3DroneMapping completed a high-accuracy aerial survey and drone mapping project for the Canaan Project near Manzini, eSwatini, on behalf of Third Lens. The survey covered approximately 380 hectares, with an additional bridge site located 5 km to the east, and was undertaken to support future site development and planning.

Establishing Accurate Ground Control for Drone Surveys
Accurate results start on the ground. For this project, 3DroneMapping established a precise GNSS ground control network across the site using dual-frequency receivers and post-processed positioning techniques. This ensured centimetre-level accuracy for both photogrammetry and LiDAR data products.

Ground control positioning

Custom Drone Platform and LiDAR Aerial Survey Technology

The survey was flown using a custom-built 3DroneMapping drone platform, designed in-house for long-range, high-precision aerial surveys. The sensor payload included:
⦁ A 102 MP calibrated RGB mapping camera
⦁ A high-density LiDAR survey system
This setup allowed us to capture detailed imagery and reliable terrain data, even in areas with steep or complex topography.

DTM overlay

Efficient Aerial Data Capture Over Large Areas

Flight operations were completed over one day, with 72 km flown in under three hours. Careful flight planning ensured optimal image overlap and consistent ground resolution across the site. While winter shadows affected some RGB imagery, the LiDAR data remained unaffected, delivering dependable ground models throughout the survey area.

Drone Survey Deliverables for Site Development Planning

The final dataset met all accuracy requirements and was delivered in industry-standard formats, including:
⦁ High-resolution orthomosaic imagery
⦁ Digital Terrain Models (DTMs)
⦁ Classified LiDAR point clouds
⦁ Contours and CAD-ready outputs

These deliverables provide a reliable foundation for engineering design, environmental studies, and development planning.

LiDAR accuracy results

Using Drone Mapping and LiDAR to Support Smarter Development

This project highlights the value of aerial survey, drone mapping, and LiDAR technology for large-scale site development—reducing survey time while delivering accurate, actionable data.

If you’re planning a project in eSwatini or anywhere else in Africa, 3DroneMapping can support your survey requirements from concept to delivery.