From its early days in the 1960s to today’s high-powered systems, LiDAR has become a critical tool in the modern surveyor’s toolkit. And we’ve fully embraced it—both in the air and on the ground.

Our Aerial LiDAR Capabilities

When covering large areas—like a bridge corridor or expansive right-of-way—our DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone, paired with a Zenmuse L1 LiDAR sensor, gives us a bird’s-eye view and unmatched data precision.

-       Up to 480,000 points/second

-       20MP camera with 4K video

-       Accuracy within 0.098 ft at 300 ft altitude

-       Real-time LiDAR preview and first-person view

On a recent project at Evans Bridges—spanning roughly 130 acres—we used aerial LiDAR to capture a full site overview in just a fraction of the time traditional methods would take.

Our Terrestrial LiDAR Capabilities

When we need to get closer to the details—say, scanning bridge abutments, building interiors, or tight-access areas—we turn to our ground-based systems.

Leica P50 – Long-range, high-accuracy scanning

Leica RTC360 – Compact, fast, and ideal for confined environments

These scanners capture millions of points per second, with sub-centimeter accuracy and wide panoramic fields of view. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch a full-color point cloud appear on screen after a 5-minute scan.

Why It Matters

LiDAR helps us work smarter. It reduces time in the field, enhances safety, and ensures no detail is missed. Whether flying above a site or scanning beneath a structure, the data we collect drives better decision-making from design through construction.

“There’s a real sense of craftsmanship in this kind of surveying,” says Jayson. “We’re not just collecting data—we’re building the foundation for infrastructure that lasts.”

LiDAR has transformed how we approach surveying at Prudent Engineering. It’s more than just laser beams and point clouds—it’s a smarter, faster, and more complete way to serve our clients.

We’re proud to bring this level of technology to every project we touch—always with the same goal in mind: Transforming Infrastructure for the Next Generation.