Manual walkouts have historically served as a reliable industry standard. However, experienced field techs are retiring, leaving a green workforce under pressure to turn around an increasingly higher volume of projects. In order to maintain quality while boosting efficiency, LightSett realized something had to change.

Recognizing that LiDAR could be a valuable alternative to manual walkouts, they sought out a third party for 3D site scans and data processing. While outsourcing reduced reliance on field techs and returned accurate base files, this particular process was expensive with limited potential for scaling up. Additionally, slow turnaround times were bringing work to a standstill.

"We went from walking projects out, which was a problem, but we would get field production every day of the week and keep the CAD/design teams working weekly …to using a LiDAR application, where we would not get production for up to 30 days, which created a big backlog,” said Biron

LightSett decided it was time to take back control by investing in its own LiDAR unit. However, data collection was only half the battle. Instead of being able to focus on solving permit challenges, team members were now tied up processing data and manually tracing features to create site plans. Additionally, outsourcing yielded disappointing results in quality, efficiency, and cost.

That's when Biron came across AirWorks. After learning more about its AI feature extraction capabilities, he was ready to see if autonomous drafting could be the key to alleviating their early-stage bottlenecks.

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LightSett now combines LiDAR data with AirWorks’ AI platform to create fast, actionable GIS-enabled permit and construction documents. Their typical workflow includes gathering point cloud data via drone, extracting features through AirWorks, and field-verifying output. Then, their designers seamlessly integrate the data into accurate, interactive GIS designs, providing clients with insights and versatility far beyond typical 2D plans.

Exploring and capitalizing on new technology is not only yielding high-value GIS deliverables but also massive productivity gains for LightSett and their clients. Previously, manual walkouts allowed LightSett to complete approximately 3 miles of fieldwork per day per person or team, leading to around 10 engineered miles each month. With internal mobile or drone LiDAR data collection and AirWorks' processing software, LightSett is now sending 200-300 miles of completed projects to permit per month.

Speed. Efficiency. Value. Camaraderie. For LightSett, the proven benefits of working with AirWorks are opening doors to endless potential in the telecom industry.

Already doing national work, Biron has his sights set on increasing project sizes from a few hundred miles to several thousand miles. He believes international work could also be within reach.

"Now that we’re honed in, there's no stopping what we can do as a team."

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