Terrain model, obstacles and the altitude stack
- The surveyor builds a 3D model of the terrain from FLIR, visible imagery and a laser rangefinder, refreshed every pass
- Known hazards are loaded before the first flight: power lines, towers, cables, from utility GIS data
- Artificial obstacles can be added by the commander in seconds — a line drawn on the map becomes a no-fly volume for every aircraft
- Helicopters fly terrain-following routes computed on the model, never below a safe height over an obstacle
- Altitude bands keep the surveyor and the helicopters apart at all times
- Water points and drop points get local laser guidance for the last metres
4,000 ft AGL — surveyor ceiling (over valleys)
2,000 ft AGL — surveyor cruiseFLIR + visible mapping, relay to helicopters, 3D model refresh
1,500 ft AGL — surveyor floor
200–500 ft AGL — helicopter transitTerrain-following over the 3D model; power lines as hard obstacles
50–100 ft AGL — drop & dipLaser-designated drop point, <1 m guidance at the water source