From capture to corridor intelligence: How Kavel 10 scaled 1 cm mapping with the Phase One + IGI CM-1

Raising the bar for aerial corridor mapping 

As reality capture, digital twins, and infrastructure monitoring mature, aerial survey operators are under pressure to deliver higher resolution data more frequently, without increasing operational complexity or cost. 

For Kavel 10, a European aerial survey operator running large-scale programs across the Netherlands and beyond, this shift meant moving beyond conventional 5 cm products toward 1 cm ground sampling distance—a resolution level that unlocks inspection-grade insight and supports automated analytics. 

“We focus on delivering the best image; that is our brand promise—the best image,” explains Sam van Kerkhof, Project Manager, Kavel 10.“ At higher resolution, the amount of usable information increases dramatically.” 

IGI airborne intelligence: keeping geometry intact

IGI’s contribution ensures that image quality translates into geometrically reliable datasets. Integrated GNSS/IMU, high-rate triggering, and stabilized mounting maintain consistency even during curved flight paths. 

“At 1 cm resolution, image quality alone isn’t enough,” says Philip Grimm, CEO at IGI. “You need precise integration between navigation, triggering, flight planning and the image sensor. With CM-1, we engineered the system so that high-frequency capture becomes possible while maintaining image quality and geometric accuracy—even in curved corridor flights. And because CM-1 supports pilot-only missions, operators can stay in the office and focus on efficiency without ever compromising data quality. 

Crucially for linear assets, corridor flight planning allows the aircraft to follow roads, railways, and infrastructure directly capturing only what matters, while preserving overlap and photogrammetric strength.

Why 1 cm changes how data is used 

For Kavel 10, the jump from 5 cm to 1 cm is not incremental—it is transformational. 

At 1 cm GSD, surface materials, road markings, patches, signage, and small infrastructure elements become clearly distinguishable. “You can tell the difference between brick and asphalt, identify surface conditions, and inspect details that simply aren’t visible at lower resolutions,” Sam explains. “That information is extremely valuable, and you can see it directly from behind your screen.” 

This level of clarity benefits both human interpretation and machine learning, enabling more accurate classification, detection, and condition assessment across long corridors. 

Efficiency through corridor-focused operations 

Traditional strip mapping often captures large areas outside the actual corridor of interest, increasing flight time and data volume. With IGI corridor planning, Kavel 10 can fly missions that closely track linear assets, reducing unnecessary coverage while maintaining required overlap. 

Operationally, this translates into shorter flight times, more consistent datasets, and faster delivery—without forcing aggressive maneuvers. When corridors include sharp turns beyond the aircraft limits, missions are segmented and restarted safely, preserving both data quality and operational safety. 

From imagery to insight: operationalizing CM-1 data in GIS 

High-resolution capture only delivers value when it can be translated into insight at scale. For Kavel 10, CM-1 datasets are designed not just for visualization, but for direct integration into enterprise GIS workflows. 

Using Esri reality mapping capabilities, true orthophotos and digital surface models derived from CM-1 imagery become analytical layers—supporting measurement, condition assessment, and AI-assisted feature extraction across long corridors. 

“You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and you can’t measure what you can’t see,” explains Arkadiusz (Arek) Szadkowski, Global Sales Manager at Esri. “High-resolution imagery like this becomes a foundational layer in GIS, enabling both traditional analysis and AI-driven workflows—without breaking existing enterprise systems.” 

By connecting capture, processing, and GIS into a continuous workflow, Kavel 10 can move faster from data acquisition to actionable insight, while maintaining a single source of truth for stakeholders.