Lidar is a surveying technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with laser light and is typically used to make high-resolution maps. Airborne Lidar Scanning (ALS) is a laser scanner that creates a 3D topographic model of the landscape while attached to a plane, helicopter, or uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) during flight. The technology collects data over spatially extensive regions requiring limited ground access to sites and is currently the most detailed and accurate method of creating digital elevation models. ALS data are typically used to support regional scale geohazard mapping, monitoring, and assessment.

Terrestrial Lidar Scanning (TLS) data collection requires ground access to scan setup locations but does not require onsite access to the terrain. The TLS data can be used to identify small-scale features not typically possible in ALS data and can create realistic-looking 3D models in a relatively short time when compared to other technologies. Terrestrial Laser Scanning equipment can be rapidly deployed, and the data integrated into differential change models within hours of collection. TLS data can be used to support high-frequency monitoring of specific slopes or structures.

Photogrammetry is the science of measuring the distance between two points on a photo image. This system may be used to determine the exact position of surface points as well as the motion pathways of reference points located on a moving object. Most commonly, a technique called Structure from Motion (SfM) is used to generate 3-dimensional (3D) models from overlapping photographs.

Photogrammetry can provide excellent 3D models and imagery for various engineering geology applications. BGC has pioneered methodologies for helicopter-based photogrammetry data collection and differential change of rock slopes along transportation corridors. UAV-based photogrammetry is used to support inspections for pipeline geohazard assessments and to monitor construction progress on geohazard mitigation and dam construction projects.

Radar interferometry methods are used to measure changes and displacements of natural and constructed slopes. Terrestrial methods can provide near-real-time measurements of slopes of concern. BGC are experts in the analysis and interpretation of data from industry-leading data providers and commonly used terrestrial hardware systems.

The field of space-based earth observation is concerned with the monitoring of natural or man-made environments using data captured by Earth-orbiting satellites. The rapid increase in earth-observing satellites provides unprecedented access to data for observing the land, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and how these systems change over time. The global coverage makes earth observation data particularly valuable in data-sparse regions where conventional sources of data (including airborne or in-situ observations) may be unavailable. These data, once processed and analysed, can serve a wide range of applications, including the detection and monitoring of geotechnical and hydrotechnical hazards, monitoring natural hazards (such as flooding and wildfires) as well as post-disaster assessments and management.