Colorado – Merrick & Company’s geospatial solutions team received two awards at the sixth annual MAPPS Geospatial Excellence Awards Program in the remote sensing and surveying/field data collection categories. The two awards were presented to Merrick at the MAPPS /ASPRS joint specialty conference recently held in Tampa, Fla.

Merrick took first place in two of the seven technical categories that include: photogrammetry/elevation data generation, airborne and satellite acquisition, remote sensing, surveying/field data collection, GIS/IT, small projects and technology innovation.  Each entry was judged on complexity, innovative application of technology, future value to the geospatial profession and the public, and client/owner satisfaction.

“Winning these two prestigious MAPPS awards is an honor and an example of Merrick’s culture to be thought leaders in our profession,” said Brian Raber, vice president of Merrick & Company.

Merrick’s “Enhancing Airfield Safety with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Technology – Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB), GA” project received an award for remote sensing for the airfield obstruction survey effort at Dobbins ARB, Ga. The project was completed to refresh airfield obstruction data and mapping products in support of airfield operations. In order to enhance the 3D remote sensing analysis, LiDAR was collected to develop a tree management and maintenance plan as the region’s trees had adversely affected safe airfield operations. Merrick’s advanced remote sensing approach also included on-installation and clear zone obstructions, approach/departure zone obstructions and airspace obstructions analysis.

Merrick’s “Barrenlands, Bombs & Boundaries – Luke Air Force Base (AFB), AZ” project received the surveying/field data  collection award, recognizing surveying services covering 1.7 million acres, one of the largest boundary surveys ever performed by Merrick as well as one of the largest completed within the U.S. in 2011. Services were provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District for the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend Auxiliary Field and Auxiliary 1 Airfield at Luke AFB, Ariz.  The boundary covered a 215 perimeter mile area with portions of the range located in Maricopa, Pima and Yuma Counties.