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BackConventional Ground-Based Data Collection (Design-Grade)
While aerial mapping offers speed and broad coverage, nothing replaces the accuracy and reliability of conventional ground-based data collection for design-grade engineering work. ICC DRONES provides professional field measurement services using GNSS, robotic total stations, digital levels, and traditional survey workflows to ensure every project begins with accurate, defensible, and engineering-ready data. Our team brings over 30 years of combined industry experience, giving engineers and developers the confidence they need for grading design, drainage analysis, permitting, and construction planning.Design-grade field data is critical for projects where elevations, utilities, and surface features must meet strict tolerances. ICC DRONES bridges the gap between conventional surveying and modern aerial mapping, delivering the dependable measurements required to support civil design from early planning through final construction.
Comprehensive Ground-Based Data Collection Services
Our field crews specialize in collecting the high-accuracy measurements necessary for engineering workflows, including:- Ground shots and elevations
- Breaklines, edges, and hardscape features
- Visible utility locations
- Drainage structures and flowlines
- Roadway features, curb lines, and pavement conditions
- Foundations, slabs, pads, and critical grade points
- Site control for aerial datasets
This approach ensures your topographic and design files are built on verified, defensible measurements that maintain accuracy across every phase of development.
Service Options & Estimated Pricing
To provide clarity for engineers, contractors, and developers, ICC DRONES offers transparent pricing for common ground-based data collection needs. Actual estimates depend on project complexity, vegetation, access, and required deliverables.| Service | Estimated Cost | Ideal For |
| Topographic Data Collection (‹1 acre) | $1,000 – $1,500 | Small-scale commercial lots, utility tie-ins, grading plans |
| Topographic Data Collection (1–5 acres) | $1,500 – $3,500 | Pad sites, parking lots, detention pond design |
| Topographic Data Collection (5–20 acres) | $3,500 – $8,000+ | Subdivisions, commercial/industrial sites |
| Site Control Establishment | $800 – $1,500 | Control points for design base maps, aerial datasets |
| Utility Feature Location (Visible) | +$300 – $800 | Includes hydrants, inlets, power poles, water meters |
| Boundary/Platting Add-On | $1,200 – $2,500 | Site development packages or entitlement submittals |
| Civil 3D Base Map Production | Included or $200–$600 | Surfaces, contour lines, feature layers compatible with engineering workflows |
Every project includes quality-checked data, properly labelled layers, and expertly organized files formatted for Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and GIS platforms.
Why Design-Grade Field Data Matters
Even with cutting-edge drone systems, design-level precision still requires ground verification and targeted field measurements. Civil engineers rely on accurate elevation points, structure inverts, utility features, and verified surfaces to build models that align with real-world site conditions. Poor base data leads to costly redesigns, RFIs, and change orders - which is why ICC DRONES prioritizes accuracy from the start.Our field crews apply established surveying standards, ensuring that:
- Elevations meet required vertical tolerances
- Features are mapped with precise horizontal accuracy
- Data remains consistent across aerial and ground workflows
- Deliverables integrate seamlessly with design software
The result is defensible, high-confidence data that engineering teams can depend on for grading, drainage, utility planning, and construction layout.
Seamless Integration with Aerial Mapping & Civil 3D
ICC DRONES is unique in its ability to deliver hybrid datasets that combine the speed of aerial photogrammetry with the precision of conventional surveying. Ground control points, check shots, and targeted field measurements ensure drone-derived surfaces align perfectly with verified field data.Our Civil 3D base maps include:
- Clean contour layers
- Intelligent surfaces (TINs)
- Utility features
- Spot elevations
- Breaklines and feature layers
This integration ensures your project is design-ready the moment files are delivered.