Modern data collection technologies in local government
Today's era brings revolutionary technologies that can transform the way local governments acquire, process and use spatial data. Drones, mobile mapping, LiDAR and satellite imagery are no longer futuristic concepts, but accessible tools that can significantly improve the quality of territorial governance and citizen services.
Why modern data collection technologies are a necessity
Modern mapping technologies offer local governments the opportunity to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about their territory in a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional methods. They not only enable more efficient planning and decision-making, but also significant cost savings and increased transparency in land administration. These advantages are not only relevant for large cities with large budgets, but can also be used in smaller municipalities, where every euro of the budget is particularly valuable.
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Drones in local government:
Detail that delivers measurable results
Detail that delivers measurable results
Modern drones can be equipped with different types of sensors, each providing specific outputs for different applications. RGB photogrammetry allows the creation of orthophotos that provide a detailed view of the territory with an accuracy that can reach up to +/- 2 centimetres per pixel. Thermal cameras open up the possibilities of heat mapping, which is particularly useful for identifying problem areas such as heat leaks from buildings or creating maps of urban heat islands. LiDAR technology provides accurate elevation and 3D data that is invaluable for detailed topographic analysis and the creation of digital terrain models.
- Detailné ortofotomapy použiteľné na rôzne účely – Tieto presné mapy s rozlíšením +/- 2 cm/pixel poskytujú detailný obraz územia, ktorý možno využiť pre územné plánovanie, projektovanie nových investícií, evidenciu majetku, monitoring zmien v krajine a široké spektrum činností samosprávy. Možnosti využitia ortofotosnímok na rôzne účely nájdete: <<TU>>
- Property records - One of the most significant advantages of drones for local government is the ability to efficiently process complex asset records. Drones allow local governments to create a detailed inventory of all public assets, including buildings, infrastructure, green spaces and land.
- Identifikácia čiernych stavieb a zmien objektov - Moderné dronové technológie umožňujú samosprávam vytvoriť prehľadný pasport evidovaných aj neevidovaných stavieb s detailnými informáciami priamo v mape. Kľúčovou výhodou je porovnanie skutočného stavu výstavby s dátami Katastra nehnuteľností SR pomocou presných dronových ortofotosnímok, čo umožňuje identifikáciu nelegálnych stavebných objektov. Viac informácií o možnostiach identifikácie nelegálnych stavieb nájdete: <<TU>>
- Monitoring heat islands in cities - The results of heat mapping provide municipalities with an objective basis for planning adaptation measures, such as the strategic placement of green spaces, the creation of green roofs, the installation of urban green features or the adaptation of materials used in construction.
- Damage assessment after natural disasters - While traditional methods require weeks of field surveys, drones can map a large affected area in a matter of hours and provide a complete picture of the extent of the damage.
Legislative framework and practical requirements
The use of drones in Slovakia is subject to strict regulation, which includes both European EASA legislation and national regulations Transport Authority. Of particular importance is the fact that aerial photography is subject to a special regime under Act on the Protection of Classified Informationwhich requires all outputs to be inspected and officially approved by the National Security Authority.
Our aerial images are taken in full compliance with the current legislation, so you do not have to worry about any legal complications. We have all the necessary permits and certifications, from licensed pilots (SAA), aerial work permit (SAA), industrial security certificate (NSA), to classified information access agreement (MoD). Thanks to this, we can guarantee images that won't get you into trouble.
Our aerial images are taken in full compliance with the current legislation, so you do not have to worry about any legal complications. We have all the necessary permits and certifications, from licensed pilots (SAA), aerial work permit (SAA), industrial security certificate (NSA), to classified information access agreement (MoD). Thanks to this, we can guarantee images that won't get you into trouble.
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Mobile mapping:
Streetview with geodetic accuracy
Streetview with geodetic accuracy
A view of the local government area similar to Streetview, but with the accuracy of a geodetic survey. Mobile mapping combines panoramic imagery with centimeter-resolution pinpoint location. The result is visual data that not only shows reality in 360° detail, but also allows accurate measurement of distances, positions and dimensions. And all without the need to be physically present in the field.
- Creating 360° documentation of streets and roads - This technology allows municipalities to create a comprehensive visual archive of every street, sidewalk and public space. It captures not only the roadway and sidewalks, but also all infrastructure, including signage, street lighting, hydrants, sewer inlets and other elements of urban furniture.
- Detailed documentation of the state of communications - Provides unprecedentedly detailed documentation of road conditions, significantly improving the planning of road infrastructure maintenance and repair. The cameras capture every detail of the road surface, pavements and cycle paths, including cracks, potholes, kerb damage or unevenness. This documentation is automatically geo-referenced, allowing the exact location of any damage to be pinpointed.
- Planning repairs and renovations - Provide accurate basis for project budgeting, selection of repair technologies and coordination of works. Based on visual documentation, engineers and planners can prepare realistic designs without the need for time-consuming field measurements. The system enables automatic generation of repair lists according to priority, available budget and logistical requirements.
- Virtual city tours - The created panoramic images can serve as a basis for virtual city tours, which significantly increase the transparency of the work of local government and allow citizens to better participate in the planning of the development of their city or municipality. This form of communication is particularly effective in explaining complex projects or obtaining feedback from the public.
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Satellite technology:
A comprehensive view from space
A comprehensive view from space
Satellite imagery is particularly useful in areas where long-term trends and changes need to be monitored. Monitoring changes in built-up areas provides municipalities with the basis for spatial decisions and strategic development planning. In agriculture, they can support applications for direct payments and enable NDVI analysis for vegetation condition assessment. For crisis planning, they are invaluable in defining floodplains and tracking their changes over time.
- Comprehensive data on the entire cadastral territory - A comprehensive view of your entire territory with the possibility of regular updates, which is a major advantage over drones, which are more accurate but cover smaller areas. This technology makes mapping a large urban agglomeration simple, economical and without the need for a field visit.
- Tracking changes in the landscape over time - Allows municipalities to track urbanization and urban sprawl, revealing patterns of development, identifying the fastest growing areas, while providing an objective assessment of the success of revitalization projects by comparing before, during, and after implementation to quantify the benefits of investments.
- Land use monitoring - Satellite technology provides unparalleled accuracy in monitoring land use across the entire municipality, enabling efficient management of this critical resource. Modern satellite sensors can distinguish between different types of vegetation, agricultural crops, built-up areas and water bodies with high accuracy and at regular intervals.
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LiDAR:
Accurate 3D documentation for local government
Accurate 3D documentation for local government
Three-dimensional display of captured objects with millimetre accuracy directly in the map portal environment. Unlike conventional 2D maps or orthophotos, PointView allows you to visualize elevation and shape details with unparalleled accuracy, while the user can move freely in the visualized space, change views, zoom in on details and analyze the actual condition of terrain, buildings, bridges or other objects.
- Comparing datasets over time - Comparing the condition of a site or object at different points in time, for example before and after construction. A tool to accurately measure and quantify differences between two 3D models, such as the volume of material removed or added, or changes in the geometry of structures.
- Documentation of projects - A digital record that is ideal for archiving, retrospective comparison of the state before and after construction, reconstruction or other interventions. A reliable basis for long-term recording, control and transparent presentation of project progress.
- Protection of cultural heritage - Documentation of cultural monuments, historical buildings and archaeological sites without any intervention in their structure. It allows capturing the real condition of objects down to the smallest detail, thus creating a digital basis for archiving, restoration, research or presentation to the public via a browser.
From vision to reality: the future of smart local government
Data collection technologies are just the beginning of the digital transformation of local governments. Drones, mobile mapping, LiDAR and satellite imagery provide accurate data, save budgets and ensure transparent decision-making. Local governments that invest in digitising their territory today will be better prepared for climate challenges, faster development and increasing citizen demands for quality public services.
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