Skip to main content

Michael Baker receives authority to fly unmanned aerial systems

US-based engineering firm Michael Baker International has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate several types of fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft systems. The company said its UAS can capture robust, real-time aerial photographs and video as well as conduct aerial mapping for surveys or site inspections. "Integrating our FAA-certified unmanned aircraft program with our other advanced data collection capabilities allows us to take data
August 17, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
US-based engineering firm Michael Baker International has received certification from the 2423 Federal Aviation Administration to operate several types of fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft systems.

The company said its UAS can capture robust, real-time aerial photographs and video as well as conduct aerial mapping for surveys or site inspections.

"Integrating our FAA-certified unmanned aircraft program with our other advanced data collection capabilities allows us to take data collection to an entirely new level for our clients,” said Robert Hanson, senior vice president and the firm's Geospatial Practice leader.

"Our UAS capability builds upon the company's full continuum of innovative solutions that immediately enhance timeframes for planning and executing projects in surface transportation, utilities infrastructure, land development, pipelines and many other markets."

Vehicle operators can adjust still and video cameras on the aircraft to capture images at almost any angle. This enhances the quality of data captured from the same geographic location at different points in time.

According to the company, clients need fewer additional studies or surveys of a project because the UAS data provides a much fuller picture of a site or a building.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Developments in workzone safety systems
    February 8, 2012
    Raising awareness of safety in highway work zones is a global issue, and various initiatives highlight this as Patrick Smith reports. So seriously is work zone safety taken in the United States that each year since 1999 a special week has been set aside to highlight it. Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones.
  • Best practices in road asset management
    February 10, 2021
    Maintaining roads efficiently is a complex task. Road maintenance organisations are looking for more efficient, cost-effective, and safe ways to maintain their networks. This means optimisation across the board: network inspections, maintenance programming, and inventory management.
  • Trends in compaction machine technology
    February 20, 2012
    More efficient and productive compaction solutions are coming to market shortly, Mike Woof reports. Several key trends are emerging in the asphalt compaction market with the development of the latest generation machines. Performance and productivity remain key issues for compactor manufacturers with firms keen to maximise output from their latest units.
  • IRF Manifesto on Climate Change Adaptation released at COP22
    January 30, 2017
    Released in Morocco during COP22 negotiations, the document has generated enthusiasm in the sector and gained the support of partner organisations beside the endorsement from IRF Geneva membership around the world Under the leadership of the Moroccan Government, adaptation and action on adaptation has gained centre stage at COP22 hosted in Marrakech from 8 to 18 November 2016. As climate change and the threats its poses become increasingly apparent, it is also becoming clear that the transport sector is