Case Study · Construction & Earthwork
23,733 cubic yards of guesswork, replaced by one flight
How UAS photogrammetry gave a 20-acre subdivision in Cleveland, Tennessee a single trusted dataset — and turned a contested earthwork estimate into a documented $150,000–$180,000 in savings.
Client
Residential Subdivision Developer
Location
Westland Drive, Cleveland, TN
Site Size
20 acres
Survey Date
April 10, 2026
The Assignment
A site, a design, and no shared answer for how far apart they were
Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of Chattanooga was brought in to perform a high-accuracy volumetric analysis for a 20-acre residential subdivision — measuring existing ground conditions against the engineered final grade, and producing data both the contractor and engineering team could stand behind without argument.
UAS Photogrammetry
Full-site aerial capture flown April 10, 2026.
Rapid Turnaround
Processed and delivered while numbers were still current.
Survey-Grade Accuracy
GCP-referenced to ±1.6″ total positional error.
Defensible Data
A single dataset both parties could trust.
Data Capture
Every square foot of the site, at survey grade
The flight produced a dense point cloud of more than 73 million points — a complete, high-detail record of the project area at the moment of capture.
73M+
Points in the processed
point cloud
±1.6″
Total positional error, GCP-referenced
±0.5″
Vertical error across
the site
Vegetation, structures, and surface noise were removed during processing, leaving a clean bare-earth model built specifically for volumetric comparison.
The Comparison
Where the ground and the plan stopped agreeing
The processed existing surface was compared directly against the project's engineered final grade, pulled from CAD design files.
The resulting height-difference map made the deviation visible at a glance: red and orange areas marked surplus material ready for reuse, while blue and purple areas marked where fill was needed — including localized deficits reaching more than 23 feet deep.
The Numbers
Cut, fill, and the deficit that had to be resolved
Quantitative analysis put a hard number on what the map showed: real surplus on site, but a larger, more pressing need.
Surplus (Cut)
21,558 cy
Required (Fill)
45,292 cy
Net Deficit
23,733 cy
Vegetation, structures, and surface noise were removed during processing, leaving a clean bare-earth model built specifically for volumetric comparison.
From Data to Decisions
One dataset, no disputes
When the report was presented, the engineering team did not challenge a single finding — every stakeholder could work from the same numbers from that point forward.
Litigation risk removed
A defensible, agreed-upon dataset closed off one of the most common sources of earthwork disputes before it could start.
Grading plan rebalanced
Precise surplus/deficit locations let the team redistribute soil internally, reducing reliance on imported fill.
Work accurately billed
The contractor quantified additional work performed and billed for it with confidence, not estimates.
$150K–$180K
Documented savings of roughly $6.00 per cubic yard across an estimated 25,000–30,000 cubic yards of material movement.
Get Started
Get a defensible number for your next site
Whether it's cut/fill volumes, progress monitoring, or as-built verification — survey-grade aerial data replaces the guesswork before it becomes a dispute.
Our Clients. Their Success.
★★★★★
On short notice, I hired Blue Nose Aerial of Granbury to assist me with mapping 5 College Campuses in East Texas, summing approximately 200 acres. Within 4 days, the campuses were mapped, with deliverables in hand. We received nothing but professional and precision from this company, not to mention a happy client. Can’t thank them enough for the assist.
★★★★★
Working with Blue Nose and John Fulton specifically has been more than I could ask for. John was able to take on a new technology and make it seem easy to our clients. John’s, work with the NavVis has been instrumental to getting a project back on track and making our clients happy. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to customer support.
★★★★★
We needed a geographically large job done quicky and with quality, and we did indeed get that and more. The team was very easy to work with to get a time scheduled, and we are extremely happy with the quick response and excellent deliverables we received. Thank you so much for the great work!
★★★★★
We were very pleased with Rob's services. The aerial photography of our roof detailed the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, which helped in communicating with our roofer. Rob was personable, and was prompt in completing the work and emailing the photographs.
★★★★★
I am so very grateful! Hurricane Milton left us all wondering how much damage we had to our roofs. The drone shots taken of my roof were so clear and extensive I was able to rest easy. I can't thank this company enough for the peace of mind they gave me.
★★★★★
Had BNAI come take pictures after Hurricane Milton to assess if we had roof damage. They responded immediately and showed up on time. Pictures were great and showed enough detail to expedite repairs without the roofing company needing to send someone on the roof. Excellent service and really nice people!