Drone Surveys

About Drone Surveys

Drone/ UAV Surveys capture data from unmanned aerial vehicles to produce true to scale maps, drawings, orthophotos, models and other geospatial deliverables which include natural and man-made features within a specific area.

Data Capture Process

Survey Drones are equipped with positioning sensors such as GNSS and IMU to measure the position and trajectory of the UAV which can be supplemented on the ground by establishing temporary ground control points (GCPs). Data is captured from the drone using photogrammetry or LIDAR techniques or a combination of both.

Photogrammetry techniques utilise a high-resolution camera payload along with other sensors to collect overlapping, multi-perspective and georeferenced imagery which is registered and processed to generate an orthophoto and colourised photo generated Point Cloud.

LIDAR techniques utilise laser scanning payloads to collect millions of direct return measurements which is registered and processed to generate a Point Cloud.

LIDAR and photogrammetry payloads can also be combined to generate a colourised LIDAR Point Cloud.

Drone Survey Use Cases

• Topographic Surveys - True to scale drawings with features represented by contours, text and symbols delivered in industry standard platforms such as AutoCAD, microstation, PDF or text file. Drone Surveying enables the survey of large areas in a short space of time to create cost effective topographic survey deliverables, contours and DTMs.

• Orthorectified Imagery - True to scale, coordinated images from which direct measurements can be determined. Rectified imagery is often superimposed on topographic survey drawings captured using ground-based techniques to give context of surrounding areas.

• Confined Space Surveys and Inspection – Using special purpose UAVs designed to operate in confirmed spaces, to allow for mapping and inspection of pipelines, shafts voids and other areas which are not possible to access using conventional equipment.

• BIM Models and Digital Twins - Textured, layered, photorealistic and intelligent models delivered in packages such as REVIT. Drone can be used to survey hard to reach areas or a wider area around the site to produce LOD 100 contextual models to be used at the planning stage.

• Roof Survey and Inspections - Efficiently and safely survey or inspect roofs which are inaccessible or would require costly fall protection arrangements.

• Drone Building and Structure Surveys - Elevation drawings, models and inspections of buildings and bridges which are difficult to access using conventional survey techniques.

• Drone Thermal Imaging Surveys - Infrared camera payloads are utilised to inspect the interior or exterior of your asset and report on its surface heat variations to detect leaks, water damage and excess moisture, condensation, areas with missing or non-performing insulation, areas of air leakage or movement and solar panel issues.

• Volumetric Surveys - Quickly and safely calculate volumes.

• Asset Inspections

  • Powerline Inspections

  • Wind Turbine Inspections

  • Building Inspections

Compliance and Health and Safety

• Our Drone Pilots are certified by the Irish Aviation Authority.

• Our drone operations are approved by the IAA to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

• We carry comprehensive Public Liability Insurance for our drone operations.

• Our deliverable is covered by Professional Indemnity insurance.