Drone Surveys & Aerial Mapping
Drone surveys and aerial mapping services are increasingly becoming the go-to solution for many industries. Drones give us the ability to reach the most inaccessible, hazardous or large-scale sites, places that would not traditionally be accessible to a human carrying out an inspection.
The Helidragon team uses the latest drone technology to provide a diverse range of drone survey and aerial mapping services.
From a busy stretch of live railway, to offshore facilities or even an entire commercial property portfolio, our team of drone operators and surveyors can safely capture high-resolution imagery and survey-grade data to a sub-5mm accuracy level that sets us apart from our competition.
Drone Survey Costs & Savings
At Helidragon we use the very latest drone technology. We do this to provide you the richest data sets possible. This means we can provide pin-point precision inspections, surveying and aerial mapping services.
We can save you time and money on your next video project. Whilst providing the highest quality data available on the market in the safest way possible.
The use of our secure data portal gives access to highly accurate data including:
- topographical data
- distance area & volume information
- ortho-mosaic aerial imagery
- digital surface models
- point clouds
- high-resolution 2 and 3D models in the cloud
The actionable data we provide will be available directly to your computer in a file format that fits your workflow.
Also, We’re able to carry out our drone surveys at a fraction of the cost - and time - of traditional surveying methods. Our team provide services to all kinds of industries including:
- Construction
- Marine
- Hazardous sites
- Architects
- Oil & gas industry
- Landscape architects
- Surveyors
Helidragon has quickly become the number 1 choice for drone surveys in the heavy engineering industry.
The levels of detailed technical reports we deliver, provide you with accurate and critical decision-making tools. Generally, our reports allow you to make highly precise calculations, for effective real-time tracking and asset planning.
Estimated time saved using drones for survey compared to traditional l methods
What is a drone survey?
A drone survey uses drones to survey landscapes from the air. Capturing a range of visual data such as photography and video. The images captured are tagged with geo-coordinates that are captured by a GNSS sensor on the drone. This data indicates exactly where that image is located in space.
Through processing these images, a photogrammetry software can then create orthomosaics and 3D models, from which it can measure accurate distance, as well as surfaces and volumes of physical objects.
Efficiency
In comparison to conventional surveying techniques, drone surveys are typically considered to be effective. They require less man-power to conduct. Give a greater degree of flexibility with where to shoot from.
At Helidragon, we use cutting-edge UAV technology to carry out inspections and site surveys. Thus, allowing our team provide an innovative and more efficient solution for your site survey needs.
At the heart of our drone survey services lies the ability to collect data rapidly and accurately. Traditional surveying methods are undeniably resource heavy.
They require significant time and manual labour to gather data. Very often, these surveying projects can be held up. This leads to delays and increased costs.
Streamlined
A drone survey provides a much more a streamlined process of site surveying, when compared to traditional methods. Therefore, this drastically reduces the time and resources required. Subsequently, this method guarantees a level of precision that was previously unattainable.
Our team of drone pilots will fly our drones across the designated areas needed. We use our drones to get a full picture of your entire site. From a range of heights, and even from previously inaccessible spots. Drones go where humans can't.
During this flight, we will capture detailed images and video your site, from different heights and angles. We create a database of spatial and visual data, unique to your project. We then use this data to build your site survey report.
How this helps you
Our drone surveys you access to real time data. This enables you to make decisions on your projects quicker. From resource allocation, to risk management.
With our drone survey services, you will gain invaluable insights to help make your projects a success.
What is Aerial Mapping?
Aerial mapping is the process of using drones to capture the intricate details of terrain, structures, and features from above. Rather than people traversing an area with camera equipment. The result, consequently, is a meticulously detailed and georeferenced map. This map showcases the lay of the land with unmatched precision, unlike traditional methods.
Conventional mapping methods often face limitations when it comes to accessing hard-to-reach or expansive areas. Aerial mapping therefore disrupts these limitations. Drones offer a comprehensive view that captures every contour, elevation change, and geographic element.
The heart of aerial mapping lies in its ability to deliver data accuracy that's second to none. Our drones capture imagery with high-resolution cameras and integrate it with advanced GPS technology. Additionally, this allows us to create geospatially accurate maps that align with real-world coordinates. This level of precision ensures that decisions made based on aerial maps are informed by dependable, up-to-date information.
Benefits of Drone Surveys and Aerial Mapping
Cost-Effective:
Drone surveys are far cheaper than traditional surveying methods. The automation inherent in drone technology eliminates the need for labour-intensive and time-consuming manual surveys.
This reduction in resource expenditure is coupled with enhanced efficiency. Therefore you get better reports. At a cheaper cost. In a quicker time. Unquestionably - a no brainer.
Precision:
The use of UAV provides a level of accuracy and data quality that sets a new standard for precision. Our drones capture high-resolution images and spatial data. Unlike with traditional methods, this ensures the minutest details are rendered with clarity.
This level of accuracy isn't achievable through conventional methods, underscoring the paramount importance of drones in modern data collection endeavours.
Accelerated Insights
Our drone surveys speed up the data capturing process. With less human input, our process minimises downtime and accelerates decision-making timelines. By harnessing the swiftness of drone technology, you gain access to real-time data insights. These insights enable you to adapt and strategise promptly.
Adaptable Versatility
The agility of drones extends beyond their airborne manoeuvres. These versatile instruments seamlessly adapt to the requirements of myriad industries and applications.
From construction site progress tracking to agricultural yield analysis, environmental assessments to urban planning. Our drone services traverse diverse landscapes with unwavering efficacy.
What industries can benefit from Drone Surveys and Aerial Mapping?
Drone services are used by a number of industries, bringing transformative insights to each sector's unique challenges.
Firstly, by specialising in drone technology we're able to redefine how these industries gather data. Secondly, this helps to improve the decision making process.
Here are some of the industries that the use of drone surveying techniques and aerial imaging is particularly useful.
Construction and Engineering:
In the construction and engineering landscape, precision is paramount. A Drone survey provides real-time site progress monitoring, accurate topographic data, and detailed 3D models.
These insights streamline project management, enhance safety assessments, and optimise resource allocation, ultimately expediting project timelines and minimising costs.
Agriculture and Land Management
The agriculture sector benefits immensely from aerial mapping's bird's-eye view. Drones enable farmers to monitor crop health, detect irrigation inefficiencies, and manage land more efficiently.
With data-driven insights, crop yield prediction, disease prevention, and resource optimization become strategic tools in modern farming.
Environmental Conservation:
Aerial mapping helps environmentalists in monitoring habitats, tracking deforestation, and assessing the impact of climate change.
By facilitating accurate assessments of ecological shifts, drones contribute to informed conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable land and resource management.
Urban Planning and Development:
Cities in transition demand precise information for effective planning. Aerial mapping offers urban planners detailed visualisations of cityscapes. Thus helping to analyse infrastructure needs, traffic flow, and zoning patterns. This aids in designing sustainable, resilient, and well-connected urban environments.
Mining and Natural Resources:
For the mining and resource extraction industry, drone surveys are a game-changer. Firstly, drones provide accurate 3D models of mining sites. This helps operators manage excavation processes and monitor stockpile volumes. Lastly, it helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance:
Infrastructure such as bridges, power lines, and pipelines require regular inspection. Drone surveys offer a safe and efficient way to perform visual inspections, capturing high-resolution imagery and identifying potential maintenance needs without disrupting operations.
Emergency Response and Disaster Management:
During emergencies and natural disasters, time is of the essence. Drones quickly assess disaster-stricken areas, aiding responders in assessing damage, locating survivors, and planning rescue operations. Aerial mapping supports effective disaster response, saving lives and resources.
Helidragon has over 25 years experience working across these kinds of industries providing surveyance. We have specialised in drone technology and aerial imaging over the past 10 years and we're CAA accredited.
We’ve witnessed first hand, how these industries are able to utilise drone services to elevate their operations.
Types of Aerial Mapping & Drone Surveying
From shaping urban landscapes to conserving natural wonders, the kinds of aerial mapping and use cases for drone surveying are vast.
Each type represents a key to unlocking data-driven solutions that drive progress and positive change.
Aerial Surveying:
Capture comprehensive data from above for industries like construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, enabling accurate measurements and progress tracking.
3D Mapping:
Create detailed three-dimensional models of landscapes, structures, and objects, providing a holistic view for urban planning, architecture, and virtual reality applications.
Orthomosaic Imaging:
Generate precise, georeferenced orthomosaic images that stitch together aerial imagery for accurate mapping, surveying, and land management.
Topographic Mapping:
Accurately measure and represent land elevation and contours, supporting urban development, infrastructure planning, and geological analysis.
Thermal Imaging:
Reveal temperature variations across a landscape, enabling applications like building insulation assessment, power line monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
LiDAR Mapping:
Utilise laser technology to measure distances and create highly accurate elevation models, benefiting forestry management, flood modelling, and archaeological site analysis.
Vegetation Index Mapping:
Evaluate plant health by analysing drone-captured imagery, facilitating precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and forestry management.
Infrastructure Inspection:
Perform detailed inspections of structures, pipelines, and power lines, identifying defects, corrosion, and maintenance needs efficiently and safely.
Coastal and Marine Mapping:
Monitor coastlines, marine ecosystems, and underwater terrain through drone-based surveys, supporting coastal management and marine conservation efforts.
Disaster Assessment:
Rapidly assess disaster-stricken areas with drones, aiding emergency response by providing real-time imagery for disaster management and recovery planning.
Archaeological Mapping:
Capture high-resolution aerial imagery to document and analyse archaeological sites, uncovering historical insights and preserving cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are drone survey measurements?
Drone surveys can achieve high levels of accuracy, often comparable to or even exceeding traditional surveying methods. The accuracy depends on factors like the drone's equipment, GPS technology, and the expertise of the operators.
We use cutting edge drone technology to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and quality in everything we do.
What data can be collected through drone surveys?
Drone surveys can capture various types of data. This includes aerial imagery, topographic maps, 3D models, orthomosaic images, and thermal imagery. These data types are used for mapping, analysis, monitoring, and more.
Are drone surveys safer than traditional survey methods?
In many cases, yes. Drone surveys reduce the need for personnel to access hazardous or hard-to-reach areas..
Drones can also perform inspections in complex environments without exposing workers to risks.
How long does a typical drone survey take?
The duration of a drone survey depends on a number factors. These include size of the area, the level of detail required, and the specific equipment used.
Drone surveys can often be completed faster than traditional methods, saving time.
What are the environmental benefits of using drones for surveys?
Drones produce fewer emissions compared to traditional surveying methods, making them environmentally friendly. Their efficient data collection reduces the need for ground-based vehicles and equipment. This further minimises environmental impact.
Is drone survey data legally recognised?
Yes, drone survey data is increasingly being recognized by regulatory bodies. Provided that the operations comply with relevant laws and regulations. Ensuring that the drone operations are conducted by licensed and certified operators adds to the credibility of the data.
Can drone surveys be conducted in adverse weather conditions?
Drone surveys are typically affected by weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or low visibility. However, advances in drone technology have enabled some models to operate in limited adverse conditions. Safety considerations always come first, however.
How can I get started with a drone survey for my project?
For more information on how our drone surveys and aerial mapping services can assist your business call or email us today.
We'll assess the scope, provide a tailored solution, and guide you through the process, from planning to data collection and analysis.
Our Other Drone Services
We offer a wide range of drone services throughout the UK including:
Get In Touch
Speak to one of our drone experts today, give us a call on 01740 631641 or email us by clicking the button below