WEMAD · MY WORK

My work.
A higher perspective.

Explore WEMAD aerial mapping for farms, property improvements, and construction, with practical examples for farmers, owners, builders, and remodelers.

MY WORK · FARMING & FIELD MAPPING

Understand the field.
Focus the drainage review.

The farmer wanted a clearer view of water runoff and elevation changes across the fields. WEMAD captured overlapping aerial photographs to create a photographic orthomosaic and a colorized surface-elevation view.

Together, these views give the farmer a shared reference for a drainage walk, conversations with a drainage contractor, and future comparisons of visible field conditions.

DRAINAGE REVIEW LOCATIONS

The numbered arrows point to places to investigate. They do not indicate water-flow direction or confirmed drainage problems.

WEMAD photographic orthomosaic of two farm fields, a central vegetated divide, and wooded margins, with four numbered inspection pointers — Use visible field edges, cover, and landmarks to locate the same review areas on the ground.
Open the original photo map

WEMAD colorized surface elevation view of the same farm, with numbered pointers to the field divide, wooded margin, open-field color transition, and tree canopy — Colors describe the modeled visible surface. This supplied screenshot has no elevation legend; numerical heights and slope must be checked in the source data.
Open the original color view

WHAT TO LOOK AT · WHAT TO CHECK NEXT

Turn the overhead view
into a focused field walk.

Vegetated field divide
A narrow vegetated strip separates the two field areas.
Check next: Walk this line after rain to look for water collecting, fresh erosion, or interruptions in surface drainage.
Field-to-woodland edge
The cropped area meets a wooded margin at the bottom of these views.
Check next: Check this margin for ponding, sediment deposits, and erosion after rainfall. Locate and inspect any existing drainage outlets on site.
Open-field color transition
The modeled surface changes color across this part of the field.
Check next: Compare the original elevation values and field slope here. The screenshot does not establish which side is higher or where water flows.
Tree canopy
Trees appear in the photographic view and contribute height to the surface model.
Check next: Separate canopy height from ground elevation when reviewing drainage. This view cannot show the ground hidden beneath the trees.

FROM IMAGERY TO BETTER FARM DECISIONS

A useful starting point
for the work on the ground.

Review these locations after a typical rainfall and record any standing water, erosion, and the farmer’s history of wet areas. Pair those observations with verified ground elevations, soil conditions, and existing drainage features before choosing improvements.

A surface model includes vegetation. Blue and purple areas in this view are not a measurement of soil moisture or proof of standing water. These annotations identify review locations; they are not a completed drainage assessment.

Reading the example: USGS: surface and terrain models USDA NRCS: field ponding assessment

MY WORK · THE BELVEDERE & NEW PAVILION

The Belvedere.
Progress from above.

WEMAD’s October 27 surface elevation map places the new pavilion site in context with the existing venue and landscape. The October 24 aerial photographs below show the pavilion slab, surrounding site work, and grounds at Belvedere Estate & Gardens in Saugatuck.

See an earlier project update on Facebook

WEMAD surface elevation map of The Belvedere and new pavilion, with labels identifying the pavilion site, existing venue, and tree canopy and explaining the map’s value — WEMAD mapping work · The Belvedere & new pavilion · October 27, 2026 · Click the image to read the full labeled map.

FEATURED WORK · AERIAL MAPPING & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

The new pavilion.
In the context of the whole property.

This view turns overlapping drone photographs into a digital surface model, showing the modeled height of visible ground, buildings, and tree canopy. Read the colors against the elevation scale to see how the new pavilion site sits within the existing venue and landscape. Trees and rooftops are part of the model, so their colors describe those surfaces, including areas where the ground is hidden. Repeat flights at key milestones give owners, builders, and remodelers a dated reference for discussing the work and comparing visible construction progress.

1
New pavilion site
Record the construction footprint and visible progress at this stage of the project.
2
Existing venue
See how the new work relates to existing structures and the surrounding property.
3
Tree canopy
Recognize that vegetation is included in the surface model, alongside buildings and visible ground.

For owners, builders, and remodelers: keep a dated reference, explain work areas to the project team, and compare visible changes across repeat visits. Review the existing setting before planning additions or exterior improvements.

Colors represent modeled elevation, not heat. Numerical measurements and grading decisions require verified site data.

Open the labeled map View the original elevation map

WEMAD aerial view of The Belvedere pavilion concrete slab beside the venue and event tent, October 24, 2026 — 01 / SITE CONTEXTBelvedere Estate & Gardens · October 24, 2026

Reverse aerial view of The Belvedere pavilion concrete slab, site work, event tent, and pond, October 24, 2026 — 02 / A SECOND PERSPECTIVEPavilion, site work & pond · October 24, 2026

FOR CONTRACTORS, DEVELOPERS & OWNERS

Keep the whole team
in the picture.

From site preparation to the final exterior, plan aerial visits around the milestones that matter to your project.

Dated aerial photographs for project updates
Repeat viewpoints to follow visible progress
Organized images for owners and construction teams

Plan aerial coverage More WEMAD updates

MY WORK · IVY HOUSE · 2D ORTHOMOSAICS

See the site.
Clarify the work.

Explore 2D & 3D mapping

What is a 2D orthomosaic? Overlapping drone photographs are combined and corrected for perspective and scale to create one detailed overhead map of a property.

Owners can plan improvements and keep a dated property record. Builders can coordinate site work and show visible progress. Remodelers can review the existing layout before an addition or exterior renovation.

Marking the same work area for every contractor helps you compare quotes, clarify what is included, and reduce misunderstandings. Repeat visits can document visible changes as work progresses.

Ivy House orthomosaic with an orange outline around an example landscape review area and itemized quote instructions — 01 / LANDSCAPE REVIEW
Define the landscape scope.
Give every contractor the same area to assess. Separate cleanup from optional restoration so each proposal makes clear what is included.
Open full landscape example

Ivy House orthomosaic with the main parking lot outlined in blue for comparable cleaning, sealcoating, and restriping quotes — 02 / PARKING LOT SCOPE
Compare quotes on the same pavement.
Define the parking area once, then ask each bidder to itemize cleaning, sealcoating, restriping, and repairs. A shared scope helps you compare what each price covers.
Open full parking lot example

MY WORK · EMERSON LOUNGE · OCTOBER 27, 2026

One site.
Two ways to understand it.

These views come from the same WEMAD mapping capture. The photographic map records visible conditions; the elevation view emphasizes the shape of visible surfaces. Together, they give owners and project teams a clearer starting point for planning and communication.

WEMAD photographic orthomosaic of Emerson Lounge showing the building roofs, courtyard, landscaping, parking, and adjacent site work on October 27, 2026 — 01 / PHOTOGRAPHIC ORTHOMOSAIC
See what is on the site.
Overlapping drone photographs become one corrected overhead map. Here, the roof layout, courtyard, landscaping, and area of site work can be reviewed together—a dated reference for scope discussions and future comparisons.
Open the full photo map

Colorized photogrammetric surface elevation view of Emerson Lounge, showing the modeled form of roofs, open areas, and vegetation from the same mapping capture — 02 / SURFACE ELEVATION MODEL
Understand the elevation context.
The colored view displays modeled surface elevation. Colors and relief shading make differences in height easier to see across the roofs, open areas, and planting. It adds context for planning discussions and closer site investigation.
Open the full elevation view

WHY THEY LOOK DIFFERENT

The same photos can tell two stories.

Photogrammetry compares matching details in overlapping photographs to estimate the shape of visible surfaces. The orthomosaic keeps the photographic colors and detail. The elevation display uses assigned colors and shading to emphasize modeled height. Its colors represent elevation, not temperature or moisture.

Roofs and vegetation are part of this surface model; ground hidden beneath them may not be visible. Use the selected elevation scale and verified data for numerical interpretation. Drainage or grading decisions depend on verified ground elevations.

FOR OWNERS

Plan with a shared reference.

Keep a dated record, explain improvement areas to contractors, and compare visible conditions before and after work.

FOR BUILDERS

Keep the team oriented.

Discuss access, work areas, and existing structures with owners and trades. Repeat capture can help communicate visible progress.

FOR REMODELERS

Understand the existing setting.

Review how the building, courtyard, and landscape fit together before planning an addition or exterior renovation.

2D & 3D MAPPING · AT A GLANCE

See your property.
With more context.

Explore how an overhead map and a 3D model can help you understand a property before, during, and after construction.

Illustrative 2D orthomosaic map of a residential development with sample lot labels and a scale bar — 01 / 2D ORTHOMOSAIC
An overhead view of the property.
See lots, access, and visible features together. Sample lot labels show how a map can be organized.
Illustrative example supplied for this site.

Example photogrammetry model of a two-story house under construction, by vitoremm — 02 / 3D PHOTOGRAMMETRY
A model with shape and depth.
See a structure’s visible form and relationships from a different angle.
Example model: Modern_ House_ Construction by vitoremm · CC BY 4.0.

THE FAMILY-HOME STORY

Every build has a journey.
This one inspired ours.

THE FAMILY-HOME STORY

The home begins to feel real.

Original photographs from our founder’s family-home build. They illustrate the milestones that inspired WEMAD, rather than commissioned aerial or 360° work.

FIND THE DETAILS

From a spot on the plan
to the details inside.

Photo locations help you navigate a plan-linked record. Notes identify visible details and field measurements agreed before the visit.

This demonstration uses illustrative room images, a floor plan, and sample notes. Your project uses your supplied plan and the actual documentation captured for your build.

Illustrative pre-drywall kitchen with tagged electrical, plumbing, low-voltage, and HVAC details

MAIN FLOOR

KITCHEN · ROOM VIEW

5 linked details · Click a marker to explore

Illustrative photos, plan, and notes. Field measurements are recorded on site.

YOUR BUILD. YOUR STORY. YOUR RECORD.

Before the next milestone,
let’s make a plan.

Request your project quote Or call Richie at 616.935.2121

My work.
A higher perspective.

Understand the field.
Focus the drainage review.

See the field layout.

Compare the modeled surface.

Turn the overhead view
into a focused field walk.

Vegetated field divide

Field-to-woodland edge

Open-field color transition

Tree canopy

A useful starting point
for the work on the ground.

The Belvedere.
Progress from above.