May Meeting Annoucement

DATE:    Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
PLACE:  Hawthorne Lucky Lab Brew Pub, 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd
TIME:     11:30 a.m. Networking, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
TOPIC: Drone LiDAR Data Acquisition
SPEAKER: Kevin Darrow, BD Aerial


More and more organizations are turning to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) solutions for water restoration projects. BD Aerial, a Portland-based drone services company specializing in LiDAR data acquisition, will dive into 2 examples of how organizations have used UAS to help solve environmental challenges.

Use-Case #1: What’s the best way to survey a working spillway without halting the operation and without putting personnel at risk?

Use-Case #2: In an effort to restore a fish habitat, (orga
nization) needed to remove water control structures, which would flood low-lying property. It was necessary to use a sensor capable of vegetation penetration to understand the topography of the project area and assemble the appropriate restoration plans.


Portland, Oregon drone services company, BD Aerial, was established in 2012 and is a leader in using UAS to safely inspect and document land and industrial assets. BD Aerial started in the Pacific Northwest and quickly became a preferred UAS service provider across the Nation; Now operating Worldwide with companies like Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

BD Aerial flies payloads including precision LiDAR systems, UV and Infrared sensors, and high-resolution cameras for photos, videos and photogrammetry. Using unmanned aircrafts, they capture actionable data for surveying high-risk landslide areas and terrain, maintenance inspections, engineering documentation, and construction mapping.


Kevin Darrow is Head of Business Development at BD Aerial. His role includes the company’s overall marketing strategy, project management, and strategic partnerships. In an industry that changes daily, he’s excited about exploring new UAS applications to help clients find creative solutions to their problems.