UAV Geospatial Processing

Turning terrain
into precise
intelligence

MetaAnalytix processes raw drone imagery and LiDAR captures into accurate, production-ready geospatial outputs — orthomosaics, point clouds, terrain models, contours, and more. Fast turnaround. Also available in the cloud if required.

3–5 days
Standard turnaround
<3cm
Horizontal RMSE
site_a_dtm_final.tif — MetaAnalytix
0 50m N↑ CRS: WGS84 / UTM Zone 35S GSD: 1.8 cm/px
Contours (1 m)
DTM Surface
GCP Points
High Elevation
RMSE XY
0.018 m
RMSE Z
0.027 m
GCPs
12
01 — Processing Services

Every geospatial
output, handled

We accept raw data from all major UAV platforms — DJI, senseFly, Wingtra, Autel, and others. Our specialists process each dataset to your project specifications and return outputs your clients can use immediately, with no further processing required on your end.

01

Orthomosaic Imagery

Geometrically corrected, georeferenced aerial image mosaics from overlapping drone photographs — radiometrically balanced with colour-matched seam lines across the full mosaic extent.

Standard-Ortho and True-Ortho correctionGeoTIFF, ECW and JPEG2000 exportCustom GSD matched to project requirementsGCP, PPK, and RTK workflows supported
02

Contour Lines

Topographic contours derived from high-density terrain models, formatted for immediate use in CAD or GIS environments without additional editing.

Configurable index and intermediate contoursDXF, SHP, KMZ, and DWG outputBreakline-enforced accuracy at drainage featuresSmoothed and raw contour options
03

DTM and DSM

Digital Terrain Models representing bare-earth elevation, and Digital Surface Models capturing first-return heights including vegetation and structures — foundational to site planning, hydrological, and volumetric work.

Bare-earth ground filtering for DTMFirst-return surface (DSM)GeoTIFF raster and XYZ grid exportColour-graded hillshade renders included
04

3D Point Clouds

Dense, classified point clouds from photogrammetric reconstruction or direct LiDAR capture. Delivered in open industry formats ready for meshing, volumetric analysis, or BIM coordination.

LAS (unclassified default) and LAZ outputGround, vegetation, and structure classesRGB and intensity channels retainedPoint density verification report included
05

LiDAR Processing

Full processing pipeline for raw LiDAR data from DJI L1, L2 and L3, and compatible sensors. Ground classification, noise removal, intensity normalisation, and canopy height model generation can be requested.

Files required include .cli, .clc, .imu, .ldr, .rtb, .rtk, .rtl, .rts, .cmiLAS unclassified, LAS classified, LAZ unclassified, LAZ classifiedDTM GeoTIFF output available
06

Volume Calculations

Stockpile inventory and earthworks cut-and-fill volumes computed from surface models against a reference plane or comparison DTM, with a full methodology statement and uncertainty documentation.

Stockpile and earthworks volumetricsCut and fill balance analysisReference plane or DTM comparison basePDF summary report with raw tabular data
02 — How It Works

Simple from your side.
Rigorous on ours.

Four clear steps take you from raw data files to verified, production-ready deliverables — with a specialist assigned to your project throughout.

01

Upload Your Raw Data

Transfer image sets, LiDAR files, IMU logs, and GCP coordinates through our secure portal. We accept standard formats from all major UAV manufacturers and sensor brands.

02

Project Scope Review

Specify your accuracy targets, coordinate reference system, output formats, and deliverable list. A specialist reviews your flight data and confirms scope before processing begins.

03

Processing and QA Verification

Your data runs through our pipeline with continuous quality control — residual analysis, accuracy reporting, and visual inspection of all outputs before any release is issued.

04

Delivery and Cloud Access

Receive all deliverables via encrypted download and cloud portal. Your clients get secure login access to view, measure, and explore everything in the browser if required — no software required.

03 — Deliverable Formats

Formatted for your
existing workflow

Outputs matched to your software environment — coordinate system, file naming, folder structure, and everything in between.

Orthomosaic Imagery

Full-resolution georeferenced rasters with colour balancing across the entire mosaic footprint. Cloud-optimised or standard tiled GeoTIFF on request.

GeoTIFF - MergedGeoTIFF - TiledJPEG2000ECWGoogle Maps Tiles and KML

Contour Lines

Index and intermediate topographic contours at any interval, smoothed for direct import into AutoCAD and QGIS without additional editing.

SHPDXFDWGKMZ

DTM and DSM Rasters

Bare-earth terrain and first-return surface models at native resolution, with colour-graded visualisations and hillshaded renders for reporting.

GeoTIFFASCXYZ GridHillshade PNG

Point Clouds

LAS and LAZ output — unclassified or fully classified with ground, vegetation, and structure categories. RGB and intensity channels preserved; ready for CloudCompare, LP360, or ArcGIS Pro.

LASLAZOBJPTSPLYDXF

3D Mesh Models

Textured 3D surface models for visualisation, BIM coordination, or client presentations. Level-of-detail variants from full-resolution to lightweight web delivery.

OBJFBX3MX

Accuracy and QA Reports

Full quality documentation: GCP residuals, RMSE tables, point cloud density maps, and file integrity verification — suitable for engineers, clients, or regulatory submission.

PDF ReportCSV ResidualsMetadata XML
Compatible Software

Outputs open directly in your existing tools

AutoCAD / Civil 3D ArcGIS Pro QGIS Revit / BIM 360 CloudCompare LP360 Global Mapper PIX4Dsurvey Potree Viewer
Delivery Timelines

Fast turnaround,
no compromises

Every project is handled by a dedicated specialist, not an automated batch pipeline. A 24-hour expedited option is available for time-critical submissions.

Standard photogrammetry3 – 5 days
Expedited serviceLess than 3 days (750 ha or less)
Large LiDAR (500+ ha)5 – 8 days
Revisions and format changesNot included
± 0.018 m ± 0.042 m GCP check pts Indep. check pts RMSE XY 0.018 m RMSE Z: 0.027 m
04 — Accuracy Standards

Verified to
survey grade
on every job

MetaAnalytix holds all outputs to the same accuracy benchmarks as a licensed land survey office — verified against independent check points before any delivery is released.

Horizontal accuracy under 3 cm RMSE

Achievable with RTK or PPK flight and a well-distributed GCP network. GCP-only processing targets under 5 cm horizontal RMSE.

Vertical accuracy under 5 cm RMSE

Validated against independent check points excluded from the bundle adjustment, documented in the project accuracy report.

LiDAR vertical accuracy under 10 cm (1σ)

For DJI L1 and L2 sensors in open terrain. Vegetated environments assessed individually with uncertainty disclosed per project.

Full residual documentation on every delivery

Bundle adjustment reports, GCP residual tables, and control point coordinates accompany every project if required.

05 — Cloud Deliverable Platform

Your clients access
everything in one
secure place

Once processed, MetaAnalytix can host and publish all deliverables to a branded, secure online platform built around your business and your clients. No downloads required. No GIS software needed. Just log in and explore.

Customised Dashboard

A branded portal configured to your company — your logo, your project structure, your client list. Each client sees only their own deliverables.

View, Measure and Calculate

Clients can pan and zoom orthoimages, take measurements, calculate polygon areas, and inspect elevation values — all in the browser.

All Deliverables in One Place

Orthomosaics, DTMs, DSMs, point clouds, contours, volume reports, and accuracy documentation — all organised by project and instantly accessible.

Secure Role-Based Access

Each client receives their own login credentials. Access is scoped per project — your clients cannot see each other's data, and you control what is shared.

Hosted on Our Servers

All data stored on MetaAnalytix infrastructure. No third-party cloud subscriptions to manage. Storage, uptime, and backups are handled on our side.

Tools Built to Your Spec

Need specific measurement tools, export options, or reporting widgets? We configure the platform around what your clients actually need.

One link. Everything they need.

Your client receives a secure login link. They open a browser, sign in, and immediately have access to all processed deliverables — viewable, measurable, and ready to share. No file transfers. No compatibility issues.

No GIS software needed
Works in any browser
Encrypted at rest and in transit
Per-client access control
Custom branding available
portal.metaanalytix.com/clients/acme-mining
ACME Mining
via MetaAnalytix
All Projects
Site A — Pit Survey
Site B — Stockpile Q2
Reports
Site A — Pit Survey · May 2025Ortho + DTM + Point Cloud
Measure
Area
Elevation
Layers
148.3 m 0.42 ha N↑ 0 100m Ortho · 1.8 cm/px
Area
24.7 ha
GSD
1.8 cm
Layers
6 active
06 — Industries Served

Wherever precise
terrain data matters

MetaAnalytix works with UAV operators, survey firms, and project owners across sectors that rely on accurate geospatial intelligence.

⛏️Mining and Quarrying
🏗️Civil Engineering
🌿Forestry and Conservation
📐Land Surveying
🏛️Ports and Coastal
Energy and Infrastructure
07 — Data Acquisition

Need the flight done too?
We have you covered.

MetaAnalytix offers a complete end-to-end service. Supply your own drone data, or let us connect you with one of our licensed partner operators who will plan and conduct the flight on your behalf — all under one quote.

Recommended

Flight by a Licensed Partner Operator

Let MetaAnalytix coordinate the entire project. We work with a network of SACAA-approved drone operators and UAV survey companies. Once you request this option, we scope the flight requirements alongside your processing deliverables and provide a single consolidated quote covering both acquisition and processing.

SACAA-licensed operators with proven field experience
Flight planning, GCP placement, and data collection handled end-to-end
Data quality is our responsibility from collection through delivery
One point of contact, one invoice, one seamless workflow
How to request this option: When submitting your project, indicate that you would like a partnering licensed drone company to conduct the flight. We will reach out to confirm site details and include the acquisition cost in your quote.
Self-Supply

Supply Your Own Drone Data

If you or your client already has a UAV operator in place, simply upload the raw data to our portal and we handle all processing from there. This is the preferred route for established survey companies, drone service providers, and in-house UAV teams comfortable with flight operations and data collection.

All major platforms accepted — DJI, Wingtra, senseFly, Autel
Image sets, LiDAR captures, and IMU/GNSS logs accepted
Secure upload portal with project intake form
Processing begins as soon as data and scope are confirmed
Important — please read before submitting: Where data acquisition is conducted independently by the client or a third party, MetaAnalytix processes only what is provided. We are not liable for inaccuracies, gaps, or quality issues arising from the flight itself, including insufficient overlap, poor GCP distribution, or missing calibration data. Output accuracy is directly dependent on the quality of data supplied. We are not accountable for any inaccuracies resulting from client-supplied data. Contact us before uploading if you are unsure whether your data meets the minimum requirements.
GCP Guidance for Self-Supply Submissions

Ground Control Points are surveyed reference markers placed within the flight area before capture. They allow us to georeference and validate your data against real-world coordinates. We recommend a minimum of five (5) well-distributed GCPs per project, spread across the full survey extent and not clustered in a single area. Each GCP should be clearly identifiable in the imagery and accompanied by surveyed coordinates in your chosen CRS. Projects submitted without GCPs can still be processed using RTK or PPK positioning, but accuracy will be lower and cannot be independently verified against ground truth.

Ready to
request a quote?

Complete our project form and we will send a quote within twenty four business hours. No commitment required.

Request Submission for a Quote

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Email
info@meta-analytix.co.za
Upload Portal
Access sent via link after payment is completed
Response Time
Within 24 business hours
Phone
010 443 4703
Email
info@meta-analytix.co.za
Address
6 Sturdee Avenue, 2nd Floor
Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196