Drone Surveys

Some sites may be hazardous to personnel and by utilizing drone technology, the survey can be carried out with minimal risk and at a much faster pace than traditional methods. Also, drones can assist with 3D modeling combining the data gathered from laser scanning to create a detailed point cloud. Hard to reach areas such as roofs and contaminated areas can be surveyed using drones to capture the data needed without costly scaffolding and access arrangements.

drone surveys

Aerial Precision. Ground-Level Confidence.

At Project North Geomatics, we specialise in delivering high-accuracy drone survey solutions for a wide range of applications across land and measured building surveying. By integrating UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology into our workflows, we capture data more safely, more quickly, and with greater detail — enabling our clients to make informed decisions at every stage of their projects.

Whether you require a topographic survey, point cloud data, or a safe method for surveying confined or hazardous spaces, our drone services are designed to meet the needs of modern development and design teams.

Why Use Drone Technology?

Drone surveys offer a smarter, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional ground-based methods:

  • Faster data collection over large or complex sites

  • Improved site safety — no need for ladders, scaffolding, or rope access

  • High-resolution aerial imagery and data

  • Minimal disruption to on-site operations

Surveying Applications Using Drones.

1. Topographic Surveys

We can use drone photogrammetry and LiDAR to generate detailed topographic datasets, ideal for planning, design, and construction monitoring.

Deliverables include:

  • Digital Terrain Models (DTMs)

  • Volume calculations

  • Cut-and-fill analysis

Advantages:
✔ Rapid coverage of large or hard-to-access areas
✔ Centimetre-level accuracy
✔ Clear visualisations for architects, designers and planners

2. Point Cloud Data Collection

Drones equipped with LiDAR or high-resolution cameras allow us to generate dense 3D point clouds, ideal for:

  • Measured building surveys

  • Heritage structure documentation

  • As-built surveys and verification

  • BIM-ready models

  • Infrastructure and structural analysis

Formats supported: LAS, LAZ, E57, XYZ, and more – compatible with CAD, Revit, and GIS platforms.

Advantages:
✔ Detailed 3D geometry of buildings and terrain
✔ Fast, non-invasive capture
✔ High-quality inputs for digital twins or BIM models

3. Confined Space & Hazardous Area Surveys

With collision-tolerant drones and LiDAR-based navigation systems, we safely survey enclosed, restricted, or high-risk environments, including:

  • Roof voids and attic spaces

  • Industrial tanks and vessels

  • Culverts, sewers, and tunnels

  • Plant rooms and voids in infrastructure

Advantages:
✔ No scaffolding, confined-space entry, or working at height
✔ Safer access to high-risk zones
✔ HD video, LiDAR point clouds, and 3D visualisation

What We Deliver.

At Project North Geomatics, we tailor each drone survey to suit your needs. Typical outputs include:

  • High-resolution orthomosaic images

  • Georeferenced point clouds

  • Topographic surveys

  • CAD-ready 2D & 3D survey drawings

  • Volume reports for stockpiles or earthworks

  • 360° inspection visuals or flythroughs

All data is processed using industry-leading software, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and quick turnaround times.

Sectors We Work In.

  • Construction & Civil Engineering

  • Architecture & Urban Design

  • Environmental & Flood Risk

  • Mining & Aggregates

  • Utilities & Energy Infrastructure

  • Heritage & Conservation Projects

Our Commitment to Safety & Compliance.

  • Fully licensed CAA UAV pilots

  • Risk-assessed operations in line with CDM regulations

  • Fully insured for commercial drone activity

  • RICS-compliant data outputs and QA processes

  • Experienced surveyors overseeing each flight and data workflow

Get in Touch.

Want to learn how our drone surveys can support your next project?

Reach out to Project North Geomatics to discuss a tailored solution for your site.