Geomatics integrates a set of technologies and methodologies focused on capturing, analyzing, and interpreting geospatial information. Thanks to technological advancements, it is now possible to obtain highly accurate terrain data, optimizing the planning, design, and execution of engineering, infrastructure, and land management projects.

However, not all geomatics techniques are suitable for every project. The choice between topography, LIDAR, or photogrammetry depends on factors such as terrain type, required accuracy, budget, and environmental conditions. Below, we explore when to use each method and why.

Topography

Topography is one of the most traditional and essential techniques within geomatics. Its purpose is to accurately measure and represent the physical characteristics of a terrain, including elevations, slopes, boundaries, and existing features.

It is ideal for:

• Open and accessible land areas.
• Construction and urban development projects.
• Property boundary surveys.
• Civil works requiring high precision at specific points.

The accuracy of the survey depends on the project scale and the expertise of the professional in charge. If you are looking for a topography service, it is essential to work with modern equipment and updated methodologies.

Today, drone-based topography is also available, allowing faster data collection and improved efficiency in hard-to-reach areas.

LIDAR

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate highly accurate digital terrain models. This technology can penetrate vegetation, making it especially valuable in complex environments.

It is recommended when:

• The terrain has dense vegetation.
• A high-resolution digital elevation model is required.
• Environmental or forestry studies are being conducted.
• The area has limited ground accessibility.

A professional LIDAR service provides precise data even in areas where conventional topography would be limited or more time-consuming.

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry relies on aerial or satellite imagery to generate maps, orthomosaics, and three-dimensional terrain models. It is particularly efficient for covering large areas in a short period of time.

It is recommended for:

• Urban planning projects.
• Large-scale territorial studies.
• Construction monitoring.
• Detailed cartography of extensive regions.

Drone photogrammetry has revolutionized this technique, enabling the capture of high-resolution images quickly and cost-effectively compared to traditional methods.

How to Choose the Right Technique

Selecting the appropriate geomatics technique should be based on:

• The nature and accessibility of the terrain.
• The level of accuracy required.
• The available budget.
• The specific objectives of the survey.

In many cases, combining topography, LIDAR, and photogrammetry delivers more comprehensive and accurate results, optimizing decision-making and reducing risks in later project stages.

Conclusion

Each technique within geomatics offers specific advantages and applications. Understanding when to use each one ensures efficient results, cost reduction, and improved strategic planning for any project.

If you need expert guidance to determine the most suitable survey method, feel free to contact us for professional advice tailored to your project’s needs.

BIM modeling is a 3D development process that basically consists of creating a digital model of a construction project. Unlike traditional drawings or computer-aided design, a BIM model brings together all the project information in a single environment, allowing for better planning, error detection before construction, and coordination of all teams involved.

What methods of BIM model generation are there?

There are different methods to generate a BIM model, depending on the available data and the stage of the project:

From CAD drawings

If the project has 2D drawings, it is possible to transform them into a 3D model enriched with information, allowing the evolution from a basic design to a complete BIM model.

From a 3D laser scanner

Using scanning technology, millions of points are captured that represent the built reality with millimetric precision. This point cloud serves as the basis to generate the BIM model, making it ideal for remodeling or expansion projects.

Other methods

BIM models can also be created from aerial photographs taken by drones, existing models from other design platforms, or even manually collected information, as long as it can be structured in a BIM environment.

How do we feed a BIM model?

The value of BIM models lies not only in their initial creation but also in how they are continuously enriched with information by the various professionals involved in the project. Let’s see how different disciplines feed, update, and refine the models:

• The architect incorporates design aspects, space distribution, and finishes.
• The structural engineer adds data on materials, resistance, and structural behavior.
• The MEP engineer provides information about electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and security systems.
• The cost specialist integrates budgets, schedules, and financial analysis.
• In this way, the model becomes a digital meeting point where all disciplines converge, ensuring consistency and facilitating decision-making.

How far does the BIM model go?

The scope of the BIM methodology goes beyond the design or construction stage. Once the project is completed, the model can continue to be used during the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure, since it contains information about materials, installed equipment, warranties, technical manuals, and maintenance schedules. It can even be useful in future stages of remodeling, expansion, or controlled demolition, thus covering the complete life cycle of the asset.

As you can see, a 3D BIM model is not just a design tool but an integral system that supports an infrastructure from its conception to its final use, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and value at every stage.

If you want to learn more about our BIM consulting services, do not hesitate to contact us. And if you already have a developed model, we can help you evaluate it with our BIM auditing service for projects.

In Acero Estudio we are at your service to turn your ideas into 3D models.

One of the modern surveying techniques used by Acero Estudio, a surveying company, is LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This method is supported by laser technology that employs sensors capable of generating topographic mappings to measure, with high precision, the distances between an emitter and the Earth’s surface. With these laser pulses, it is possible to generate a point cloud, which can later be transformed into an accurate topographic map of a study area.

LIDAR technology has several benefits compared to traditional surveying methods, such as:

1. Conducting topographic surveys at high speed
2. Providing high accuracy thanks to its laser system
3. Ensuring safe data collection through the use of UAVs
4. Capturing information from areas with dense vegetation without intervening in the terrain
5. Generating an accurate point cloud

What is LIDAR used for?

LIDAR technology has become one of the most effective tools in engineering, construction, and land-use planning, as it allows for obtaining topographic information of large surfaces in reduced time frames and with a higher level of accuracy than traditional methods.

In practice, LIDAR surveying is applied in infrastructure projects, road works, hydrological studies, urban planning, archaeology, and environmental monitoring, among others. Its main value lies in its precision, speed, and versatility, as it provides high-resolution data that can be processed in specialized software to generate digital elevation models, contour lines, volumetric analyses, and simulations.

Thanks to this capability, LIDAR technology is a strategic resource to optimize decision-making in projects that require accurate, fast, and reliable geospatial information.

If you would like to learn more about our services in surveying, drone surveying, photogrammetry, or LIDAR surveying, contact us today.