Shows
Site and SceneWhat Lies Beneath with Nick Hearn - The pressing issue of accurately documenting underground infrastructureDive deep into the unseen world beneath our feet in the latest episode of Sight Scene! We're joined by Nick Hearn, Managing Director of Reveal, a global technology company that's revolutionizing how we understand and manage underground infrastructure data.
Key takeaways from this insightful conversation:
The Hidden Risks: Discover the immense financial and human costs associated with unknown or inaccurately mapped underground utilities. Did you know a utility is struck every 60 seconds in the US during projects?
Innovation from Isolation: Learn how New Zealand's unique geography and culture of innovation have made it a hub for geospatial technology, leading to...2025-06-171h 25
Site and SceneDemocratizing Geospatial Data for Environmental Impact With Paul Mead of GeoNadirPrepare to dive deep into the evolving world of geospatial technology with Paul Mead of GeoNadir. Paul offers a unique perspective on geospatial innovation, particularly from an environmental standpoint, shaped by Australia's expansive and diverse geography.
In this episode, we delve into:
* **GeoNadir's Approach:** Discover how GeoNadir is simplifying access to drone and satellite data, streamlining the process of data management, analysis, and sharing for improved decision-making. Paul highlights that the environment is not merely a sector but the "stage on which everything else happens," emphasizing the crucial interaction between developed and natural landscapes.
* **Collaborative Mapping:** Learn about GeoNadir's strength...2025-05-221h 13
Site and SceneS1E11 - Pioneering 3D Design and Geospatial Visualization with Arash KeissamiIn this episode, we dive deep with Arash Keissami, co-founder of Nira, tracing his journey from an 8-year-old programming enthusiast to a pioneer in 3D geospatial visualization.
Arash’s story is a journey through the evolution of 3D technology itself — from his early days in video game development (hello, PlanetSide! 👋) to tackling the massive challenges of 3D data in AEC and GIS. He shares how Nira emerged from these experiences, evolving from game engines to cutting-edge visualization tools.
We explore how Nira's breakthrough technology transforms massive 3D datasets from a frustrating "spinning wheel of death" into fast, secure, and scalable visuali...2025-05-101h 38
Site and SceneS1E10 - Joe Heaney on Environmental Engineering, GIS, and MentorshipOn the latest episode of Sight and Scene, we sat down with Joe Heaney, PE and Principal at Walden Environmental Engineering. Joe’s path through the engineering disciplines to founding Walden in 1995 is a case study in integrity-driven innovation and adaptability.
We explore:
The evolution of environmental engineering—spanning water, wastewater, hazardous waste, and permitting—and the regulatory frameworks shaping the industry.
How Walden, a New York based firm, was ahead of its time in adopting GIS and 3D data integration to improve environmental data management, asset tracking, and infrastructure planning.
The overlooked potential of reality capture for underground utilities, and ho...2025-04-231h 35
Site and SceneS1E9 - Precision + Perspective: Russ Hall on Reality Capture Done RightJoin us and Russ Hall of Langan Engineering—licensed surveyor, reality capture expert, and regular on The Geoholics podcast.
We go deep into the evolving landscape of reality capture in AEC and surveying. Russ shares practical insights from 20+ years in the field, including:
🚧 How Langan uses multi-sensor fusion on their projects
📐 Why licensed surveyors are critical for capture workflows—control, error management, and liability
💻 Game-changing tools like TopoDOT and Leica 3DR
📊 The rise of point cloud viewers and improved data accessibility
🤖 The future of AI in automated feature extraction
📉 Workforce shortages and ideas like tiered licensing and early education
📜 Regulatory shifts, ASPRS involvement...2025-04-091h 21
Site and SceneS1E8 - Restoring Coastal Habitats with Steve SchillDo you wonder what amazing things are being done to protect and restore coastal habitats in the Caribbean and beyond? In this episode of Site and Scene, we explore the cutting-edge world of environmental remote sensing with Steve Schill, lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy’s Caribbean Division.
Discover how The Nature Conservancy is supporting local communities and governments by using innovative technologies, from satellite imagery, drones, and AI-powered coral detection, to map, monitor, and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.
Schill shares the power of nature-based solutions, the importance of global collaboration, and the surprising diversity of the...2025-03-261h 28
Site and SceneS1 E7 - Reframing Reality Capture: A Mission for ImpactIn this episode, Mike and Scott share how their passion for the environment is shaping the future of Site and Scene. They discuss the inspirations that have shaped their journey and their commitment to delivering solution-focused content. With a lineup of inspiring changemakers already in the queue, Site and Scene is set to explore the intersections of technology, business, and stewardship—through the lens of reality capture.2025-03-1230 min
Site and SceneS1E6 - Drones for Good - Search and Rescue with Kyle NordforsDon't miss this compelling episode as Mike and Scott sit down with Kyle Nordfors—an accomplished aviator and a driving force in the search and rescue (SAR) community. When he's not piloting 737s for Alaska Airlines, Kyle is a change-maker in SAR operations across the country through the use of drone technology, process improvements, and critical training programs.
A natural storyteller, Kyle shares real-life rescue missions where drones have played a pivotal role in saving lives. We dive into the cutting-edge equipment and software shaping SAR efforts, explore future advancements, and touch on the challenges posed by misguided drone regulations at...2025-02-261h 41
Site and SceneS1E5 - Exploring the Deliverables From Reality Capture (Part 2)In this part 2 or 3 series, Mike and Scott continue to lay the foundation for the Site and Scene Podcast by diving deeper into the types of deliverables reality capture tools generate and how people are using them.
Key topics include:
Types of deliverables associated with reality capture:
* Photos and videos for visual documentation.
* Orthomosaics (aerial photos stitched together) for updated views and measurable data.
* Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) including Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for elevation data.
* Point clouds and meshes for 3D modeling and visualization.
* CAD drawings and models for lightweight, human-interpreted representations.
* Thermal images...2025-02-1151 min
Site and SceneS1E4 - Drones For Good - Natural DisastersIn this episode, we dive into the critical topic of drones for good, specifically their use in natural disasters. We explore how drones and other reality capture tools like laser scanners, LiDAR, and thermal drones are being used in emergency response, prevention, and recovery efforts. Join us as we discuss the positive impact of these technologies, including mapping, logistics, and real-time data collection. We also address the importance of drone regulations and the need for responsible flying, emphasizing the significance of TFRs (temporary flight restrictions) and the Trust Certificate for all drone pilots. Learn about how these tools aid in...2025-01-281h 04
Site and SceneS1E2 - Who uses and benefits from reality capture. Part 1In this 3-part series, Mike Liggett and Scott Harrigan continue to lay the foundation for the Site and Scene podcast, by discussing the benefits of reality capture across multiple industries including the architecture, engineering, and construction spaces, and the tools used such as cameras, 360 cameras, drones, laser scanners, lidar, sonar, and more. Part 2 dives deeper into the types of deliverables the industry has come to expect, and finally Part 3, Mike and Scott talk about use cases and the future of reality capture. Join us as we bring you fresh perspectives from two passionate industry professionals.2025-01-061h 07
Site and SceneS1E3 - Midnight RotorIn this special episode, Mike and Scott share their thoughts on the latest media hype about the mysterious drones flying in the New Jersey night skies and other locations around the country. They also bring a wealth of knowledge around commercial and recreational use of drones and how regulations, technology, and responsible pilots keep our airspace safe. This episode will speak to lots of folks from the curious, to the seasoned and aspiring commercial drone pilots.2025-01-0159 min
Site and SceneS1E1 - Introduction to Site and SceneIn our inaugural episode, hosts Mike Liggett and Scott Harrigan introduce Sight and Scene, a podcast dedicated to exploring the world of reality capture technology. Learn about the inspiration behind the podcast, its mission to empower small to mid-sized businesses (and beyond), and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.
We’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities of adopting reality capture tools like drones, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning, and discuss how this technology is reshaping industries. Whether you’re a drone operator, surveyor, or just curious about reality capture, this episode sets the stage for insightful conversations, expert advice, and...2024-11-2145 min