Asia Air Survey

Basic Information

Stock Code
9233
Industry
Air Transportation Industry
Category Detail
Construction & Civil Engineering
Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture
Establishment Year
December 1949
Listing Year
February 1964
Official Website
https://www.ajiko.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Daiseki Environmental Solutions, Aki Iijima Kogyo, Environmental Management Center, Kawasaki Geological, Nikkato, Enbio Holdings, General Testing Laboratory for Civil Engineering Management, Acmos, Ooba

Overview

Asia Air Survey is a leading company in aerial surveying and construction consulting founded in 1949, highly regarded both domestically and internationally for its advanced measurement technologies and environmentally conscious management.

Current Situation

Asia Air Survey recorded consolidated net sales of approximately 33.7 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 2.5 billion yen for the fiscal year ended September 2022, maintaining a stable financial position. Its main businesses are aerial surveying and construction consulting, with strengths in digital mapping and GIS. While competing with major domestic companies, it advances technological innovations. In recent years, it has differentiated itself with proprietary technologies such as red relief image maps and laser forest profile maps. It has received Eco-First Company certification from the Ministry of the Environment and actively promotes CSR activities toward realizing a sustainable society. Major shareholders include JR West Japan and Fukken Surveying and Design, aiming to create synergies through business collaborations. It maintains aircraft operation bases at Chofu Airport and Yao Airport, with a focus on fleet renewal. In the medium to long term, it plans to strengthen ICT technologies and expand overseas operations, advancing a multifaceted growth strategy toward 2030.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • One of the first companies in the world to put aerial surveying technology into practical use
  • Won the Good Design Award in 2014 for the red relief image map
  • Cooperated in providing 3D data for Shin Godzilla
  • Maintains operation bases at Chofu Airport and Yao Airport
  • Provides aerial photos of disaster areas publicly the next day
  • Obtained Ministry of the Environment Eco-First certification in 2012
  • Established major player in domestic aerial surveying
  • Handles diverse construction consulting services
  • Nationwide business expansion through multiple subsidiaries
  • JR West Japan as lead shareholder, strengthening business collaboration
  • Obtained ISO9001 certification in 1998
  • Sponsors Forestry Agency's Children's Forest Summit
  • Achieved tree species identification with airborne laser measurement technology
  • Globally recognized for analytical aerial triangulation technique
  • Equity-method affiliate includes Mitsui Joint Construction Consultants

Hidden Connections

  • Capital and business alliance with West Japan Railway Company (JR West Japan) to strengthen collaboration
  • Fukken Surveying and Design Co., Ltd. holds influence as the lead shareholder
  • Past capital ties with Kokusai Kogyo Holdings extend to current relationships
  • Cooperated with the film industry by providing 3D data for Shin Godzilla production
  • Deep environmentally considerate management as an Eco-First certified company evaluated under Ministry of the Environment ESG criteria
  • Multiple subsidiaries broadly involved in regional surveying and consulting businesses
  • Strategic bases as operation sites at Chofu Airport and Yao Airport
  • Strong transaction network exists with government agencies such as Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding demand accompanying advancement of GIS and 3D modeling technologies
  • Increased demand for disaster prevention information services due to frequent disasters
  • Growth in renewable energy-related consulting market
  • Demand for information systems from DX promotion in government and construction industries
  • Expansion of environmental assessment work due to rising environmental awareness
  • Service enhancement through aircraft operation efficiency and fleet renewal
  • Increasing demand for infrastructure development and urban redevelopment domestically and internationally
  • Advancement of environmental technologies as an Eco-First certified company
  • New business development through collaborations with major shareholders and affiliates
  • Improved business efficiency and market competitiveness through digitalization
  • Enhanced specialization in forest resource management and forestry technologies
  • Leadership in disaster prevention and mitigation technologies

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain and expand top domestic share in aerial surveying market
  • Advancement and diversification of GIS and 3D modeling systems
  • Strengthen environmental technology development contributing to sustainable society
  • Enhance rapid aerial photo provision system during disasters
  • Establish renewable energy-related business as a mainstay
  • Expand construction consulting business domestically and internationally
  • Strengthen international competitiveness of digital measurement technologies
  • Pioneering implementation of Ministry of the Environment Eco-First certification standards
  • Enhance regional disaster information services in collaboration with local governments
  • Strengthen in-house technology exchange and talent development systems

Business Segments

Aerial Surveying and Topographic Data Provision

Overview
Provides high-precision topographic information through advanced aerial surveying technology.
Competitiveness
High-quality surveying data backed by pioneering technology and years of accumulated know-how
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
  • Construction companies
  • Urban planning offices
  • Environmental survey companies
  • Research institutions
Products
  • Aerial photography
  • Digital mapping
  • 3D terrain models
  • Laser measurement data
  • GIS data analysis
  • Red relief image map creation

Construction Consulting Services

Overview
Comprehensive construction consulting services covering environment, disaster prevention, and infrastructure.
Competitiveness
Strong proposal capabilities based on information infrastructure linked with aerial surveying
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Public works clients
  • Real estate developers
  • Ministry of the Environment-related organizations
  • Disaster prevention organizations
  • Urban development planners
Products
  • Road design
  • Bridge design
  • Urban disaster management system
  • Environmental impact law compliance
  • Soil surveys
  • Forest resource surveys

Information System Development

Overview
Supports regional public services through development and operation of GIS and various information systems.
Competitiveness
Advanced system development capabilities integrated with aerial survey data
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Government agencies
  • Private urban development companies
  • Disaster countermeasures headquarters
  • Research institutes
Products
  • GIS implementation and operation support
  • Government support systems
  • Disaster information monitoring
  • Digital measurement systems
  • Mobile communication services

Aircraft Operation Business

Overview
Provides aerial surveying and survey flight services using company-operated aircraft.
Competitiveness
Flexible response capabilities from multiple operation bases
Customers
  • Public institutions
  • Private companies
  • Survey and research institutions
Products
  • On-site observation by aircraft
  • Aerial photography
  • Environmental measurement

Disaster Prevention and Environmental Monitoring

Overview
Essential information provision and support measures for disaster response and environmental conservation.
Competitiveness
Rapid photography and data provision system for disaster areas
Customers
  • Local government disaster prevention divisions
  • Environmental survey companies
  • Disaster support organizations
Products
  • Disaster-affected area information provision
  • Environmental load reduction measures
  • Aerial photo analysis of disaster situations

Renewable Energy-Related Consulting

Overview
Supports planning and evaluation for renewable energy projects.
Competitiveness
Long years of environmental measurement experience and diverse measurement technologies
Customers
  • Energy companies
  • Public local governments
  • Development consultants
Products
  • Wind power measurement
  • Environmental assessment surveys
  • Feasibility studies

Soil Survey and Environmental Analysis

Overview
Specialized services for soil environmental surveys, analysis, and improvement proposals.
Competitiveness
Wide-area survey capabilities linked with aerial surveying
Customers
  • Construction sites
  • Soil contamination survey organizations
  • Government agencies
Products
  • Soil contamination surveys
  • Hazardous substance analysis
  • Remediation planning

Forest Resource Surveys

Overview
Accurate evaluation of forest resources using advanced laser surveying.
Competitiveness
Differentiation through high-precision airborne laser technology
Customers
  • Forestry Agency
  • Forest management cooperatives
  • Environmental protection groups
Products
  • Tree species identification laser measurement
  • Forest resource analysis
  • Environmental impact assessment

Urban Planning Support

Overview
Comprehensive information services supporting urban planning processes.
Competitiveness
High-precision planning support through integration of aerial survey data
Customers
  • Urban development operators
  • Local government urban planning divisions
  • Design offices
Products
  • Digital map creation
  • Urban disaster prevention planning consulting
  • GIS analysis services

Survey and Design-Related Technical Services

Overview
Specialized technologies for surveys and report preparation necessary for construction design.
Competitiveness
Analysis know-how directly linked to practical operations
Customers
  • Construction design companies
  • Research institutions
  • Construction industry
Products
  • Structural surveys
  • Engineering reports
  • Real estate appraisal

Regional Disaster Monitoring and Support

Overview
Focuses on collecting disaster area information and support for earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.
Competitiveness
Rapid data provision starting immediately after disasters
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Disaster recovery organizations
  • Research and survey institutions
Products
  • Pre- and post-disaster map comparison
  • Disaster area photo provision
  • Environmental load reduction proposals

Monitoring Technology Development

Overview
Supports research, development, and societal implementation of the latest technologies.
Competitiveness
Integration capabilities across diverse measurement technologies
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Research institutions
  • Environmental-related companies
Products
  • Development of new measurement technologies
  • Accuracy verification services
  • Technology evaluation reports

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • World-first practical implementation of technology in aerial surveying
  • Advanced digital map creation technology
  • High-precision airborne laser measurement capabilities
  • Eco-First certification from the Ministry of the Environment
  • Business expansion through diverse related subsidiaries
  • Strong support from major shareholders like JR West Japan
  • Abundant aircraft fleet and operation bases
  • Strong commitment to sustainable society
  • Broad customer base (government, construction, etc.)
  • Advanced GIS system development technology
  • Specialized information provision for disaster support
  • Trust and track record from long-term technology accumulation
  • Collaborations and partnerships across diverse industries
  • High brand recognition and industry standing
  • Proprietary specialized measurement know-how

Competitive Advantages

  • Technological superiority from world-first practical implementation of analytical aerial triangulation
  • Differentiation through patented technologies like red relief image maps
  • Forest resource analysis technology utilizing airborne laser measurement
  • Integrated business operations based on aircraft operation license
  • Strong transaction relationships with government and local governments
  • Regionally focused service expansion through diverse subsidiaries
  • Environmentally considerate activities based on Eco-First certification
  • GIS-utilizing government support system development capabilities
  • Rapid aerial photo provision capabilities for disaster areas
  • Funding and know-how sharing through business alliances with major shareholders
  • Long-term market experience and stable customer base
  • Service sophistication through adoption of latest technologies
  • Strengthened networks with companies across diverse sectors
  • Collaborative CSR activities with local communities
  • Broad consulting capabilities centered on aerial surveying

Threats

  • Risk of difficulty keeping up with the pace of technological innovation
  • Intensifying competition due to stagnant market expansion
  • Declining profit margins from price competition with competitors
  • Unstable demand due to fluctuations in disaster frequency
  • Risks from regulatory changes or stricter aircraft operation licensing
  • Business constraints from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Risk of equipment damage from natural disasters
  • Competitive disadvantage from delays in overseas market entry
  • Potential technology imitation by new entrants
  • Impact from changes in major shareholders' policies
  • Challenges in talent acquisition and development
  • Uncertainty in future outlook due to unclear economic conditions

Innovations

2024: Advancement of 3D Terrain Modeling Technology

Overview
Developed technology that enhances analysis precision of multiple images, bringing innovation to urban planning support.
Impact
Improved data accuracy leading to higher customer satisfaction.

2023: Promotion of Practical Use of Laser Forest Profile Maps

Overview
Achieved tree species identification through airborne laser measurement, contributing to forest resource management.
Impact
Established foundation for new market entry and business diversification.

2022: Enhancement of Disaster Monitoring Systems

Overview
Leveraged experience since the Great East Japan Earthquake to advance rapid response systems.
Impact
Strengthened trust from local governments and increased orders.

2021: Renewal of Environmental Impact Assessment Consulting Technology

Overview
Adopted new technologies for efficiency in renewable energy-related evaluation work.
Impact
Contributed to market expansion in the environmental sector.

2020: Fusion Development of GIS and Mobile Communication Services

Overview
Launched new government support tools combining mobile communications and GIS.
Impact
Significantly improved efficiency of government operations.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of low-carbon society based on Ministry of the Environment Eco-First certification
  • Sustainable business operations toward realizing a nature-coexistent society
  • Environmental conservation and disaster information provision in local communities
  • Strengthening in-house environmental conservation talent development and awareness activities
  • Promotion of waste reduction and resource recycling activities