Drone Survey

Drone surveying has revolutionised the field of geospatial data collection by offering an efficient, cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional surveying methods. Not only can large and complex areas be covered quickly with less manpower, but also hard to reach areas and dangerous landscapes can be accessed remotely, minimising any associated risks. Our drone surveys and aerial inspections are conducted by experienced CAA certified UAV Pilots and delivered in formats ranging from Digital Elevation Models and Point Clouds to traditional survey deliverables. We also provide photogrammetry and LiDAR survey services, depending on the application, site conditions and deliverables required by our client.

Projects

Monitoring

Skegness Sea Wall  – Photogrammetry survey conducted of approximately 570m of the seawall to assess movement and overall condition. Supplied data included a georeferenced point cloud, textured 3D mesh model, orthophotos and cross sections extracted from the point cloud.

Gorleston Cliffs – The cliffs along the Norfolk coast are undergoing significant coastal erosion, with a notable collapse occurring in recent years. As part of an ongoing monitoring campaign, the site is being regularly surveyed by our team. Submitted data including georeferenced point clouds and textured 3D meshes, which are being utilised to track changes and identify movement over time.

Infrastructure

Willersley Retaining Wall – As part of a topographic survey along the A6 Derby Road, we surveyed Willersley Retaining Wall which is approximately 300 metres in length. The wall ran adjacent to a busy road along a riverbank surrounded by dense tree cover, so we used a combination of LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture comprehensive coverage remotely. The deliverables included a geo-referenced Point Cloud, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), a textured 3D mesh and high-resolution orthomosaic imagery. These outputs provided critical data to support the council’s design team in planning remedial works for identified defects.

Leisure

Disused Nightclub, Exeter –  Our team delivered a measured building and drone survey project with deliverables including detailed 2D plans and an LOD2 model of the external façades of the building. Using laser scanners alongside drone technology we were able to capture data from even the most inaccessible areas of the roof, ensuring complete coverage of the entire site.

Roof Survey and Inspection

Peterborough Crown Court – Photogrammetry survey conducted at Peterborough Crown Court to capture roof details that were not accessible from ground level. Drone imagery was integrated with terrestrial laser scanner data to ensure comprehensive coverage. The combined dataset was used to produce a high-accuracy LOD3 Revit model, with all skylights precisely modelled to our client’s specifications.

Sheffield Fargate – Due to the location of the building being on a busy central high street and the surrounding properties restricting access, it was necessary to deploy drone technology to ensure a fully comprehensive capture of all external areas of the property. From the data we were able to create a LOD3.5 Revit model and 2D plans were also submitted to our client.

Leen Gate Clinic – Accurate modelling of the roof of the building was a key requirement for our client, enabling the architects to develop a viable design proposal that could be structurally supported by the existing framework. As there was no safe access to the roof, drone technology proved essential in capturing all necessary data. Drone imagery was used to produce a detailed LOD3 Revit model and combined with terrestrial laser scanner data to provide a georeferenced point cloud.

Tewin Water House Apartments – As part of the roof refurbishment works, a detailed roof survey was required to document existing services, along with fully detailed elevations and sections. Due to safety concerns and the inaccessibility of rooftop areas, drone technology was essential for capturing the necessary data. The use of drones also allowed for the remote surveying of penthouse balconies without disturbing the occupants. All deliverables included 2D drawings and drone imagery.

Peterborough Crown Court

A multidiscipline project consisting of topographical, CCTV drainage, underground utilities surveys, as well as the creation of a LOD3 Revit model of the building. Due to inaccessible roof access, UAV technology was deployed to achieve full data capture.

Lean Gate Clinic

A detailed LOD3 Revit model was created on behalf of NHS utilising terrestrial laser scanners and UAV technology to capture data of all areas, including hard to reach rooftops. The deliverables supported the planning and design of the property refurbishment.

Hotel in South Shields

As part of a multidisciplinary survey project which included a topographical survey and 2D elevations of external façades, our team also conducted a drone survey to inspect and assess the condition of the roof.

Gorleston Cliffs

A textured 3D mesh of the cliffs near Gorleston was created using drone technology, capturing all necessary data. The cliffs are vulnerable to coastal erosion, which has caused several collapses. Ongoing monitoring is being carried out to track movement.

What our clients say