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Tom McKay | FAA Part 107 Certified
I’m Tom McKay, a FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot and geospatial professional with over 15 years of experience working across GIS, field operations, and spatial data environments in public sector and consulting roles.
My background spans county GIS administration, transportation-related geospatial support, and applied field data workflows giving me a practical understanding of how spatial data moves from collection to operational use in real-world systems.
Today, I focus on reality capture workflows that integrate UAV mapping, photogrammetry, and terrestrial and mobile scanning methods. Rather than treating these as isolated technologies, I approach them as parts of a single workflow chain that connects field capture, processing, and GIS integration.
I tend to work best at the intersection of field operations and geospatial delivery where data quality, workflow design, and practical constraints matter just as much as the final map or model. That includes making decisions about capture strategy, processing approach, and how outputs will actually be used by end users.
My portfolio reflects this approach through examples of UAV mapping, 3D modeling, and scanning-based datasets built around real workflow conditions rather than purely idealized demonstrations.
I’m open to work and collaboration in reality capture and geospatial roles where practical execution and workflow design are central to the work.
My GIS Experience
My background is rooted in GIS and spatial data analysis, with experience supporting state and local government agencies as well as private sector clients. I’ve contributed to infrastructure planning, public safety, land records, and asset management projects through roles involving geospatial editing, quality control, cartographic production, and client support. Over the years, I've worked extensively with tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, satellite imagery, and web-based mapping platforms to produce clear, reliable, and functional deliverables.
Why Drone Mapping
My interest in aerial imagery and geospatial data began in high school, when I was first introduced to photogrammetry — a passion that ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Geography with a focus on GIS. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong experience in processing remotely sensed data, so expanding into drone mapping felt like a natural next step. I’ve flown drones recreationally for years and even took private pilot lessons in a Cessna, which deepened my love for aviation and seeing the world from above. I enjoy the hands-on, technical nature of drone operations and focus my efforts on local, real-world projects that combine precision with practical value.
Reality Capture Scanning
I work across reality capture workflows involving UAV photogrammetry, terrestrial LiDAR scanning, and SLAM-based mobile mapping systems. My focus is on collecting and processing spatial data in ways that produce accurate, usable 3D representations of real-world environments.
This includes planning and executing field capture strategies, managing scan density and coverage, and processing point cloud and mesh data into deliverable outputs such as surface models, environments, and measurement-ready datasets.
I approach reality capture as a full workflow, not just data collection where decisions made in the field directly affect the quality, usability, and reliability of downstream geospatial products.
My work spans a range of environments, from infrastructure and built assets to corridors and complex interior/exterior spaces, using tools and methods appropriate to each capture scenario.
Let’s Connect
I’m open to opportunities to collaborate, consult, or contribute to field mapping and data visualization projects — especially ones that help communities and decision-makers see their environments more clearly.
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