Precision in Tight Spaces: Drone-Based LiDAR Scanning at Brooklyn Army Terminal

Recently, the Robotics Department at Gedeon GRC Consulting brought precision and innovation to new heights—literally.

Partnering with Suffolk Construction and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), our team was tasked with scanning eight vertical shafts (four elevator and four mechanical) inside the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal. The mission: generate dense point cloud data for existing condition modeling and construction planning.

The Challenge

The shafts presented a unique environment—tight, enclosed, and difficult to access using traditional methods. To overcome this, we deployed the Elios 3 drone equipped with Survey LiDAR, a tool designed specifically for confined space operations. The drone captured raw LiDAR data, which was processed into high-resolution point cloud files for each shaft.

Teamwork in Action

This project was a true team effort. Our crew suited up in full PPE, followed strict safety protocols, and coordinated seamlessly from launch pad prep to real-time monitoring. Each team member played a critical role in ensuring the scan was executed safely, efficiently, and with technical precision. By combining drone innovation with close team coordination, we were able to safely and effectively assess infrastructure in challenging, confined spaces.