDAR across a range of projects and have been impressed with both the quality of the data and the efficiencies it provides. This includes the Pariki Road slip for Downer, a private land subdivision near Whangateau, a large-scale topographical survey and engineering design for a development in Kerikeri, and quarry measurements for Wharehine.
These jobs have involved capturing accurate elevation data and aerial imagery in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take.
"It also provides a safer setting for our team, where previously they would have had to hike up and down steep terrain to do this work," says Richard."
Not a replacement – an addition
Traditional survey methods remain an important part of the process explains Richard.
“Our team of surveyors establish accurate survey control, carry out ground checks and use conventional instruments where they're the best option.”
"LiDAR does not replace professional judgement - it gives us another effective way to collect and understand site information."
Flying with the right credentials
The Buckton survey team operating LiDAR are Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certified under the NZ Civil Aviation Authority, enabling them to safely undertake aerial operations.
With this certification, we’re able to go beyond standard limits, including higher-altitude flights for faster, large-scale surveys, operating within 4km of aerodromes and in controlled airspace, expanded permissions over people and property, and access to low-flying zones typically restricted to drones.
What it means for you
For subdivision, earthworks, drainage, engineering and land-development projects, this combination of LiDAR and established surveying methods is helping us produce detailed terrain models more efficiently, particularly on sites where access or vegetation would otherwise make survey work difficult.
Get in touch with one of the team to see if LiDAR could be the best option for your work.
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