FreeFly UAS and YellowScan LiDAR equipment

The North Dakota Public Service Commission is seeking to purchase a FreeFly UAS Platform and YellowScan LiDAR equipment for capturing aerial photography and elevation data at abandoned and active coal mines. The purchase includes various components such as batteries, chargers, and software. The intended source is Frontier Precision, and the initial cost is $164,069.77. The commission prefers the FreeFly and YellowScan brands due to their compatibility with current Trimble GNSS survey equipment and compliance with federal requirements for data security. • The purchase includes a FreeFly Astro Max UAS and YellowScan Surveyor Ultra 3 Integrated LiDAR System. • The equipment will be used for aerial photography and elevation data capture at abandoned and active coal mines. • The commission requires local support and service for the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. • The preferred brands are compatible with current Trimble GNSS survey equipment and comply with federal requirements for data security. • The purchase is justified due to the need for efficient project planning and management, and the implementation of LiDAR technology will expedite pre- and post-construction analyses.