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Old Habits, New Tech: The Myth That Only PLS Surveys Are “Good Enough”
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.
Brian Layhew
Nov 98 min read


Why Veteran-Owned Drone Teams Are the Secret Weapon for Fast, Compliant Infrastructure Projects
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.
Brian Layhew
Oct 273 min read


Surviving the Switch: How to Transition from RTK to PPK Workflows When Switching Drone Types
Let's be honest – the writing's on the wall for DJI drones in the commercial space. With mounting regulatory pressure and potential restrictions, many drone service providers are scrambling to find alternatives. At 9 Line Aerial Media , we made the proactive decision to transition to the Wingtra Ray before we were forced to. What we discovered was that this wasn't just a simple equipment swap – it completely changed our entire workflow, data processing, and approach to precis
Brian Layhew
Sep 135 min read


Is Drone Data Useless Without a Licensed Surveyor? (Spoiler: No, Here's What Engineers Need to Know)
Hey there, engineers. Let's address the elephant in the room, or should I say, the drone in the sky? We get it. You're looking at drone...
Brian Layhew
Sep 95 min read
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