When it comes to drone surveys, every job is different and costs will vary. Like many professional services … it depends. 😬

Let's break it down and look into the factors affecting the cost of a drone survey....

How Much Does A Drone Survey REALLY Cost?

When it comes to drone surveys, every job is different and costs will vary. Like many professional services … it depends. 😬 Not very helpful I know!

There is much more to a drone survey than simply taking pictures with a drone. The drone is a tool. The magic is in the deliverables and outputs created from the drone data.

What even is a drone survey? Read more about that here.

Think of a drone survey much like buying a car... There are many options, specifications, and levels of quality to consider.

Do you want simple drone images of a difficult to access area? Or a full solution including 3D model and accurate CAD drawings?

Probably something inbetween?

Let’s break it down so you can better understand what goes into pricing a drone survey.

Why Drone Survey Costs Vary

Every drone survey is tailored to meet the unique needs of a client’s project. Factors like the type of data required, the size and complexity of the site and the level of detail needed, all affect the final price.

Here’s a closer look at the key elements that influence costs:

• Survey Type

• Project Size & Complexity

• Deliverables

• Technology & Methods

Lets look into those elements in a bit more detail....

Survey Type

A 'drone survey' will mean something different depending who is asking.

See our blog "What is a drone survey?".

A building surveyor may want detailed images and / or a detailed 3D model to enable a condition survey.

A land surveyor may want 100 hectares (100ha) of lidar data to enable a topographic survey to be completed.

A solar panel design & installation company may want accurate roof plans of a large commercial building.

Each survey type will have its own factors affecting time on site, processing, deliverables and specific equipment may also be required.... not all drones are the same.

Project Size & Complexity

A small residential roof inspection will cost far less than a multi-acre construction site survey with detailed topographic mapping. Larger, more complex sites require more time, resources, and expertise.

The location of the site may also affect the planning / safety and legislative requirements.

Not all drone operators / surveyors have the same CAA credentials.

Credentials - Always Use A Qualified, Insured Drone Operator

Deliverables

Are you looking for basic images or raw data to process in-house, or do you want a fully packaged solution with detailed reports, CAD drawings and 3D models? Do you want an interactive model to share with your team and collaborate?

The more comprehensive the deliverables, the higher the cost.

Some of the deliverables possible:

• Raw images

• 3D Model / Digital Twin

• CAD Roof Plans

• Classified LiDAR Point Cloud

• Orthomosaic / Ortho photo

• Digital Terrain Model (DTM) Digital Surface Model (DSM)

• TIN Surface, Gridded Levels

• CAD Topo Drawings

• Stock Volume Calculations

• Cut / Fill Analysis

• Interactive Cloud Platform for viewing & sharing data

Technology & Methods

Like any tool, the specification and capability of drones varies.

Not all drone operators / surveyors use the same equipment and software.

Advanced tools like LiDAR scanners or photogrammetry software add precision but also contribute to the price. For example, LiDAR surveys, which offer accurate ground levels in vegetated areas, are more expensive than basic aerial photography.

Some of the technologies you may need:

• LiDAR

• Photogrammetry

• Terrestrial laser Scanner (TLS)

• SLAM / Mobile Mapping

• Detailed 3D Model / Digital Twin

Types of Drone Survey Packages

Just like with cars, drone survey services come in different "packages" to suit a range of needs and budgets.

We will discuss specific pricing for each job type in future blog posts...

Here’s what you might expect:

1. Basic Inspection - Images Only

Ideal for clients such as building surveyors who will use our images to determine defects on a building and create a report. Or clients who have the expertise and software to process data themselves. This package usually includes aerial images and videos.

Also, a residential survey will be much cheaper than a the survey of a large commercial building.

The main factor here is the location, size and complexity of the roof / building to be inspected.

- Cost Range: £250 - £2,000

- Examples: Residential & Commercial Roof inspections, building surveys, site progress photos.

2. Mid-Tier - Processed Data

This is for clients who want processed results but don’t need highly detailed deliverables. You’ll receive orthomosaic maps, basic measurements, or simplified models. This can be used by the client to create more advanced deliverables or supplement existing survey data.

The main factor here is the size of the site to be covered which affects both time on site and processing time.

- Cost Range: £650 - £4000

- Examples: Rural farm land survey, construction site levels / earthworks monitoring

3. Premium Package – Turnkey Solutions

A full-service option where we handle everything, from data capture to analysis and final deliverables like topographic drawings, 3D models, and GIS-ready files. Perfect for clients who need actionable insights without lifting a finger.

The main factor here is the size of the site and the level of detail required in deliverables.

- Cost Range: £1500 - £5,000+

- Examples: Detailed topographic surveys, CADcdeligverables, LiDAR surveys.

What Determines the Final Cost?

Beyond the package you choose, here are other key factors that impact pricing:

- Survey Type: A topographic survey or LiDAR scan will cost more than a simple aerial photo shoot.

- Site Conditions: Hard-to-access areas, weather constraints, or safety requirements may increase costs.

- Project Urgency: Fast turnarounds or last-minute projects might incur additional fees.

So, How Much Will YOUR Drone Survey Cost?

The honest answer is that it depends. A small project might start at £400 + VAT, while a comprehensive LiDAR survey can exceed £3,000 - £5,000.

On average, most drone surveys fall around £1,500 - £2500 but every project is unique.

At DroneWorks UK, we are not necesserily the cheapest, or the most expensive but we have a high level commercial equipment including the DJI M350 RTK, Rock Robotic R3 Pro Lidar AND the experience to apply the correct equipment and software to get you the right deliverables.

We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and provide a clear, detailed quote upfront. Whether you’re looking for raw data or a full-service solution, we’ve got you covered.

Cheapest is not always best, but you should ensure your requirements are understood and check that the chosen operator has the correct credentials and experience to deliver what you need.

Example Costs

• Some high level examples:

• Roof Inspection (Residential) - £150 - £450 + vat

• Roof Inspection (Commercial) - £1,100 - £2,500 (inc CAD roof plans)

• Construction Site Survey (levels, stockpiles, progress monitoring) - £600 - £2,000+

• LiDAR Surveys - £1,500 - £5,000+

  

Credentials - Always Use A Qualified, Insured Drone Operator

We are a bona-fide ltd company, with the relevant experience and credentials for this type of work.

All surveys are planned, risk assessed and conduct safely, with RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) created for every job.

We operate in the specific category under PDRA01

• CAA Approved / Licenced Drone Operator

• £5m Public Liability

• £2m Professional Indemnity

• ConstructionLine Gold Accredited Contractor

• CSCS Card Holders

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering a drone survey and want to know how much it will cost for your specific project, get in touch. We’ll guide you through the options, explain what’s included, and help you choose the right solution for your needs.

Remember: A drone survey is an investment in accurate, actionable data that can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Let’s make your project a success!

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.