Drone survey of the Pohnpei International Airport

Survey the Pohnpei International Airport

Client

Vital Energy & Pohnpei International Airport

Project Type

Topographic and Orthomosaic Mapping

Location

Pohnpei

Project Overview

As part of an infrastructure and aviation assessment project, 2cofly conducted a high-precision LiDAR and photogrammetry survey of Pohnpei International Airport. This survey was critical for runway maintenance planning, terrain analysis, and aviation safety enhancements.

By using drone-based LiDAR scanning and high-resolution orthomosaic mapping, 2cofly provided detailed elevation data and geospatial imagery, ensuring accurate assessments of runway conditions, drainage, and surrounding land features.

The Challenge

Surveying an active airport presents several unique challenges:

Strict Aviation Regulations – Flights had to be coordinated with airport authorities to ensure compliance and safety.
Large Area Coverage with High-Precision Needs – The survey required centimeter-level accuracy to analyze runway conditions, elevation changes, and surface integrity.
Fast & Non-Disruptive Data Collection – Traditional ground surveys could cause operational disruptions—drones provided a faster and safer alternative.

By deploying LiDAR and high-resolution photogrammetry, 2cofly efficiently mapped the airport without interfering with flight operations, delivering accurate data for future airport maintenance and development planning.

Approach & Methodology

High-Resolution LiDAR & Orthomosaic Mapping

✔ LiDAR Scanning for Runway & Terrain Analysis – Captured a high-density 3D point cloud, providing detailed elevation and contour mapping for accurate surface assessment.

✔ Orthomosaic Mapping for Visual Site Documentation – Produced a georeferenced aerial map, enabling a clear, up-to-date view of the airport’s infrastructure.

Compliance & Efficient Execution

✔ Flight Coordination with Airport Officials – Ensured safe and regulatory-compliant drone operations near the airfield.

✔ Minimal Disruption to Airport Activities – The survey was completed quickly, avoiding any impact on daily operations.

Deliverables Provided

✔ High-Resolution Orthomosaic Map – Providing an accurate, up-to-date aerial view of the entire airport.

✔ 3D LiDAR Point Cloud – Used for elevation analysis, surface assessments, and infrastructure planning.

✔ Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – Essential for runway grading, drainage evaluation, and future expansion projects.

✔ Topographic Contour Map – Supporting engineering and aviation planning efforts.

Results & Project Impact

✔ Enhanced Runway & Infrastructure Planning

The high-accuracy data allowed airport authorities to:

Identify potential runway maintenance needs.
Assess drainage patterns to prevent water accumulation.
Plan for future expansions and safety improvements.

✔ Fast & Cost-Effective SurveyingThe drone-based approach enabled:

Completion of the entire survey in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Significant cost savings by reducing labor and minimizing disruptions.

✔ Comprehensive Data for Future UseThe high-resolution LiDAR and aerial imagery datasets serve as a long-term reference for airport planning, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

This LiDAR and photogrammetry survey at Pohnpei International Airport highlights 2cofly’s expertise in aviation infrastructure mapping and runway assessments. By leveraging advanced drone technology, we delivered high-accuracy data that enhances airport safety, maintenance planning, and future development strategies.

For airports, aviation authorities, and infrastructure planners seeking state-of-the-art aerial mapping solutions, 2cofly provides expert drone surveying services designed to optimize decision-making, improve efficiency, and support long-term airport development.

2cofly (pronounced Ecofly) is Micronesia's leading drone service and education provider. Our core competency lies in remote sensing via various sensing technologies such as photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and more.

Few key deliverables we can output with our drones & sensors: