In a world where technology is buzzing (literally), drones have taken center stage in reshaping industries, especially in construction and surveying, the main industries to adopt drone technology on a large scale.

But what exactly is a drone survey, and what is all the hype about? 🤔

The Basics: What Is a Drone Survey?

Depending on who you speak to, a 'drone survey' may have a different meaning, so lets spell it out.

A drone survey is the process of collecting AND processing accurate data to create useful deliverables. Data is collected using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather information about land, buildings, tunnels, bridges and other physical features.

The drone is just a tool.

The data collected with it needs to be processed and analysed in order to extract information to create useful outputs.

The drone itself does not create any deliverables, it merely collects images or data which later need to be turned into something useful.

Imagine getting detailed maps of a construction site or accurate volumes of a stockpile. Think about viewing the condition of a large or tall building, in 3D, in high detail! All in less time; at a lower cost compared to old methods.That's the power of drone surveying!

You get useful data... more quickly! This improves how well you work. It makes things safer. It helps you make better choices.

This method has become a game-changer, especially in industries like construction, property, and environmental monitoring.

Definition and Basic Principles

Drone surveying uses special tools. These tools include sensors, GPS, and cameras. These tools create accurate maps and 3D models. It uses a process called photogrammetry. Photogrammetry uses overlapping images. These images create 3D models. GPS helps with location. It all works together to give detailed information.

improves how well you work. It makes things safer. It helps you make better choices.

How Drone Surveying Works: A Step-by-Step Overview

The process has many steps, we do not just throw the drone up and hope for the best. It starts with planning. Planning the flight to ensure data is collected to meet the clients needs, while ensuring safety and efficiently.

Next, we will collect data with the drone. Data is then processed back at the office. Finally, deliver the information to the client.

• First, plan the flight path with software.

• Flight can be manual or automated, depending on the scenario

• Ground control points (GCPs) may be required for accuracy, they need to be marked and measured on site.

• Complete the flight to collect the data. This could be multiple flights, depending on the size and complexity of the site or building.

• Back at the office, the data checked and processed.

• Accuracy and quality checks are performed

• Final deliverables are created from the processed data. This could be a map, model or a condition survey report.

Key Terminology in Drone Surveying

Let's explain some terms:

• Orthomosaic: A detailed, corrected image made from many smaller images to provide an accurate 2D map.

• Point Cloud: A set of data points in 3D space.

• Digital Elevation Model (DEM): A 3D model of the ground's surface.

• Ground Control Points (GCPs): Known points on the ground for accuracy.

The Benefits of Using Drones for Surveying

Drone surveying has many benefits over traditional survey methods. It saves time. It makes things safer. It is usually quicker than traditional methods and is highly accurate.

It must be noted that a drone survey may not always be the best option. Drone surveys can also supplement traditional methods so you have the best of both worlds!

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

Drone surveying saves money on labour. Data and results are made available more quickly, enabling informed decisions can be made. Projects finish faster.

Speed and Efficiency

Drones survey large areas quickly. It's much faster than old methods. Time savings can be huge on big projects. Example we can collect data to centimeter level accuracy over a 100ha area of land in a single day. This would take a team of surveyors multiple days.

Enhanced Safety

Drones improve safety. Surveyors don't need to enter dangerous areas or work at height. This lowers risk. Drones can fly over unsafe locations.

Improved Accuracy and Detail

Drones can be very accurate. Especially when using GCPs. Different sensors offer different accuracy levels. Deliverables are highly detailed. This leads to better decisions.

Applications of Drone Surveying Across Industries

Drone are becoming more popular in many industries. Construction and surveying ins the largest adopter of drone technology.

Construction and Infrastructure

Building companies use drones a lot. For site planning. Also, to watch progress. They calculate stockpile amounts. And, inspect infrastructure.

Agriculture and Precision Farming

Using multispectral sensors, crop health can be determined accurately leading to spot application of fertiliser, saving cost and improving yields.

Mining and Quarrying

Mining companies use drones for stockpiles and volume quantification. Especially on a repeat basis, data is more consistent.

Environmental Monitoring and Conservation

For the environment, drones help watch animals. They map habitats. They control erosion. And help with disasters.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drone Surveying Service

Picking the right drone service is key. Look at their experience. Check their equipment. Think about data skills. And if they follow the rules?

Experience and Expertise

As the technology grows and equipment becomes more accessible, there are many newcomers to the market. Do they have the expertise to collect the data you need?

Equipment and Technology

What drones and sensors do they use? Do they have relevant software to create the deliverables? This effects the quality of data and how accurate it will be. Poor data in means bad data and deliverables out.

Data Processing and Analysis Capabilities

This is usually where many drone companies fall short. Knowing how to accurately process data, perform the required quality checks to ensure it is right, requires knowledge.

The Future of Drone Surveying

Drone surveying is always changing. New tech is coming out all the time. AI and better drones are on the way. It will keep improving.

Drones are getting better. They can fly longer. They have better sensors. And they're safer. This makes them more useful.

AI helps process data faster. It improves efficiency and accuracy. Also, it finds helpful information. AI is changing drone surveying.

Do You Need A Licence?

In the UK, drone safety is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). There are various categories of drones and varying degrees of training and certification required to fly them.

It all depends on the weight of the drone you are flying and how close to people you intend to fly.

Smaller drones are very capable but will be less efficient on larger sites.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Drone Surveying

Drone surveying is changing the property and construction industry. It's accurate, fast, and safe. In most cases it will also save money and reduce risk, both immediate risk and longer term risk in the project.

Stay tuned as we dig deeper and look at specific use cases.

How DroneWorks Stands Out

At DroneWorks, we’re not just about flying drones; we’re about delivering actionable data that adds value to your projects. Here’s what sets us apart:

• CAA Approved: Safety and compliance are at the heart of what we do. We’re certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hold £5 million public liability insurance in addition to £2 million professional indemnity.

• Accreditations: We’re proud to be Constructionline Gold SSIP accredited and all pilots hold CSCS cards.

• Advanced Technology: From LiDAR to 3D inspections, we use cutting-edge tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency. We're constantly investing in technology and software.

• Interactive Deliverables: Our clients can visualize data in 3D without needing additional software, making it easier to interpret and act on the findings.

• Local Expertise: Based in Preston, we serve the North West, including Blackpool, Liverpool, and Manchester and travel nationwide.

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.