Topographical Surveys Across the UK

Professional Drone Topographical Surveys

UAV Surveys UK provides professional topographical surveys across the UK using a combination of drone technology, LiDAR, photogrammetry and GNSS surveying.

​

Our surveys capture detailed information about the ground, buildings, structures, vegetation and other site features to create accurate digital representations of the surveyed area.

​

Topographical survey data can be used for site appraisal, design, planning, construction, engineering, earthworks, development and asset management.

​

Depending on the requirements of the project, we can combine aerial survey data with ground-based GNSS control and check points to provide a comprehensive survey of the site.

What is a Topographical Survey?

A topographical survey records the physical features and levels of a site.

​

This can include:

​

• Ground levels and changes in elevation

• Buildings and structures

• Roads, paths and hardstanding

• Vegetation and tree areas

• Fences, walls and boundaries

• Drainage features

• Earthworks and embankments

• Stockpiles and excavations

• Utilities and visible services

• Other features relevant to the project

​

The resulting data can be supplied as survey drawings, digital terrain models, point clouds, contours, orthomosaics, CAD files and GIS datasets.

Drone Topographical Surveys

Using UAVs allows large or difficult sites to be surveyed efficiently while collecting detailed aerial data.

Drone surveys can be particularly useful for:

• Large development sites

• Construction sites

• Infrastructure projects

• Quarries and aggregates

• Solar farms

• Highways and rail corridors

• Rural and agricultural land

• Areas with difficult or restricted access

• Earthworks and cut-and-fill projects

The appropriate survey method depends on the size and characteristics of the site, required accuracy, terrain, vegetation and final deliverables.

LiDAR Topographical Surveys

Drone LiDAR can provide highly detailed three-dimensional information across a site.

LiDAR is particularly useful where terrain is complex or where vegetation makes conventional aerial photography less effective. Laser measurements can be used to create detailed point clouds and ground models from which terrain levels and contours can be generated.

Our LiDAR surveys can produce:

• Classified point clouds

• Digital Terrain Models (DTM)

• Digital Surface Models (DSM)

• Contours

• Spot heights

• Elevation rasters

• 3D terrain models

• CAD and GIS datasets

For more information, see our LiDAR Surveys service.

Photogrammetric Topographical Surveys

Photogrammetry uses overlapping aerial photographs to create accurate three-dimensional survey data.

​

High-resolution imagery can be processed to generate:

​

• Orthomosaics

• Dense point clouds

• Digital Surface Models

• Digital Terrain Models

• Contours

• 3D meshes

• CAD and GIS data

​

Photogrammetry can be an effective solution where detailed visual information is important alongside the survey data.

​

LiDAR and photogrammetry can also be combined where a project benefits from both technologies.

Survey Control and GNSS

Survey control is an important part of producing reliable topographical survey data.

Where appropriate, we establish or use ground control and independent check points using GNSS surveying equipment. These provide a reference for the aerial survey and allow the processed data to be independently checked.

​

Survey control requirements vary between projects. Factors such as the survey specification, site conditions, required accuracy, coordinate system and intended use of the data are considered during survey planning.

​

We do not apply a single accuracy figure to every survey. The achievable accuracy depends on the equipment, survey methodology, control, terrain, flight parameters, processing and site conditions.

Topographical Survey Deliverables

​

Survey data can be supplied in a range of formats depending on the requirements of the project.

Typical deliverables include:

​

• Topographical survey drawings

• Contour plans

• Spot heights

• Digital Terrain Models

• Digital Surface Models

• Classified LiDAR point clouds

• LAS and LAZ point clouds

• GeoTIFF elevation data

• Orthomosaic imagery

• 3D models

• CAD drawings

• GIS datasets

• Cross-sections and profiles

• Cut-and-fill information

• Stockpile and earthwork volumes

​

Deliverables can be tailored to suit engineers, architects, surveyors, contractors, planners and other project stakeholders.

Topographical Surveys for Construction

Topographical survey data provides an important baseline for construction projects.

Existing ground information can be used during design and planning and can subsequently be compared with repeat surveys to monitor changes during construction.

Applications include:

​

• Site surveys before construction

• Earthworks measurement

• Cut-and-fill calculations

• Construction progress surveys

• As-built surveys

• Site level monitoring

• Stockpile measurement

• Quarry surveys

• Development site mapping

​

Repeat UAV surveys can also provide a consistent record of how a site changes throughout a project.

Large Area and Difficult Sites

Drone surveying can be particularly effective where conventional survey methods would require significant time on the ground.

Large areas can be captured efficiently while maintaining a detailed digital record of the site.

UAV surveys can also reduce the requirement for personnel to work in areas that are difficult to access, although ground survey methods may still be required for specific features, control or verification.

For complex projects, we can combine aerial surveying with GNSS ground measurements to provide a more complete dataset.

From Survey Capture to Final Data

Our survey workflow covers the complete process from planning and data capture through to processing and delivery.

1. Project Assessment

We review the site, survey requirements, required accuracy, terrain, vegetation, access, airspace and final deliverables.

2. Survey Planning

The appropriate UAV, sensor, flight parameters and survey methodology are selected for the project.

3. Survey Control

Ground control and check points are established where required using appropriate surveying equipment.

4. Aerial Data Capture

The site is surveyed using LiDAR, photogrammetry or a combination of technologies.

5. Data Processing

The captured data is processed to produce point clouds, terrain models, imagery, contours and other required outputs.

6. Quality Assurance

Survey data is checked against the project requirements and available control and check points.

7. Data Delivery

The completed survey data is supplied in the agreed formats for use within CAD, GIS, engineering, design or construction workflows.

​

Drone, LiDAR or Conventional Surveying?

​

There is no single survey technology that is suitable for every site.

​

For some projects, a conventional ground survey may be the most appropriate approach. For others, drone photogrammetry, LiDAR or a combination of aerial and ground surveying can provide a more efficient solution.

​

We assess the requirements of each project before recommending the survey methodology.

The objective is to collect the right information at the required level of detail and deliver it in a format that can be used by the project team.

UK-Wide Topographical Surveying

UAV Surveys UK provides drone topographical surveying services across the UK.

We work with clients in construction, engineering, infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, development and other sectors where accurate spatial data is required.

Whether you require a small site survey, a large-area LiDAR survey, construction monitoring or detailed terrain modelling, we can discuss the project requirements and recommend an appropriate survey approach.

Request a Topographical Survey

​

If you require a topographical survey, contact UAV Surveys UK to discuss your site and requirements.

Telephone: 01223 944646

Email: info@uav-surveys.co.uk

​

We can discuss the site area, required accuracy, survey methodology and deliverables before providing a quotation.