Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in drone LiDAR, aerial imaging, and imagery for marketing in construction and site development. Our services include topographic mapping, progress monitoring, stockpile measurements, asset inspection, thermal, cut/fill analysis, and marketing imagery and flythrough.

• Photos, videos, and 3D flythroughs for project updates or marketing

• Classified LiDAR point clouds

• Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs)

• Contour maps for grading and design

• High-resolution orthomosaics

• Cut and fill reports

• Stockpile and volumetric measurements

• CAD and GIS-ready files for direct integration into your workflow

File types include:

​.shp, .dwg, .dgn, .tiff, .kml, .kmz, .xml, .las, .laz, .jpeg, .mov, .mp4​

Turnaround depends on project size, but most deliverables are ready within 3–5 business days after the flight. Photo and video deliverables are  within 24 hours. Larger or more complex sites may take longer, but we’ll always set clear expectations upfront. Rush deliverables are also available upon request.

Yes. We manage all FAA compliance, waivers, and authorizations needed to operate in restricted or controlled airspace, ensuring safe and legal flights. We have experience operating on airport properties and military airspaces.

Absolutely. We can tie drone data into your GCPs, benchmarks, and control networks, ensuring alignment with your survey standards. We also offer permanent  GCP installation, to ensure project accuracy and deliverable over time frames.

Yes. Many clients choose weekly, monthly,  or quarterly flights to track progress, quantities, and changes over time. We’ll set a schedule that fits your project.

While every project and scope is unique, our base pricing starts at $250 for basic photo/video packages. Mapping work is priced per acre and relevant to type of method and equipment used and deliverables requested. We also provide volume discounts for recurring work or large sites. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Anything outside from 1 hour our local market will incur mobilization and demobilization fee.

​No, we are not Professional Licensed Surveyors, but we worked under many in our customer network. If you require a PLS, we have many we worked with in any state or territory.

We’re based in Blythewood, South Carolina and serve projects across the Southeast. We're a mobile team and can access and operate nationwide.

Yes. Back Forty Aerial Solutions carries full liability insurance for drone operations, giving our clients peace of mind on every project. We are also FAA Part 107 certified, which means all flights are conducted legally and safely in compliance with federal regulations. Certificates of insurance (COIs) can be provided upon request for your project or job site.

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• General Liability - $1,000,000 ($2,000,000 aggregate)

• E & O - up to $1,000,000

• Auto - up to $1,000,000

• Aviation - up to $1,000,000

Getting started is simple:

1. Initial Consultation – You can email or call us with a parcel ID,  KML, or Google Earth file of the project location. We’ll discuss your project needs, site location, and desired deliverables.

2. Proposal & Quote – Based on the scope, we’ll provide a clear estimate with pricing and timeline.

3. Mission Planning & FAA Compliance – We handle all pre-flight planning, including airspace authorizations and safety checks. Customer is responsible for onsite access coordination.

4. On-Site Flight – Our FAA-certified pilots conduct the drone mapping or imaging flight.

5. Data Processing and Quality Control – We process the raw data into accurate deliverables such as point clouds, contour maps, DEMs, or Orth mosaics.

6. Delivery – You’ll receive your files in the format you need via email or Google Drive link, or your organization's cloud platform, and we’ll review the results with you to ensure they integrate seamlessly into your workflow. We retain copies of all deliverables indefinitely on our secure back ups or offline storage.