Drone technology has revolutionized how we capture and visualize land. But if you’ve ever received a deliverable labeled “DEMs,” “orthomosaics,” or “point clouds,” you may have found yourself wondering: what exactly do these terms mean—and why do they matter for your project?

In this post, we’ll break down the core types of drone-generated aerial maps and models, explain how they’re used, and help you understand which format is right for your needs.

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Orthomosaic Maps

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What it is:
An orthomosaic map is a stitched-together, high-resolution aerial image of your site that’s been corrected for distortion (like angle, tilt, and elevation). Think of it as a drone-captured map that’s as precise as a blueprint.

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What it's used for:

• Construction site planning and documentation
  
  
• Real estate and land marketing
  
  
• Agriculture and crop monitoring
  
  
• Environmental inspections
  
  
• Legal records and permitting support
  
  

Why it matters:
Unlike a standard photo, orthomosaics are georeferenced, meaning they align accurately with real-world coordinates. You can zoom in to see centimeter-level detail across your entire site with GPS accuracy.

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Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

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What it is:
A DEM is a 3D representation of ground elevation. It strips away vegetation and buildings to show the bare earth terrain, helping identify slopes, valleys, and flat zones.

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What it's used for:

• Grading and earthwork planning
  
  
• Hydrology and drainage analysis
  
  
• Road and infrastructure layout
  
  
• Environmental impact assessments
  
  
• Floodplain and erosion studies
  
  

Why it matters:
DEMs help engineers and planners make informed decisions before breaking ground. They provide the foundation for accurate site design and land use planning.

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Point Clouds

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What it is:
Point clouds are 3D data sets created by LiDAR or photogrammetry. They consist of millions (sometimes billions) of points, each with its own x, y, z coordinate—essentially creating a detailed digital twin of your site.

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What it's used for:

• As-built documentation
  
  
• Volume measurements (stockpiles, cut/fill)
  
  
• 3D modeling and BIM integration
  
  
• Structural inspection and planning
  
  
• Utility and infrastructure mapping
  
  

Why it matters:
Point clouds give you a virtual site walkthrough. They’re especially useful for architects, engineers, and developers who need precise, high-resolution 3D data for advanced analysis and planning.

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Which One Do You Need?

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Use Case                                                                              

Marketing & Visuals 

Grading or Drainage Design

3D Site Capture

Environmental Surveying

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Recommended Output‍

Orthomosaic

Digital Elevation Model

Point Cloud

DEM + Orthomosaic

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At SkyHound, we don’t just fly drones—we deliver decision-ready data. Whether you’re developing land, monitoring a farm, or managing a construction project, we’ll help you choose the right mapping products to get the job done with confidence.

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Want to see what this data looks like on your site? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or aerial survey.

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