Mark Bickel

From Drones to Data: Mapping the World from Above

Mark Bickel, UAV Department Manager, SurvTech Solutions, Inc.

The presentation will focus on advancements in the mapping industry made possible by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, emerged in the mapping market approximately 10 to 12 years ago. Since then, the productivity, reliability, and efficiency of UAVs have continued to increase. The presentation will highlight the types of sensors that can be utilized with UAVs, including RGB, infrared, video cameras, magnetometers, and LiDAR. It will also discuss the various UAV platforms that have emerged, including fixed-wing, helicopters, hybrid (gas/electric), and SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) platforms. Additionally, the presentation will feature case studies of mapping projects that utilize multiple mapping sensors and UAV platforms. We will also discuss the policies and safety concerns related to conducting mapping with UAVs.

Mark Bickel is the UAV Department Manager for SurvTech Solutions, Inc. His background in drones stems from the US Army, where he flew military drones starting in 2001. He spent nearly a decade flying combat operations in various locations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. 25 years later he still works in the drone industry, operating commercial drones for surveying and mapping. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Grand Canyon University and is currently attending Survey Engineering courses at the University of Maine, working towards his surveyor’s license.