Surface Mapping & Footprint Analysis

Detailed visualization and documentation of drilling operational footprints, access track development, and terrain marking patterns

Mapping Capabilities

Combining satellite imagery, aerial observation, and field measurement to create comprehensive operational footprint maps.

Footprint Delineation

Precise boundary mapping of disturbed zones, documenting total area affected by operational activity, equipment placement, and associated infrastructure.

Access Corridor Tracking

Multi-temporal analysis of track formation, showing width development, surface compaction extent, and long-term pathway persistence.

Compression Patterns

Visual representation of ground compression zones based on vehicle traffic density, heavy equipment positioning, and load distribution.

Our Mapping Process

Baseline Documentation

Pre-operational imagery analysis to establish natural terrain conditions, existing vegetation coverage, drainage patterns, and surface topography before drilling activity commences.

Operational Phase Monitoring

Regular satellite and aerial observation during active operations to track surface disturbance progression, access corridor expansion, and temporary installation placement patterns.

Post-Activity Assessment

Comprehensive mapping of final operational footprint, documenting total area affected, surface marking intensity, and persistent terrain changes following equipment removal.

Change Detection Analysis

Comparative overlay of baseline and post-operational imagery to quantify total surface transformation, identify areas of severe disturbance, and map visible terrain alteration.

What We Map

Detailed documentation of specific terrain features and physical changes resulting from operational presence.

Primary Impact Zones

  • Drill site footprint: Central operational area including pad, equipment placement, and immediate work zone
  • Storage and staging areas: Temporary fuel tanks, material stockpiles, and equipment storage locations
  • Vehicle turnaround zones: Areas of repeated heavy vehicle maneuvering and directional changes
  • Waste containment areas: Locations of temporary holding structures and associated surface marking

Secondary Features

  • Access corridors: Primary and secondary routes connecting operational sites to existing road networks
  • Buffer clearing zones: Vegetation removal extending beyond direct operational footprint
  • Drainage modifications: Alterations to natural water flow patterns caused by surface changes
  • Erosion channels: New drainage patterns developed from concentrated water flow over disturbed surfaces

Mapping Data Layers

Multi-layer analysis providing comprehensive terrain impact visualization.

Surface Disturbance Intensity

Classification of terrain marking severity: minimal surface contact, moderate compression and clearing, severe excavation and ground disruption.

Temporal Development

Time-series visualization showing footprint expansion during operational phases and persistence of surface marks following activity cessation.

Vegetation Loss Mapping

Documentation of plant coverage removal, showing cleared areas, vegetation damage extent, and comparison to baseline coverage.

Hydrological Changes

Mapping of altered drainage patterns, new pooling locations, erosion channel development, and water flow redirection.

Topographic Alteration

Contour change analysis documenting earth movement, grading impact, excavation depth, and surface elevation modifications.

Infrastructure Placement

Location mapping of fuel storage, temporary structures, containment systems, and support equipment positioning.

Mapping Technology & Resolution

Satellite Imagery Sources

We utilize multi-spectral satellite imagery from various providers, with resolution ranging from 30cm to 10m depending on analysis requirements. Multi-temporal datasets enable change detection over extended periods.

Different spectral bands reveal surface features not visible in standard photography—including vegetation health indicators, moisture content variations, and bare soil exposure.

Ground Control Integration

Field GPS measurements validate satellite observations and provide precise boundary delineation. Ground-level photography documents features too small for satellite detection.

Integration of ground control points ensures accurate georeferencing and enables precise area calculation for footprint quantification.

Measurement Precision

Footprint area measurements are accurate to within ±5% for areas larger than 1 hectare. Linear feature mapping (access tracks) achieves ±2m positional accuracy. Temporal analysis requires imagery captured under similar conditions to ensure valid comparison.

Mapping Applications

How surface mapping supports responsible planning and environmental management.

Site Selection Support

Comparative footprint analysis of different site configurations enables planners to select approaches that minimize total surface disturbance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Reclamation Planning

Detailed footprint maps identify specific areas requiring remediation, documenting disturbance intensity to guide appropriate restoration techniques and resource allocation.

Compliance Documentation

Accurate area calculations and change detection analysis provide evidence-based documentation for environmental reporting and regulatory compliance verification.

Long-Term Monitoring

Repeat mapping enables tracking of reclamation progress, natural recovery rates, and persistence of surface marks—supporting adaptive management approaches.

Access Detailed Mapping Analysis

Our comprehensive surface mapping capabilities support informed decision-making for site planning, environmental management, and infrastructure placement.