Drone Mapping, LiDAR & Site Documentation in Upper Arlington, Ohio
Upper Arlington is almost fully built out, so most projects here are redevelopment, school and campus work, park and trail upgrades, and public works along the Scioto River and its creeks. We deliver measured maps, LiDAR topo under tree cover and saved-position progress photos, checked against your surveyor's control.
Two park bridge sites, no crew in the creek
Miller Park and Smith Nature Park
The City of Upper Arlington was replacing pedestrian bridges in Miller Park and Smith Nature Park. Both sit in wooded creek corridors, so tree cover hid the ground and the corridors are sensitive habitat. The design team still needed pre-construction terrain.
What we delivered
We flew drone LiDAR through the canopy along with imagery, and delivered a point cloud, a bare-earth DTM, an orthomosaic and condition photos. As construction moved forward, we flew progress flights matched to the contractor's milestones. No ground crew had to work in the habitat corridor to collect the terrain.
How drone LiDAR works, what it delivers and how accuracy is reported: read our drone LiDAR & 3D modeling guide.
What we're flying here
Redevelopment and infill
When a site is rebuilt in an established neighborhood, the design team needs accurate existing conditions, and neighbors and owners want a record of what was there before work started. A current site map and a pre-construction condition record cover both.
Schools, parks and public works
Campus projects, park and trail upgrades and stormwater work need data that drops into Civil 3D and reports that facilities and city teams can read. Saved-position progress photos give owners the same view every visit, ready for Procore.
Cleared to fly before we arrive
Northern Upper Arlington is close to Ohio State University Airport (OSU), which has Class D airspace, and some sites fall under it. We check every site against the LAANC grid, get FAA authorization when needed, and fly within the approved ceiling. In parks and residential streets we plan flight paths and timing around people and traffic.
Pick the data your project needs
Every quote is fixed before we fly. Data is checked against your surveyor's control where accuracy matters. ARO Aerial isn't a licensed surveying or engineering firm; we work alongside yours. Also serving nearby Dublin and Hilliard.
Upper Arlington FAQ
Is OSU Airport a problem for drone work in Upper Arlington?
No. Sites near Ohio State University Airport need FAA authorization, which we get through LAANC before the flight. Most requests are approved quickly.
Can drone LiDAR map creek and park sites under trees?
Yes. Some laser pulses pass through gaps in the canopy and reach the ground, and those returns become the bare-earth surface. That is how we captured terrain for the Miller Park and Smith Nature Park bridge sites without a ground crew in the creek corridors.
What does LiDAR cost for a park or creek site?
Our LiDAR topo package is $140 per acre, with a $3,500 minimum that covers 25 acres. Dense vegetation or heavy breaklines add $30 per acre, and the final package is delivered in 8 business days. Travel within 50 miles of Columbus is included.
Do you replace our surveyor?
No. ARO Aerial isn't a licensed surveying firm. Your surveyor sets control and seals what needs sealing. We deliver dense, measured data tied to that control.
Planning a project in Upper Arlington?
Send the address or a KMZ of the site, what you need and your deadline. Adrian replies within one business day with a fixed quote and a flight date.