ROCK Ultra – Texas Farmland for Rail Depot Expansion
Aug 26, 2025
This dataset showcases the ROCK Ultra's exceptional performance on a large-scale project in Beaumont, Texas. Flying high and fast, the Ultra efficiently mapped a 300-acre site slated for a rail depot expansion, demonstrating its power for major infrastructure and land development projects.
The data was collected by Drew Disney of Top Flight DSP, who leveraged the Ultra's capabilities to complete the mission in roughly one hour with just two batteries—a task that would have taken a full day or more with traditional methods.
Mission Overview
- Platform: Aerial survey with ROCK Ultra
- Flight Altitude: ~120 m (400 ft) Above Ground Level (AGL)
- Flight Speed: ~5 m/s
- Area Scanned: ~300 acres
- Deliverables: Ground-classified point cloud, surface model, contours.
This dataset highlights how high-altitude flights with the ROCK Ultra simplify mission planning and accelerate field-to-finish workflows without sacrificing data quality.
Coverage & Context
The project site combines cleared farmland with challenging features, providing a perfect test for the Ultra's capabilities. The environment includes:
- Embankments and berms
- Drainage features
- Patches of light vegetation
The ROCK Ultra's clean canopy penetration and ground classification revealed hidden details critical for accurate engineering and site planning.
Performance Highlights
- Speed and Efficiency: Mapped 300 acres in approximately one hour, drastically reducing field time.
- High-Altitude Accuracy: Delivered a dense, survey-grade point cloud from 120 m AGL, ensuring both safety and comprehensive coverage.
- Superior Ground Classification: The resulting point cloud and surface model cleanly define berms, drainage features, and other topography.
Applications
This dataset is a valuable resource for professionals in:
- Civil Engineering & Site Planning
- Topographic Surveying for Large-Scale Development
- Construction & Earthworks Verification
- Infrastructure and Asset Management
- Environmental and Drainage Analysis