DMA uses a wide range of software applications for both field and office work.  Aside from the usual office applications (MicroSoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc) JDMA uses the following specialized applications:

ESRI ArcGIS 10.4 and MicroImages TNTmips Pro 2016: for a wide range of geospatial data analysis, mapping and display, including multispectral image analysis, LiDAR (point cloud) processing, georeferencing and orthorectification, orthomosaic generation, and feature mapping.

DAT/EM Summit Evolution: for digital display of stereo aerial imagery and on-screen mapping / data capture (using add-on Capture for ArcGIS module) direct from stereo imagery.

Sensors & Software EKKO_Project: for display, filtering and analysis of GPR survey data, generation of time-depth profiles, and topographic correction of GPR survey lines.

AgiSoft Photoscan Professional: for post-processing of aerial and UAV imagery, orthomosaic generation, dense point cloud and DEM generation from stereo imagery.

GeoJot+ Core: for geotagging and post-processing of geotagged field and aerial photography.

PixelWrench2: processing and advanced display of multispectral images from UAV-mounted ADC TetraCam multispectral cameras, including automatic generation of various band ratios such as NDVI, EDVI, etc.

CorelDRAW: for preparation of maps and figures for inclusion in project reports.

We also use numerous other small, specialized apps which can be integrated into a particular project workflow when necessary, including GoogleEarth Pro, Garmin BaseCamp, GPS Pathfinder Office, Stereo Photomaker, GPS Babel, OziExplorer, GeoSetter, Corel VideoStudio, GoPro Studio, ProDrenalin, etc.

JDMA uses survey and map grade GNSS receivers to carry out our field work. The mapping receiver that JDMA uses is a Trimble Geo 7X receiver with decimeter level accuracy. It is ideally suited for mapping features in the field. The survey receiver that JDMA uses is a Spectra Precision SP60. The SP60 is sub-centimeter level accuracy and is used for high precision marking of features and points on earths surface. It is primarily used for topographic surveys and to collect high precision ground control points for UAV surveying.

As part of its field studies capabilities JDMA offers  electromagnetic (EM) ground conductivity mapping services to survey, map and analyze the shallow geological subsurface within a study area. EM instruments measure the apparent bulk ground conductivity of the earth materials beneath the instrument (i.e., how well the earth material conducts electricity at low levels). Different earth materials can have different conductivity values. The apparent conductivity can also be influenced by the saturation level of the underlying materials, by the presence of certain contaminants (such as brines or other saline fluids), or by the presence of buried metallic objects or debris. By comparing the apparent ground conductivity values of a study area (or variations in the conductivity values across an area) JDMA personnel can infer characteristics such as earth material type, coarseness (for aggregate materials), or the presence of buried metallic objects such as storage tanks (UST). Because EM techniques are  non-invasive they are ideal for studies over impervious surfaces (such as concrete, pavement, or bedrock) or in areas where ground disturbance is undesirable or prohibited (sensitive natural environments or heritage / cultural areas). Our survey data is georeferenced to ensure accurate integration into a client’s existing GIS network, and reports and data products can be tailored to suit a client’s particular needs. In addition, JDMA often compliments its field geophysical surveys with high-resolution imagery from satellite or unmanned aerial vehicle s(UAV) to provide the most up-to-date information about both the surface and subsurface within a study area.

JDMA has been using EM conductivity meters in field exploration and mapping projects since the mid-1980s. A common application for EM surveys is for the detection and assessment of aggregate (sand and gravel) prospects Clean, aggregate deposits have very low EM conductivity compared to glacial till or fine-textured earth materials. Using a Geonics EM31 conductivity meter on a trailer mount and pulled by a truck or ATV, JDMA field staff can quickly scan areas as large as several quarter-sections to assess the presence and extent of potential aggregate deposits with minimal environmental impact. Other common applications for the EM instruments include the detection of buried metallic objects such as underground storage tanks (UST), utility lines or metal debris, detection and mapping of saline leakage around sewage lagoons and landfills, mapping the presence and extent of soil contaminants at oil & gas wells or industrial sites, and mapping previous land disturbance or archaeological features such as building foundations, historic graves or old industrial sites.

J.D. Mollard and Associates (2010) Limited holds a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada that permits operation of our unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) throughout the Prairie and Northern Region of Canada.  This evolving technology provides us with the ability to acquire and process up-to-date imagery and terrain data that our remote sensing experts can deliver to clients very quickly.  A variety of data products and deliverable options exist that can be tailored to client needs, including high-resolution orthomosaics, video, digital elevation models, and infrared imagery.  Our engineers, geoscientists, and remote sensing specialists have flight experience using sUAVs in several key applications including shoreline erosion, surface drainage, aggregate pits and volumes, transmission station and structure mapping, and slope instability investigations.

Given the flexibility, ease of operation, and comparatively low cost, the UAV operated by JDMA offers practical and effective data collection for the needs of our clients.