Every industry needs pioneers. In 2014, Mark Paulson and Jeff Campbell, seasoned experts in surveying, mapping, and remote sensing saw a new frontier emerging: drones and advanced geospatial processing tools. With grit and foresight, they founded Vertical Aspect to help bridge the gap between complex geospatial technology and the real-world needs of professionals on the ground. In the early days, the technology was raw, unpredictable, and rapidly evolving. But Mark and Jeff leaned in, working closely with manufacturers, breaking things, fixing them, and guiding the industry forward.
Today, under the leadership of Christian Stallings, CP, a longtime mentee of Mark’s and now President of the company, Vertical Aspect continues to grow, adding domain expertise in LiDAR, photogrammetry, and beyond. With a team dedicated to empowering surveyors, engineers, asset owners, and remote sensing professionals across industries, our mission remains: to be the trusted guide in a complex landscape. We don’t just deliver tools, we deliver the confidence and clarity to use them well.
The Visionaries Behind Vertical Aspect

Mark Paulson’s journey into UAV mapping began with a solid foundation in engineering, earning his education from the University of Houston in the 1970s and later advancing his studies in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University. His career took him through pivotal roles, from General Manager at Hawk Mineral Fund to UAV Specialist at GA Spatial Technologies. Recognizing the transformative potential of drone technology, Mark launched Vertical Aspect, LLC in 2014. The introduction of FAA Part 107 regulations provided the legal framework for commercial UAV operations, and Mark seized the opportunity to build a company that empowers professionals with the expertise and tools needed for UAV mapping. Through Vertical Aspect, he has helped countless individuals and organizations master mission planning, image capture, post-processing, and survey-grade deliverables.

Captain Jeffrey Reid Campbell, USN (Ret.), brought a lifetime of leadership, service, and passion for technology to Vertical Aspect. His career began in broadcasting before he enlisted in the Navy, where he served 24 years as a distinguished helicopter pilot, test pilot, and Chief Information Officer at the Pentagon. Following 9/11, Jeff postponed retirement to lead efforts in rebuilding the Navy’s critical IT infrastructure. In 2014, Jeff partnered with Mark Paulson to launch a drone consulting firm, driven by their shared vision of making geospatial technology more accessible. A dedicated community servant, Jeff gave his time to various organizations, including serving as Vice President of the Snack Pack 4 Kids Board. His legacy of innovation, leadership, and generosity continues to inspire Vertical Aspect’s mission today.