Bohannan Huston, Inc. -< Engineering <> Spatial Data <> Advanced Technologies >-

Spatial Data Products

Bohannan Huston has been a recognized leader in the mapping industry for more than 40 years. Back by superior support, our Spatial Data experts are uniquely qualified to offer extensive resources and exceptional value to all of your Digital Mapping and Survey needs. Below are a sampling of the products we provide.

Digital Terrain Models
A DTM is a three-dimensional reprsentation of the earth's surface made up of multiple elevation points and breakline information. Each elevation point has an x and y-coordinate and surface or a z-value. Breaklines are points that are connected by edges to form a set of non-overlapping triangles that represent a grade change, for example the terrain change of a retaining wall.

Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
A DEM is digital representation of a continuous variable over a two-dimensional surface by a regular array of z-values referenced to a common datum. Digital elevation models are typically used to represent terrain relief. They are typically not as accurate as a DTM.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Planimetric Coverage
A planimetric map represents the horizontal positions for GIS features. This is distinguished from a topographic map by the omission of relief in measurable form. The features usually shown on a planimetric map include rivers, lakes, and seas; mountains, valleys, and plains; forests and prairies; cities, farms, transportation routes, and public utility facilities; hardscape, visible infrastructure and discernable boundary lines.

Topographic Maps
A topographic map presents the horizontal and vertical positions of the features represented. These features might include the cultural landscape, but normally refer to the terrain and its relief. It is distinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of relief in measurable form-typically contour information.

Digital Orthophotography
A digital orthophoto is a photograph that has been geometrically corrected for terrain displacements and abnormalities at the time of acquisition, such as camera lens distortion, tilt, and vertical displacement. Measurements and features are accurately portrayed and the image becomes a planimetric map. Digital orthophotos are widely used by municipalities, county and federal governments for planning and land management applications.

Bare Earth LiDAR Topographic Survey
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems collect raw data used to create terrain maps and models. Typically mounted on-board an aircraft, these systems use a laser to measure the distance between the aircraft and the ground. LiDAR terrain models (detailed height maps) are extremely cost-effective for large areas and have a quick turnaround time for delivery compared to traditional photogrammetric compilation.

Aerial Photography
This process produces photographs, usually taken from an airplane, as a means of remotely recording ground-level events. These can be taken at either vertical or oblique angles, depending on the desired application. Survey controlled aerial photography becomes the basis for almost all mapping services.

Large Structure Detailed As-Built Surveys
Produced using a ground-based LIDAR system-a highly portable scanner, deployed by either tripod or on our custom, mobile scanning truck with a boom; the system emits laser light pulses to capture object surfaces in three-dimensional space. From the raw 'point cloud' data, we generate many deliverable products. Examples of products include 3D models, scaled 2D plan and section as-built information, digital terrain models, and surveys.

Professional Land Surveys
Land surveys establish property corners and land lines. These are usually 'closed', meaning they start and end at the same 'corner' or a single point on the ground. Land surveys are critical for the legal definition of property ownership. A professional land surveyor must certify the accuracy of the data.

Satellite Imagery
Satellite images are pictures of the earth taken from an earth-orbital satellite. These images may be produced photographically or by an on-board scanner. Satellite imagery may be an alternative to traditional aerial photography depending on the accuracy requirements of the mapping project.

Solid Terrain Models
STM models are actual physical models that people can gather around, touch, and view at any angle, allowing for a deeper understanding of the information presented. Precisely cut in dense polyurethane foam, our models hold exacting detail, giving a completely realistic rendering of the land formations. Add to that, brilliant full-color high-resolution printing of satellite imagery, aerial photography or other graphic data on the dimensional surface and the scene comes alive.

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Bohannan Huston provides civil engineering, spatial data, laser scanning, and related advanced technology services. We service organizations in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado.