McChord Airfield, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA — April 22, 2025 — In a pioneering initiative to bolster airfield safety and precision mapping, the U.S. Air Force’s 627th Civil Engineer Squadron (627 CES) has completed a comprehensive LiDAR survey at McChord Airfield. Central to this mission was deploying RESEPI™ (Remote Sensing Payload Instrument), a state-of-the-art LiDAR system integrated into drone technology, by Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions Company.
The RESEPI™ system, renowned for its high-precision navigation and real-time data processing capabilities, was instrumental in identifying and mapping obstructions, particularly tree encroachments, into critical airspace zones. This advancement addresses longstanding challenges in airfield surveys, where traditional methods often fail to deliver accurate and interoperable obstruction data.
The mission, conducted from March 14–17, 2025, was a collaborative effort involving several advanced technology partners:
- Stitch3D: Provided cloud-native 3D web visualization and geospatial data management solutions.
- Freefly Systems: Supplied the Blue UAS-certified Freefly Astro drone, which served as the aerial platform for the RESEPI™ system.
- Basemap Consulting: Offered LiDAR processing, drone mapping, and GIS analysis expertise.
The survey focused on two high-priority runway approach zones encompassing 953 acres. Despite severe weather conditions and dense tree canopies, the team successfully captured critical LiDAR data, enabling precise identification of obstructions.
RESEPI™, an Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions Company system, stands out for its modular design, combining a dual-antenna GNSS-aided inertial navigation system, data logger, LiDAR, camera, and communication systems into a compact and lightweight enclosure. This integration allows for real-time and post-processed generation of point cloud solutions, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data collection.
This successful deployment of RESEPI™ at McChord Airfield sets a precedent for future applications of drone-based LiDAR technology in military and civilian airfield operations.
Read the full article: Breaking New Ground: U.S. Air Force Tests Drone LIDAR for Airfield Safety at McChord Airfield – LiDAR News.
