AHM

What AHM does

AHM (AirborneHydroMapping GmbH) is an Austrian private company founded in 2013 and headquartered in Innsbruck that specializes in airborne topo-bathymetric LiDAR surveying and proprietary geodata software. The firm operates an aircraft equipped with water-penetrating laser systems (including a 532 nm green wavelength sensor for glacier and snow work) capable of capturing shallow water bodies down to approximately 8-15 m depth with sub-10 cm accuracy, integrating airborne laser scanning with echo sounding for comprehensive river, lake, reservoir, and coastal mapping.

AHM's product portfolio splits between specialized survey services (Hydro Mapping, Nature Mapping, Land Mapping, Ice & Snow Mapping, and the eco-positioned GreenSurvey) and two software products developed and distributed through its wholly-owned sister company AHM Software GmbH: HydroVISH, a C++ modular framework for processing and visualizing massive point clouds and full-waveform LiDAR data with LZ4 compression achieving 3800 MB/s throughput, and KomVISH, a real-time viewer with native ESRI ArcGIS, Kominfo, and WMS integrations. The technology stack originated in the 2013-2016 COMET K-Project with the University of Innsbruck and RIEGL.

AHM generates revenue through customized, quote-based airborne survey projects and software licensing (perpetual commercial licenses for HydroVISH and KomVISH, with academic freemium). Its customer base is concentrated in European government water-management authorities and municipal administrations (LDBV Bavaria, WSA Elbe, Swiss Cantons, NVE Norway, Innovation Greenland/GEUS), supplemented by engineering firms, research partners (University of Innsbruck, University of Hohenheim, Technical University Vienna), and a small set of private-sector clients (MAN Energy Solutions, Bayernets, Andreas Thaler Gravel Factory). Distribution is direct enterprise sales augmented by channel partners GI Geoinformatik GmbH and geoinform AG for Bavaria, with industry presence at Intergeo and ILMF conferences and co-exhibition with RIEGL.

Name

AHM

Legal name

AirborneHydroMapping GmbH

Website

https://ahm.co.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Short description

AHM (AirborneHydroMapping GmbH) is an Austrian airborne topo-bathymetric LiDAR survey firm selling proprietary HydroVISH and KomVISH geodata software alongside hydro, nature, land, and ice/snow mapping services to European government water authorities, municipalities, and engineering firms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Geospatial Surveying Services

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Analytics (Satellite/UAV/LiDAR, Image Processing) (EUAHAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)

Keywords

• Topo-bathymetric LiDAR
• Airborne hydromapping
• Geodata visualization software
• Point cloud processing
• Water body surveying

Headquarters

HQ city

Innsbruck

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Airborne Survey Services: Customized survey services for hydro mapping, nature mapping, land mapping, and ice/snow mapping. Customers select regions and survey areas to receive professional data collection, preparation, and analysis.
2. HydroVISH Software Licensing: Commercial software licensing for HydroVISH. Available under commercial license with contact for pricing. Research partners and academic institutions may be eligible for free licenses.
3. KomVISH Software Licensing: Commercial software licensing for KomVISH. Order via email with contact for pricing and license details.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

AHM provides customized airborne topo-bathymetric LiDAR survey services (Hydro Mapping, Nature Mapping, Land Mapping, Ice & Snow Mapping) for water bodies, infrastructure, and environmental analysis, alongside proprietary desktop software products HydroVISH and KomVISH for processing and real-time visualization of massive point cloud datasets (10+ TB, 500+ billion points). The company delivers end-to-end geospatial solutions, from airborne data acquisition to processing and GIS-integrated visualization, primarily for government water management authorities, municipalities, national mapping agencies, and engineering firms.

Product overview

AHM offers a portfolio of specialized software products and airborne survey services for spatial data capturing and analysis. The core software consists of HydroVISH, a modular C++ framework for advanced geodata visualization and processing of massive point clouds and full waveform LiDAR data, and KomVISH, a lightweight viewer for real-time visualization of large laser scan data with GIS integration. These software products are complemented by four specialized airborne survey services: Hydro Mapping (topo-bathymetric LiDAR for water bodies), Nature Mapping (environmental and ecological analysis), Land Mapping (infrastructure and construction capturing), and Ice & Snow Mapping (glacier surfaces using green laser technology). The GreenSurvey service represents their eco-friendly approach to airborne surveying. All offerings focus on environmental applications and their further processing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HydroVISH: Fast, powerful, and highly flexible C++ based software for advanced data visualization and processing of mass geodata, particularly topo-bathymetric LiDAR data
• KomVISH
• GreenSurvey

Products and services

• HydroVISH A fast, powerful, and highly flexible C++ based software for advanced geodata visualization and processing. Designed as a modular framework enabling users to perform all steps in geodata projects from processing raw data to visualization and interaction with massive point clouds and full waveform LiDAR data. Available under commercial license with contact-based pricing, and offered free to research/academic institutions.
• KomVISH An independently running visualization software for displaying large laser scan data in real-time. Provides simple interfaces to geoinformation systems (ArcGIS, Kominfo) for fast exchange of lines and polygon courses, with direct transfer of laser data to GIS in sections. Distributed via commercial license with contact-based pricing.
• Hydro Mapping Airborne Hydromapping service using water-penetrating laser systems for detailed survey of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surveys shallow water bodies down to 8m depth with accuracy of less than 10cm, combined with echo sounding for deeper bathymetry. Targeted at government water authorities, hydraulic engineering projects, and flood protection applications.
• Nature Mapping Environmental spatial data capturing and analysis covering economic and ecologic aspects including morphology, sediment transport, habitat modelling, limnological research, water plant analysis, renewable energy topics, and biomass estimations. Used by environmental agencies and research institutions.
• Land Mapping Precise capturing of man-made constructions including industrial areas, power cables, infrastructure, and buildings. Data delivered as digital terrain models (2D or 3D surface), contour lines, and cross sections. Used for industrial site surveying and infrastructure corridor mapping.
• Ice & Snow Mapping Glacier and snow surface capturing using 532nm green laser wavelength for improved measurement accuracy, overcoming poor results from common laser scan systems at standard wavelengths. Used for cryosphere monitoring and glacier research applications.
• GreenSurvey Ecological airborne survey service characterized by fast data acquisition, low carbon footprint, silent operation, no access disruption to protected areas, and no disturbance to animals or contact with ground/water bodies. Registered trade-mark addressing sustainability-conscious procurement requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Water depth detection down to 15m with point densities of 40-60 points/m²
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, major and core.

• GEUS (Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Danish geologic survey collaborating on Greenland pilot project for seabed mapping to improve navigation in fjord sections.
• Swiss University of BernstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Sonar survey provider for Lac Neuchâtel bathymetric project. University conducted echo sounding survey which was combined with AHM's LiDAR data for comprehensive bathymetric mapping.
• GI Geoinformatik GmbHmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 December 2017Collaboration on software solution for real-time connection of sovereign geo-mass data of LDBV Bavaria to 2D GIS systems. GI Geoinformatik provides integration with ESRI and Kominfo platforms using KomVISH technology.
• geoinform AGmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 December 2017Partnership for integration of AHM software (KomVISH) with geoinform GIS solutions for real-time 3D geodata visualization in Bavarian state applications.
• Steinbacher-Consult Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH&Co.KGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 December 2017Related-company partnership for engineering consulting and joint software solutions for water surveying and municipal applications. Presents together at events and develops integrated offerings for hydraulic engineering applications.
• Swiss Cantons Vaud and Valais / SwisstopomajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Commissioned high-resolution topo-bathymetric lidar survey of Lake Geneva shoreline including aerial RGB imaging for new detailed terrain model.
• BfG (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014German Federal Institute of Hydrology partnered on Elbe river pilot project for evaluating potential of topo-bathymetric lidar.
• WSV (Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration provided echo sounding data and collaborated on combined lidar/MBES data processing for Elbe river project.
• BAW (Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Federal Institute for Hydraulic Engineering involved in evaluating topo-bathymetric lidar potential for German federal water authorities.
• Technical University ViennastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Research collaboration on Elbe river project including lidar point cloud processing, strip adjustment, georeferencing, and digital orthophoto generation.
• University of InnsbruckcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2013Research partner in development of Airborne Hydromapping technology between 2007-2016. COMET K-Project 'Alpine Airborne Hydromapping' established technology for comprehensive monitoring of shallow water bodies.
• RIEGL (Horn, Lower Austria)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2013Hardware partner in COMET K-Project development of water-penetrating laser system for airborne hydromapping applications.
• RIEGL LMScoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-term technology partnership spanning 10+ years. RIEGL provides laser scanning hardware technology used in AHM's airborne hydromapping surveys. AHM co-exhibits with RIEGL at industry events (Intergeo, ILMF) and jointly develops integrated solutions combining RIEGL sensors with AHM software for topo-bathymetric LiDAR applications.
• AHM Software GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationSister company responsible for software development and distribution, providing dedicated focus on HydroVISH and KomVISH software products.
• ECOMAP ConsortiumstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeabed mapping experts from Baltic Sea working with AHM to strengthen collaboration between bathymetric LiDAR and shallow water MBES systems. Includes special training for LiDAR data processing and visualization, with cross-cutting topics in data analyses, processing, and interpretation. LiDAR overflights scheduled for Western Baltic Sea.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• EOMAP: EOMAP is a German-based specialist in satellite-derived bathymetry and aquatic remote sensing, and a partner with AHM in the ECOMAP consortium for Baltic Sea seabed mapping. EOMAP's satellite-based approach is technologically adjacent to AHM's airborne LiDAR work, and both serve coastal/water body mapping clients in Europe.
• Woolpert: Woolpert is an architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm providing airborne LiDAR, surveying, and mapping services for government and commercial clients in North America and internationally. Woolpert competes with AHM in the aerial survey and geospatial analytics space for federal, state, and municipal customers.

Broad incumbents

• RIEGL: RIEGL is the leading manufacturer of airborne LiDAR sensors, including water-penetrating topo-bathymetric systems used in AHM's surveys. AHM's 10+ year technology partnership and joint development history make RIEGL the most strategically comparable company—although RIEGL sells hardware broadly, while AHM delivers integrated survey services and proprietary software on top.
• Trimble: Trimble provides integrated geospatial technologies including LiDAR hardware, mapping software, and survey services used in surveying, construction, and government applications. Trimble competes with AHM in the broader aerial mapping and point cloud processing market.
• Hexagon (Leica Geosystems): Hexagon's Leica Geosystems division manufactures LiDAR hardware (including bathymetric sensors) and offers integrated geospatial software platforms. Comparable to AHM as a full-stack aerial surveying and geospatial data solutions provider serving government and infrastructure markets globally.
• Fugro: Fugro is a global leader in offshore and onshore surveying, including hydrographic, geophysical, and geospatial services. Fugro competes with AHM for bathymetric and topographic survey contracts from European government agencies and serves similar water management, energy, and infrastructure clients.
• Teledyne Geospatial (Optech): Teledyne Geospatial (formerly Optech) manufactures airborne LiDAR sensors including topo-bathymetric systems and provides integrated mapping solutions. Comparable to AHM in airborne bathymetric LiDAR technology, though Teledyne primarily sells hardware and software platforms rather than survey services.
• NV5 Global (Quantum Spatial): NV5 acquired Quantum Spatial, one of North America's largest aerial LiDAR and remote sensing firms, to scale its geospatial services. NV5/Quantum Spatial is comparable to AHM in delivering topo-bathymetric LiDAR and processing massive point cloud datasets for government mapping agencies.

Regional players

• Aerodata International Surveys: Aerodata is a Belgian/German aerial survey firm specializing in airborne LiDAR, photogrammetry, and thermal imaging for European government and infrastructure clients. Comparable to AHM as a European regional aerial surveying peer with similar government customer base.

Others

• i-Marine (Damen) / Exail (iXblue): Exail (formerly iXblue) provides hydrographic survey equipment and autonomous solutions used in bathymetric data acquisition. Comparable to AHM as a provider of enabling technology for water body mapping, though Exail focuses on sonar/multibeam rather than airborne LiDAR.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AHM