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Drone Services

UAS & GPS Technology for Environmental Intelligence

Aerial Intelligence for Environmental Projects

PEC leverages cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and GPS technology to deliver real-time aerial intelligence across the full lifecycle of environmental projects. From initial site assessment through active remediation and final closure, PEC's drone capabilities provide a level of data quality, speed, and spatial accuracy that traditional ground-based methods simply cannot match.

Our licensed drone operators integrate aerial imagery, GPS-referenced boundary data, and high-resolution site documentation into every phase of project delivery — giving clients, regulators, and project teams a clear, current, and comprehensive picture of site conditions at any point in time.

  • Real-time aerial imagery captured during active site operations
  • GPS-accurate spatial data integrated with project mapping
  • Rapid site mobilization with minimal ground disturbance
  • Regulatory-grade documentation for agency submittals
  • Cost-effective alternative to traditional survey methods
Aerial drone view of environmental site survey

What PEC's Drone Services Deliver

PEC's UAS program is built around four core service areas, each designed to address a specific environmental project need with precision, speed, and defensible data quality.

Real-Time Aerial Imagery

PEC deploys UAS platforms equipped with high-resolution RGB and multispectral sensors to capture real-time aerial imagery of project sites. This imagery provides an immediate, accurate, and georeferenced visual record of site conditions — far more comprehensive than ground-level photography alone.

  • High-resolution orthomosaic mapping of entire project areas
  • Time-stamped imagery for regulatory documentation and reporting
  • Before-and-after site comparisons to track progress and change
  • Multispectral imaging to detect vegetation stress and surface contamination indicators
  • Rapid deployment for emergency response and time-sensitive assessments

Virtual Boundary Surveys

Using GPS-integrated UAS platforms, PEC conducts virtual boundary surveys that define and document property lines, easements, and assessment areas with high spatial accuracy — without the cost or time requirements of traditional licensed land surveys.

  • GPS-referenced aerial mapping of property and parcel boundaries
  • Identification of encroachments, easements, and right-of-way features
  • Integration with GIS platforms for spatial analysis and reporting
  • Rapid turnaround for transaction due diligence and Phase I ESA support
  • Digital deliverables compatible with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and other platforms

Infrastructure Assessments

PEC uses UAS technology to conduct detailed aerial inspections of site infrastructure — including storage tanks, pipelines, stormwater systems, containment structures, and industrial facilities — identifying potential environmental concerns without requiring personnel to access hazardous or difficult-to-reach areas.

  • Aerial inspection of above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) and secondary containment
  • Pipeline corridor and utility easement surveillance
  • Stormwater drainage and outfall structure documentation
  • Roof, façade, and structural condition assessment for environmental due diligence
  • Thermal infrared imaging to detect subsurface anomalies and heat signatures

Excavation & Remediation Monitoring

During active excavation and remediation operations, PEC's drone program provides continuous aerial monitoring of site activity — delivering real-time progress documentation, volumetric measurements, and regulatory-grade visual records that keep projects on track and regulators informed.

  • Volumetric calculations for excavation progress and soil removal tracking
  • Real-time aerial oversight of active remediation zones
  • 3D terrain modeling before, during, and after excavation
  • Confirmation of excavation limits and clean-up boundaries
  • Photographic and video documentation for regulatory submittals and closure reports

Our UAS & GPS Technology Stack

PEC operates a fleet of professional-grade UAS platforms paired with industry-leading GPS and data processing software — delivering survey-grade accuracy and publication-ready deliverables on every project.

Multi-Rotor UAS Platforms

Professional-grade multi-rotor drones optimized for precision hovering, close-range inspection, and high-resolution imaging in complex site environments.

Fixed-Wing UAS for Large Sites

Fixed-wing platforms for efficient coverage of large project areas, providing wide-area orthomosaic mapping and corridor surveys at reduced cost per acre.

RTK GPS Integration

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS systems provide centimeter-level positional accuracy for boundary surveys, volumetric calculations, and georeferenced deliverables.

Thermal Infrared Sensors

Thermal imaging payloads detect heat signatures, subsurface anomalies, and infrastructure defects invisible to standard RGB cameras — expanding the diagnostic value of each flight.

Photogrammetry & 3D Modeling

Advanced photogrammetry software processes aerial imagery into georeferenced orthomosaics, digital elevation models (DEMs), and 3D point clouds for volumetric and terrain analysis.

GIS & CAD Integration

All spatial deliverables are formatted for direct integration with ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, and other industry-standard platforms used by clients, engineers, and regulators.

Where PEC Drone Services Add Value

PEC's UAS capabilities are applicable across a wide range of environmental project types and client sectors — from real estate due diligence to active industrial remediation.

LiDAR-derived color elevation model of a Teller County, CO site surveyed by PEC — illustrating terrain analysis, vegetation mapping, and site characterization capabilities.
LiDAR-derived color elevation model — Teller County, CO  |  PEC UAS Survey, March 2026

Real Estate Due Diligence

Aerial site reconnaissance and boundary documentation to support Phase I ESA investigations, property transactions, and pre-acquisition risk assessments.

Industrial Facility Inspections

Non-intrusive aerial inspection of tanks, containment structures, stormwater systems, and facility perimeters for environmental compliance and risk management.

Active Excavation Monitoring

Real-time aerial oversight and volumetric tracking of soil excavation operations, confirming cleanup boundaries and documenting progress for regulatory agencies.

Remediation Progress Tracking

Periodic aerial surveys to document the progression of in-situ and ex-situ remediation activities, providing a visual and spatial record for closure reporting.

Brownfield Redevelopment

Comprehensive site mapping and condition documentation to support brownfield redevelopment planning, grant applications, and regulatory negotiations.

Emergency Response Support

Rapid aerial deployment following spills, releases, or environmental incidents to document site conditions, assess extent of impact, and support emergency response planning.

PEC drone operations in the field

FAA-Compliant UAS Operations

PEC's drone operations are conducted in full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations governing commercial UAS use. All PEC drone operators hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates and adhere to all applicable airspace restrictions, operational limitations, and safety protocols.

Prior to every flight, PEC conducts thorough pre-flight planning — including airspace authorization, weather assessment, site hazard identification, and coordination with property owners and local authorities as required. Our commitment to safe, compliant operations ensures that every aerial data collection effort is legally defensible and professionally executed.

  • FAA Part 107 certified remote pilots on every operation
  • Pre-flight airspace authorization via FAA LAANC system
  • Full compliance with airspace class restrictions and TFRs
  • Site-specific safety plans and hazard assessments
  • Liability insurance coverage for all commercial UAS operations
  • Coordination with property owners, tenants, and local agencies

What You Receive

Every PEC drone services engagement produces a complete set of digital deliverables tailored to the specific project scope and client needs.

Standard Deliverables

  • Georeferenced orthomosaic imagery (GeoTIFF format)
  • High-resolution site photography (JPEG/RAW)
  • Aerial video footage (MP4, 4K resolution)
  • GPS-referenced boundary and feature maps (KML/SHP)
  • Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and 3D point cloud
  • Flight logs and metadata for regulatory documentation

Optional Deliverables

  • Volumetric analysis report (excavation quantities)
  • Thermal infrared imagery and anomaly mapping
  • Multispectral vegetation and surface condition analysis
  • AutoCAD / ArcGIS-compatible spatial data files
  • Annotated progress photo reports for regulatory submittals
  • Time-lapse aerial documentation of project milestones

PEC's Drone Services (UAS) are available to clients in all 50 states. View our service area coverage →

Ready to Deploy Drone Services?

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