Topographic Data Collection in Ellensburg, WA
High-resolution terrain mapping using drone photogrammetry and LiDAR. Get contour maps, surface models, and volumetric calculations for construction, engineering, and land development.
Serving Kittitas County & the Ellensburg area
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Topographic Data Collection Pricing in Ellensburg, WA
Low End
$900
High End
$3,600
Turnaround
3-6 days
Cost ranges are based on market data for Ellensburg. Actual pricing depends on site size, complexity, and deliverables.
Common Topographic Data Collection Applications in Ellensburg
- Site planning and feasibility studies
- Earthwork and cut/fill volume verification
- Pre-construction baseline data collection projects
- Drainage and grading design support
Construction & Development Projects
Topographic data collection projects are essential for site planning in Ellensburg. Here's what's driving demand:
Ellensburg is experiencing moderate growth driven by Central Washington University expansion, renewable energy development, and its position as the I-90 corridor gateway to central Washington. CWU is expanding with new residence halls, the Science Hall renovation, and athletic facility upgrades. The nearby Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility and proposed renewable energy projects create demand for aerial mapping services. Residential development is active in the Mountain View and Hidden Valley areas. The I-90 interchange improvements and Kittitas County hospital expansion are major infrastructure projects.
Major Developers Active in the Area:
Washington drone regulations require FAA Part 107 certification for all commercial drone operations. Our network of verified operators in Ellensburg meets all federal and state requirements.
Drone Regulations in Ellensburg, WA
Airports & LAANC Zones
- ELN - Bowers Field (Class D, towered, 2 miles north, general aviation and corporate)
- 6S5 - Kittitas State Airport (Class G, untowered, 5 miles east, agricultural GA)
Restricted Airspace
- ELN Class D airspace extends 4 nautical miles from Bowers Field, surface to 2,500 ft AGL. Northern Ellensburg falls within this zone requiring LAANC authorization for commercial drone flights.
- Yakima Training Center military airspace is 15 miles south. The YTC has extensive military operations areas (MOAs) and restricted airspace (R-5701) used for artillery and armored vehicle training. Check NOTAMs before flying south of Ellensburg.
- Interstate 90 corridor creates infrastructure inspection considerations. Drone flights over the interstate right-of-way require coordination with Washington State Department of Transportation.
- Central Washington University campus has restricted drone operations. Commercial flights over the campus require coordination with university administration and security.
- Agricultural lands surround Ellensburg, primarily hay and cattle operations. Coordinate with aerial applicators during hay cutting season (June through September). The Kittitas Valley is known for timothy hay production exported to Japan.
Local Ordinances
Ellensburg does not have a formal drone permitting ordinance, but commercial operators on city-owned property should coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department for flights in Memorial Park, Rotary Park, or Creekside Park. Washington ESSB 6001 governs law enforcement drone use. Washington State Parks (WAC 352-32) prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit. Central Washington University restricts drone operations on campus. The Yakima Training Center to the south has military restricted airspace that operators should check on FAA charts. ELN Class D airspace covers northern Ellensburg requiring LAANC authorization.
All drone operations in Ellensburg must comply with FAA Part 107 rules. Operators must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near Ellensburg airports. Our network operators handle all permitting and airspace authorizations as part of their service.
Topographic Data Collection FAQ — Ellensburg, WA
How much does a drone topographic data collection cost in Ellensburg?
Drone topographic data collection projects in Ellensburg typically range from $900 to $3,600 with 3-6 days turnaround. Pricing depends on site size, terrain complexity, and required deliverables (contour interval, DEM, point cloud).
How accurate are drone topographic data collection projects?
With RTK/PPK GPS correction and ground control points, drone photogrammetry achieves 1-3 cm horizontal and 2-5 cm vertical accuracy. For higher precision, LiDAR scanning can deliver sub-centimeter results.
What deliverables do I receive?
Standard deliverables include a geo-referenced orthomosaic, digital elevation model (DEM), digital terrain model (DTM), contour lines, point cloud (LAS/LAZ), and a data collection report with accuracy metrics.
Drone Regulations FAQ — Ellensburg, WA
Do I need LAANC authorization to fly a drone in Ellensburg?
Northern Ellensburg falls within the ELN Class D airspace from Bowers Field, requiring LAANC authorization. Southern and central Ellensburg are primarily in uncontrolled Class G airspace. Check the FAA UAS Facility Map for your specific flight location.
What is driving the construction boom in Ellensburg?
Central Washington University campus expansion including new residence halls and Science Hall renovation, renewable energy development at Wild Horse Wind Facility, residential growth in Mountain View, and Kittitas Valley Healthcare hospital expansion are the major projects.
Are there military airspace restrictions near Ellensburg?
The Yakima Training Center is 15 miles south with extensive military operations areas and restricted airspace (R-5701) used for artillery and armored vehicle training. Check NOTAMs before flying south of Ellensburg as military training can create temporary flight restrictions.
Can I fly a drone over Central Washington University campus?
CWU restricts drone operations on campus property. Commercial operators must coordinate with university administration and campus security before any flights. The campus is in central Ellensburg, partially within the ELN Class D airspace, so LAANC authorization may also be required depending on the flight location.
How much does an aerial imaging cost in Ellensburg?
Topographic data collection projects in Ellensburg range from $900 to $3,600. LiDAR scanning costs $2,000 to $6,200. Construction monitoring runs $750 to $2,900. Pricing reflects the central Washington market, which is moderate compared to Seattle metro but growing due to university and renewable energy development.
All Aerial Imaging Services in Ellensburg, WA
Compare pricing across all aerial imaging services available in Ellensburg, Washington.
| Service | Low End | High End | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topographic Data Collection ← you are here | $900 | $3,600 | 3-6 days |
| Drone Inspection | $600 | $2,300 | 2-4 days |
| LiDAR Scanning | $2,000 | $6,200 | 5-10 days |
| Environmental Monitoring | $1,050 | $3,800 | 4-7 days |
| Aerial Imagery | $350 | $1,350 | 1-3 days |
| Construction Monitoring | $750 | $2,900 | 2-5 days |
| Real Estate Photography | $250 | $950 | 1-2 days |
| Roof Inspection | $275 | $1,050 | 1-2 days |
Pricing ranges are based on market data for Ellensburg. Actual costs depend on project scope, site conditions, and required deliverables.
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