Topographic Data Collection in Superior, CO
High-resolution terrain mapping using drone photogrammetry and LiDAR. Get contour maps, surface models, and volumetric calculations for construction, engineering, and land development.
Serving Boulder County & the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA area
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Topographic Data Collection Pricing in Superior, CO
Low End
$1,800
High End
$6,800
Turnaround
3-7 days
Cost ranges are based on market data for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA. Actual pricing depends on site size, complexity, and deliverables.
Common Topographic Data Collection Applications in Superior
- 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 Superior. Here's what's driving demand:
Superior is a planned community just south of Boulder along US 36 and was directly impacted by the 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 260 homes in town. The post-fire rebuild is the dominant construction driver, with hundreds of single-family rebuilds underway in the Sagamore, Rock Creek, and Original Town neighborhoods. The town also continues to build out the Superior Town Center mixed-use project and has approximately 3% annual growth driven by residential rebuild and infrastructure reinvestment.
Major Developers Active in the Area:
Colorado drone regulations require FAA Part 107 certification for all commercial drone operations. Our network of verified operators in Superior meets all federal and state requirements.
Drone Regulations in Superior, CO
Airports & LAANC Zones
- DEN — Denver International Airport (Class B, 34 miles east; western shelf at 10,000 MSL)
- BJC — Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (Class D, 8 miles southwest)
- 1V5 — Boulder Municipal Airport (Class E, non-towered, 8 miles northwest)
Restricted Airspace
- KBJC Class D ring extends toward the southwest edge of Superior near US 36. Operators near McCaslin should check the BJC LAANC grid.
- KDEN Class B western shelf at 10,000 MSL. Low-altitude Part 107 flights below 400 AGL are below the floor.
- Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge directly adjacent to the south of Superior. USFWS prohibits drone operations over refuge lands under 50 CFR 27.34. Operators near the Greenbelt and Rock Creek open space should check boundaries carefully.
- Rocky Mountain National Park TFR approximately 30 miles northwest prohibits commercial UAS over NPS lands.
- Marshall Fire burn area with ongoing rebuilds may trigger construction-area drone advisories.
Local Ordinances
Superior Municipal Code Chapter 10.20 prohibits takeoff and landing of drones on town property including parks, open space, and trails without a permit. Section 10.20.030 requires commercial operators to carry FAA Part 107 certificate and $1M liability insurance. Parks and Recreation drone permit fee is approximately $50 per day. Film permit Ordinance 812 requires commercial drone filming on town property to obtain a Film Permit from the Town Clerks Office. Rock Creek Ranch and Original Town overlay may require additional review.
All drone operations in Superior must comply with FAA Part 107 rules. Operators must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near Superior airports. Our network operators handle all permitting and airspace authorizations as part of their service.
Topographic Data Collection FAQ — Superior, CO
How much does a drone topographic data collection cost in Superior?
Drone topographic data collection projects in Superior typically range from $1,800 to $6,800 with 3-7 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 — Superior, CO
Does Superior require a permit for drone takeoff in town parks?
Yes. Superior Municipal Code Section 10.20 prohibits takeoff, landing, or operation in town parks, open space, and trails without a Parks and Recreation drone permit at approximately $50 per day. Commercial operators must also carry FAA Part 107 certification and $1M liability insurance.
How does Rocky Flats affect drone operations in Superior?
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge directly borders Superior to the south and west. USFWS prohibits drone operations over refuge lands under 50 CFR 27.34. Operators near the Greenbelt, Rock Creek trail, or the southern edge of town should check refuge boundaries carefully before launch.
What airspace governs Superior for Part 107 flights?
Most of Superior sits in Class G or Class E beneath the Denver Class B outer shelf at 10,000 MSL, so low-altitude Part 107 flights below 400 AGL typically do not require LAANC. The BJC Class D surface area reaches toward the southwest edge near US 36 and McCaslin.
What are the special considerations for Marshall Fire rebuild aerial imaging projects?
The 2021 Marshall Fire destroyed more than 260 homes in Superior. Ongoing rebuilds in Sagamore, Rock Creek, and Original Town require topographic and as-built data collection projects. Operators should coordinate with the Boulder County Building Department and watch for active construction TFRs during framing and roofing phases.
Do I need a film permit for real estate drone video?
Yes. Commercial drone filming on town property including right-of-way requires a Film Permit (Ord. 812) from the Town Clerks Office. Filming in the Rock Creek community overlay may require additional review. Flights over private property with owner consent do not require the town permit.
All Aerial Imaging Services in Superior, CO
Compare pricing across all aerial imaging services available in Superior, Colorado.
| Service | Low End | High End | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topographic Data Collection ← you are here | $1,800 | $6,800 | 3-7 days |
| Drone Inspection | $1,250 | $4,600 | 2-5 days |
| LiDAR Scanning | $3,600 | $13,000 | 5-10 days |
| Environmental Monitoring | $2,000 | $7,500 | 4-9 days |
| Aerial Imagery | $900 | $3,600 | 1-3 days |
| Construction Monitoring | $1,550 | $5,000 | 2-4 days |
| Real Estate Photography | $700 | $2,900 | 1-3 days |
| Roof Inspection | $600 | $2,500 | 1-3 days |
Pricing ranges are based on market data for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA. Actual costs depend on project scope, site conditions, and required deliverables.
Other Aerial Imaging Services in Superior, CO
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