Drones are revolutionising the surveying profession by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Are traditional surveyors being put our of a job?

Let's explore the role of drone surveys and how do they fit in? 🤷‍♂️

Are Drones Replacing Surveyors? Exploring the Role of Drone Surveys

Are Drones Replacing Surveyors? Exploring the Role of Drone Surveys

When it comes to surveying, the question often arises: "Are drones replacing surveyors?" The short answer is no. Instead, drones are revolutionizing the surveying profession by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and safety. At DroneWorks, we believe that drone surveys are tools that complement, not replace, the expertise of surveyors.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of drone surveys, how they’re transforming the industry, and why surveyors and drones are better together. Let’s dive in.

What Are Drone Surveys?

A drone survey uses drones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to capture high-resolution images, videos, and data from above. This data is processed into actionable formats like 3D models, CAD plans, and orthomosaics. Unlike traditional methods, drone surveys are faster, safer, and more cost-effective.

At DroneWorks, we specialize in drone surveys for construction and property sectors across Lancashire and the North West, including Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, and Manchester. Our services include LiDAR, thermal imaging, stockpile volumetrics, and 3D inspections.

Challenges

• Sites are getting larger and more complex and data is needed quickly! This causes some difficulties for traditional surveying methods:

• Inefficiency - Large of difficult areas can take a team of surveyors days to collect the data.

• Specific Data - Surveyors are typically tasked with a scope to collect a specific set of data. If the client changes the scope, or further information is required, a re visit to site is needed.

• Safety - On large operation sites, large stockpiles or large buildings, it is risky and sometimes impossible to safely collect the required information, especially if keeping to a budget.

• Project Delays - waiting for customers to get to site to approve a portion of the work to release funds for the next stage.

• Low Profits - when projects go over budget, it usually comes directly out of the companies own profits.

• Lost Customers - Unhappy, may not use you again.

Land Surveying and Safety

Land Surveyors are responsible for surveying a job site, gathering data to provide up to date, accurate levels and site data. They may face obstacles in terrain, difficult to cross on foot or dangerous sites with moving plant.

A manned survey can take time to collect and process data which depending on the size of the site, may be time consuming and costly and the data could potentially be days or weeks old before it is delivered to the customer. On a busy construction project, the site will be chaging whilst the survey is ongoing.

Drone Surveys

In contrast to a traditional land survey, by drone the workflow is usually:

• Gather requirements from client

• Plan flight (ensuring sfatey and compliance)

• Data collection: capture data via aerial imagery (or LIDAR)

• Process Data: outputs created and quality checked

• Job site analysed via outputs generated from 2D & 3D geospatil information.

Outputs

Outputs from the done are not just photos or video.

• For a drone land survey or construction site, common outputs would be:

• 2D Orthomosaic (detailed, accurate, high resolution map)

• Terrain levels and TIN Surface

• 3D Point cloud

• Layered CAD topographic drawing

• 3D volumetric analysis

• Contour mapping

• As built vs planned comparison

• Visual inspection

• Compare to previous surveys

• Compare to designs to monitor progress / issues

So... Are Mapping Drones Replacing Surveyors?

The answer is a definitive NO. Absolutely not.

The practice of using drones for land surveys & mapping can compliment traditional methods of surveying.

There may be scenarios where a drone cannot gather the data or the accuracy requirements are outside the achievable levels.

Smaller sites are sometimes for efficient / cost effective to be surveyed traditionally

if you do not need the data urgently and have the advantage of time for it to be collected / processed manually.

However, drones are not intending to replace a Surveyor.

Data can be captured quickly, in greater detail, for a surveyor to work with, saving them time, allowing them to be more productive, especially for larger areas.

Drones allow data collection without putting surveyors at risk. For example, traversing a busy construction site, or rough open terrain.

Drones can collect more data, in less time with more detailed outputs, some of which are not possible from a traditional land survey (3d models, orthomosaics).

Why Drones Are Not Replacing Surveyors

1. Expertise Matters

Surveying is more than just collecting data; it’s about interpreting and applying it. Surveyors bring years of expertise and knowledge to the table, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and actionable. Drones, while advanced, are tools that rely on the skill of licensed operators and surveyors to deliver meaningful results.

2. Complementary Tools

Drones enhance what surveyors can do by providing an aerial perspective and collecting data in hard-to-reach areas. They’re particularly useful for large-scale projects or hazardous sites where traditional methods might be impractical or unsafe.

3. Accuracy Through Collaboration

Using advanced technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry, drones can achieve centimeter-level accuracy. However, this accuracy is maximized when combined with ground control points and the expertise of a qualified surveyor.

The Future of Surveying: Collaboration, Not Replacement

The future of surveying lies in collaboration between surveyors and drones. By combining the expertise of surveyors with the capabilities of drones, we can achieve results that are faster, safer, and more accurate than ever before.

At DroneWorks, we’re excited to be part of this evolution. Our drone surveys are designed to complement the work of surveyors, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Key Takeaways

• Drones are not replacing surveyors; they’re enhancing their capabilities.

• Drone surveys offer speed, cost savings, safety, and versatility.

• Collaboration between surveyors and drones ensures efficiency and safety whilst maintaining accuracy, procdigin actionable insights for informed decision making.

How DroneWorks Stands Out

At DroneWorks, we’re not just about flying drones; we’re about delivering actionable data. Here’s what sets us apart:

CAA Approved: We’re certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hold £5 million in public liability insurance.

Advanced Technology: From LiDAR to 3D inspections, we use cutting-edge tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Local Expertise: Based in Preston, we serve the North West, including Blackpool, Liverpool, and Manchester. We operate nationally for larger projects.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of a drone survey, we’d love to help. Contact us by phone 01772 846229 or post your enquiry via our website.

Let’s discuss how we help you leverage drone technology in your next project.