Facing a surveyor shortage and rising costs, Midwest firms are stuck waiting weeks and paying premium rates for site data—while competitors using documented drone workflows deliver survey-grade results in hours, slash costs, and win infrastructure contracts. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the tech that leapfrogs bottlenecks, and how early adopters gain a serious edge in the IIJA era.

Curious about which drone mapping software truly delivers? We tested the industry’s major platforms and share what worked for our team, why we made our choices, and key lessons learned. If you’re always on the lookout for better processing tools or want to compare your own workflow, this article breaks down our honest insights for GIS and survey pros.

Procurement headaches, endless compliance checks, and missed deadlines—sound familiar? For public works and infrastructure pros, choosing the right drone partner isn’t just about tech; it’s about reliability, compliance, and results. Veteran-owned, SDVOSB-certified teams like 9 Line Aerial Media streamline your process, nail set-aside requirements, and deliver fast, audit-ready results—every time.

Most companies think their “drone team” is delivering value, but if all you’re getting are pretty pictures for social media, you’re missing out on the real benefits. True drone capability means accurate, engineering-grade data—usable for bidding, progress tracking, and cutting costly mistakes. Don’t settle for toy drones and buzzwords; level up with actionable, design-ready data that actually drives your projects forward.

Picture this: You're a facilities manager getting ready for your morning coffee when you receive a notice that your organization is facing a $75,000 fine for ADA non-compliance. The ramps are too steep, the parking spaces aren't properly marked, and somehow the accessible bathroom stalls don't meet current specifications. Sound like a nightmare? For many organizations, this scenario is all too real. The good news? There's a smarter way to stay ahead of ADA compliance issues w

Winter can stall drone operations, but it doesn’t have to freeze your business. Learn smart cash flow strategies, new cold-weather revenue streams like thermal inspections and CAD consulting, and how to turn the off-season into your advantage. With the right planning, relationship-building, and business development, winter downtime sets you up for spring success.

Love him or hate him, President Trump's "America First" agenda has shaken up industries across the board, and the drone world hasn't been immune. As the owner of 9 Line Aerial Media, I've watched this unfold firsthand, and frankly, it's been a wild ride that forced us to make some tough but strategic decisions about our future. Let's be honest: DJI owns about 70% of the global drone market, and there's a good reason for that. They make incredible drones. Period. You can pick