The Measurement Analytics (MANTIS) Lab at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was recently recognized by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for its pioneering research on unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for geospatial data acquisition. The research, funded and supported by TxDOT, was featured at the 2025 ASCE Texas Section Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (TxUESI) Conference, underscoring the lab’s role in advancing innovation in transportation infrastructure through cutting-edge remote sensing technologies.
The study, formally titled Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Land Surveying: A Comparative Study of LiDAR and Photogrammetry, investigated the capabilities of UAS platforms equipped with digital cameras and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors for surveying and mapping applications. The research focused on evaluating the accuracy, repeatability, and cost-effectiveness of UAS-based structure-from-motion / multi-view stereo (SfM/MVS) photogrammetry (or UAS-SfM) and UAS-LiDAR under varied field conditions. Comprehensive field campaigns were conducted across multiple geographic regions in Texas, assessing the performance of both technologies in diverse terrain types and environmental settings. These trials examined 3D data fidelity, explored different configurations of ground control, and analyzed data processing and post-processing workflows. The study also identified operational strengths and limitations inherent to each approach, providing actionable guidance for the integration of UAS technologies into transportation survey workflows.
During the conference presentation, Ronny Lackey (representing TxDOT) emphasized the study’s significance in supporting TxDOT’s digital delivery initiative. He highlighted the practical value the findings offer to surveyors and engineers statewide, particularly in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and quality of geospatial data collection for transportation projects.
The MANTIS Lab’s collaboration with TxDOT reflects a broader commitment to research-driven solutions that align with the evolving needs of infrastructure development. The full research report is available through the Lab Resources >> Technical Reports on this website.
