Frequently Asked Questions

Drone flying over land

  • Hard Deck UAS provides professional commercial drone and UAV services for organizations that need accurate aerial imagery, mapping, inspections, and site data.

    Based in Salt Lake City Utah servicing westerns states and beyond.

    Services may include:

    • Aerial mapping

    • Photogrammetry

    • Construction progress documentation

    • Industrial inspections

    • Infrastructure inspections

    • High-resolution aerial photography

    • Orthomosaic mapping

    • 3D models

    • Digital elevation models

    • Digital surface models

    • Volumetric and stockpile calculations

    • Site surveys and documentation

    • Aerial data collection

    Project capabilities may vary depending on location, airspace restrictions, site conditions, weather, and project requirements.

  • Hard Deck UAS works with clients across industries where accurate aerial data can improve safety, documentation, planning, and decision-making.

    Common industries include:

    • Mining

    • Construction

    • Engineering

    • Aggregates

    • Industrial facilities

    • Infrastructure

    • Commercial property

    • Land development

    • Energy and utilities

    Contact us to discuss whether UAV services are appropriate for your specific project.

  • Hard Deck UAS conducts commercial drone operations in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

    Commercial drone operations are performed by qualified FAA Part 107 remote pilots when required by law.

    What is photogrammetry?

    Photogrammetry is the process of using overlapping photographs to create highly detailed measurements and digital models of a physical location.

    Drone-based photogrammetry can be used to produce deliverables such as:

    • Orthomosaic maps

    • 3D models

    • Point clouds

    • Digital elevation models

    • Digital surface models

    • Contour information

    • Volume calculations

  • In many cases, yes.

    Before a project, Hard Deck UAS evaluates factors including:

    • FAA airspace requirements

    • Nearby airports

    • Temporary flight restrictions

    • Controlled airspace

    • Property access

    • Local restrictions

    • Weather

    • Site hazards

    • Operational requirements

    Certain locations may require additional authorization or may not be suitable for UAV operations.

  • Yes.

    High winds, precipitation, poor visibility, extreme temperatures, smoke, and other weather conditions may prevent or delay drone operations.

    Safety and regulatory compliance take priority over project scheduling. If conditions are unsuitable for safe operations, a flight may need to be rescheduled.

  • Providing the following information can help us evaluate your project:

    • Project location or site address

    • Approximate acreage or site size

    • Type of service requested

    • Desired deliverables

    • Project deadline

    • Required accuracy

    • Known site hazards or access requirements

    • Frequency of service if recurring flights are needed

    We can work with you to determine the appropriate scope if you are unsure which deliverables you need.