EAASI company: Ecopia Tech Corporation
Project Overview
In 2024, Hamilton County, Indiana, launched a transformative GIS initiative designed to integrate advanced geospatial technologies, positioning the county as a leader in data-driven governance.
Through this comprehensive project, high-resolution 3-inch pixel orthoimagery, 3DEP QL1 LiDAR, AI/ML-driven planimetric land cover mapping, and 3D elevation-derived hydrography data are being developed to enhance county operations and statewide collaborations.
Hamilton County partnered with Dewberry Engineering and Ecopia Tech Corporation to achieve these groundbreaking geospatial solutions, bringing a depth of expertise and innovative AI processing to the county’s GIS capabilities.
Hamilton County, IN GIS Map Viewer [LINK]
Technology in Action
The technical foundation of this project is its 3-inch pixel 4-band orthoimagery, 3DEP QL1 LiDAR, and AI-driven land cover mapping. High-resolution orthoimagery captures detailed ground visuals for urban planning and environmental monitoring. With a GSD of just 3 inches, each image supports precise feature identification critical for emergency response and property analysis.
The LiDAR data, meeting USGS’s 3D Elevation Program Quality Level 1 standard, provides highly accurate elevation data. This shift from QL2 (2 ppm) to QL1 (8 ppm) enhances the county’s 3D modeling accuracy, beneficial for tasks such as flood risk analysis and precision agriculture.
Data Integration and Analysis
A significant innovation within the project is the integration of AI/ML techniques for planimetric land cover mapping. This mapping extracts over 15 different 2D land cover features and 3D features, including buildings and tree canopies, essential for accurate modeling and conservation efforts. The AI-driven model enables scalable land cover data extraction across the county and is shared with the Indiana Geographic Information Office to contribute to statewide geospatial datasets. Additionally, 3DHP elevation-derived hydrography data supports resource management, such as water conservation and flood control, by providing detailed topographic data in coordination with the Indiana Geographic Information Council.
Digital Surface Model of the New Lidar Data in the City of Fishers, Hamilton County, IN
Enhanced Operational Capacity
Beyond technological upgrades, Hamilton County’s GIS Office is prioritizing capacity building. A series of webinars for local government officials and stakeholders will ensure effective adoption of new GIS capabilities. These sessions cover technical aspects, practical applications, and best practices, preparing the county to fully utilize these advanced data resources in their daily operations. The project’s impact will also extend to Hamilton County’s 2025 Ortho and Basemap Update Project, aiming to maintain and enhance data quality year-over-year.
AI/ML-driven Planimetric Land Cover Mapping (Courtesy of Ecopia)
Image 1: Landcover Feature Legend | Image 2: 3-inch Pixel Ortho | Image 3: 2-D Landcover Features | Image 4: 3-D Landcover Features
Conclusion
The 2024 GIS Revolution in Hamilton County exemplifies how innovative data acquisition and AI can reshape local governance. With its scalable solutions, collaboration with state and national agencies, and commitment to capacity building, Hamilton County is creating a sustainable model for geospatial excellence. This project sets the stage for future advancements, supporting intelligent urban planning, robust environmental management, and efficient disaster response for years to come.
A longer version of this case study can be found in the article Hamilton County Embarks on Revolutionary Geospatial Project on Geo Week News
Learn more about how other EAASI members utilize crewed aerial technology to address global challenges in our Use Cases series, a dedicated section showcasing real-world applications, and achievements by EAASI’s diverse members.
This collection of use cases highlights the unique advantages and capabilities of crewed aerial surveying in various fields, from environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning.
Each success story presents a featured project by an EAASI member, illustrating how their expertise and technology drive impactful solutions. From collecting high-resolution aerial imagery to leveraging AI for advanced data analysis, these stories emphasize the value of crewed aerial technology for accurate, large-scale geospatial data.
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