Design can’t start until the topo’s in. On a big or wooded site, a traditional ground survey can eat weeks of your schedule. Drone LiDAR from Abraham Land Surveying gets you a design-ready surface in days, not weeks.
We fly up to 1,000 acres in a day, then process the data into what your team actually uses: ground-classified point clouds, surfaces and contours, delivered ready for CAD. Because we’re a licensed South Carolina surveying firm, not just a drone operator, we can tie the flight to survey control and fill in with ground survey where the job calls for it, like curb lines, inverts and utilities.
Deliverables for engineering teams
- Topographic surfaces. Clean ground surfaces ready to design on, delivered in DWG.
- CAD contours. Delivered as DWGs for Civil 3D and Carlson, ready to open without extra cleanup.
- Other popular formats. Need something besides DWG? Tell us what your team uses.
- Ground-classified point clouds. For teams that want to build their own surfaces or check ours. LAS or LAZ.
Why engineers work with us
- Speed. Days, not weeks, from flight to files: typically 3–5 business days, depending on the product.
- Surveyor-checked. Licensed surveyors review the data before it goes out.
- Tools you already know. We use Trimble, Leica and Carlson.
- Statewide. Surveying all of South Carolina since 1982, for counties, municipalities and private clients.
- Subcontract-friendly. Engineering firms can bring us in to fly drone LiDAR under their own project.
Not sure if LiDAR or a ground topo is the right call for your site? Send us the boundary and tell us what you’re designing. We’ll tell you straight which one fits, or if a mix of both makes the most sense. See also our Topographic Surveys page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get a topo surface for design from drone LiDAR?
Days, not weeks: typically 3-5 business days from flight to files, depending on the product, with up to 1,000 acres flown in a day.
What file formats do you deliver for civil engineers?
CAD contours and topographic surfaces in DWG, ready for Civil 3D and Carlson, plus ground-classified point clouds in LAS or LAZ. Other popular formats are available on request.
Is drone LiDAR topo tied to survey control?
Yes. As a licensed South Carolina surveying firm, we can tie the flight to existing survey control or establish South Carolina State Plane Coordinate (SCSPC) control, have licensed surveyors check the data, and fill in with ground survey for items like curb lines, inverts and utilities if ordered.
Should I use drone LiDAR or a ground topo for my site?
Send us the boundary and tell us what you’re designing, and we’ll tell you straight whether LiDAR, a ground topo, or a mix of both fits best.
Can a surveying or engineering firm subcontract drone LiDAR to Abraham Land Surveying?
Yes. Surveying and engineering firms can bring us in to fly drone LiDAR and deliver the data under their own project.
Need a topo before design can start?
Get a free estimate for your site. Send us your KML or boundary and we’ll quote within 24 hours. Estimates are always free.
Related: Drone LiDAR Surveys · Topographic Surveys · Speedway case study