Drone Photogrammetry Surveys Across the UK

Professional Drone Photogrammetry and Aerial Mapping

UAV Surveys UK provides professional drone photogrammetry surveys across the UK for construction, engineering, surveying, infrastructure, development, agriculture and environmental projects.

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Drone photogrammetry uses overlapping aerial photographs to create accurate three-dimensional information about a site or asset. Images captured from the air are processed using specialist photogrammetric software to produce detailed point clouds, orthomosaics, surface models and 3D models.

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When combined with appropriate survey control and GNSS measurements, drone photogrammetry can provide a detailed and measurable representation of the surveyed area.

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What is Drone Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the process of obtaining measurements and three-dimensional information from photographs.

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During a drone survey, a series of overlapping images is captured from multiple positions across the site. Photogrammetric processing identifies common features between images and uses them to reconstruct the geometry of the surveyed area.

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The resulting dataset can include:

• High-resolution orthomosaics

• Dense 3D point clouds

• Digital Surface Models (DSM)

• Digital Terrain Models (DTM)

• 3D meshes

• Contours

• Elevation data

• CAD and GIS datasets

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The same survey imagery can also provide a valuable visual record of the site at the time of capture.

How Drone Photogrammetry Surveys Work

A typical photogrammetry survey follows a structured workflow.

1. Project Assessment

We assess the site, area, terrain, vegetation, required accuracy, airspace, ground conditions and final deliverables.

2. Survey Planning

Flight routes and image capture parameters are planned to provide appropriate image overlap and ground coverage.

3. Ground Control

Where required, ground control points and independent check points are measured using GNSS surveying equipment.

4. Aerial Image Capture

The UAV captures overlapping high-resolution photographs across the survey area.

5. Photogrammetric Processing

The images are processed to align the photographs and reconstruct the three-dimensional geometry of the site.

6. Survey Data Production

Point clouds, orthomosaics, terrain models, contours and other required outputs are generated from the processed data.

7. Quality Assurance

The resulting survey is checked against available control and check points and reviewed against the project requirements.

Ground Control and GNSS

Survey control can be an important part of achieving reliable photogrammetric results.

Ground control points provide known positions and elevations that can be incorporated into the photogrammetric model. Independent check points can then be used to assess the accuracy of the resulting dataset.

GNSS surveying equipment can be used to establish these points in the required coordinate reference system.

The amount and distribution of control required depends on the site, survey specification, terrain, image configuration, processing methodology and required accuracy.

There is no single accuracy figure that applies to every drone photogrammetry survey. Accuracy should be established against the requirements of the individual project.

Orthomosaic Mapping

One of the most common outputs from drone photogrammetry is an orthomosaic.

An orthomosaic combines hundreds or thousands of aerial photographs into a single geometrically corrected image. Unlike a conventional aerial photograph, an orthomosaic can be used as a measurable map when correctly surveyed and referenced.

Orthomosaics can be used for:

• Site mapping

• Construction monitoring

• Land management

• Development planning

• Infrastructure records

• Agriculture

• Environmental monitoring

• Asset inspection

• CAD and GIS mapping

The resulting imagery can be supplied at an appropriate ground sampling distance for the requirements of the project.

3D Point Clouds

Photogrammetric processing can produce dense three-dimensional point clouds containing millions of individual points.

Each point can contain positional and colour information, allowing the dataset to represent the geometry and appearance of the surveyed area.

Point clouds can be used to create:

• Digital Surface Models

• Digital Terrain Models

• Contours

• 3D meshes

• Elevation maps

• Cross-sections

• Volumetric calculations

• CAD and GIS datasets

Point clouds can also be combined with other survey datasets, including LiDAR and conventional ground survey data.

Digital Surface and Terrain Models

Photogrammetry can produce detailed elevation models from the processed point cloud.

A Digital Surface Model (DSM) represents the visible surface of the site, including buildings, vegetation and other objects.

A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represents the underlying ground surface after appropriate processing and classification.

The appropriate model depends on the intended application and the characteristics of the site.

3D Models and Reality Capture

Photogrammetry can also be used to create detailed 3D models of sites, structures and individual assets.

These models can be used for:

• Engineering

• Design

• Visualisation

• Measurement

• Asset records

• Progress monitoring

• Heritage documentation

• Digital twins

• 3D GIS

For suitable projects, photogrammetry provides a practical way of creating a detailed digital representation of an existing site or structure.

Drone Photogrammetry for Construction

Construction projects can benefit from regular aerial photogrammetry surveys throughout the project lifecycle.

Aerial surveys can provide an objective record of site conditions and allow changes to be measured over time.

Applications include:

• Pre-construction surveys

• Existing site surveys

• Earthworks monitoring

• Construction progress

• Cut-and-fill calculations

• Stockpile measurement

• As-built surveys

• Site documentation

• Contractor progress records

Repeat surveys can be carried out using consistent flight and processing methodologies, allowing datasets from different dates to be compared.

Volumetric Surveys

Photogrammetry can be used to calculate the volume of stockpiles, excavations, embankments and other three-dimensional features.

A 3D surface is generated from the survey data and compared against an appropriate base or reference surface.

Typical applications include:

• Aggregate stockpiles

• Quarry materials

• Soil and spoil

• Excavations

• Landfill

• Earthworks

• Construction materials

The accuracy and suitability of volumetric calculations depend on the survey methodology, surface definition, ground conditions and available reference data.

Photogrammetry and LiDAR

Photogrammetry and LiDAR are complementary technologies rather than competing solutions.

Photogrammetry provides highly detailed visual information as well as three-dimensional data, while LiDAR directly measures distances using laser pulses.

LiDAR can be particularly useful where vegetation, terrain or site conditions make photogrammetric ground reconstruction more difficult.

Photogrammetry can provide valuable colour imagery and high-resolution visual information.

For some projects, combining LiDAR and photogrammetry provides a more comprehensive dataset.

Our LiDAR Surveys service can be used where laser scanning is more appropriate, while photogrammetry provides an effective solution for many open and visually accessible sites.

Survey Deliverables

We can produce a range of outputs from drone photogrammetry surveys depending on the requirements of the project.

Typical deliverables include:

• Orthomosaic imagery

• Dense point clouds

• LAS and LAZ files

• Digital Surface Models

• Digital Terrain Models

• GeoTIFF elevation data

• Contours

• 3D meshes

• Textured 3D models

• CAD drawings

• GIS datasets

• Spot heights

• Cross-sections

• Volumetric calculations

• Survey reports

Deliverables can be tailored to integrate with existing CAD, GIS, engineering and construction workflows.

Coordinate Systems and Survey Referencing

Survey data can be processed and delivered using the coordinate reference system required for the project.

Where appropriate, GNSS control can be used to establish the relationship between the aerial survey and the required survey coordinate system.

The required horizontal and vertical datums should be established before the survey begins to ensure that the final dataset is suitable for its intended use.

UK-Wide Drone Photogrammetry

UAV Surveys UK provides professional drone photogrammetry and aerial mapping services throughout the UK.

We work with clients across construction, engineering, infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, development and environmental sectors.

Whether you require an orthomosaic of a development site, a detailed 3D model, a construction progress survey or a complete photogrammetric mapping project, we can assess the requirements and recommend an appropriate survey methodology.

Request a Drone Photogrammetry Survey

If you require drone photogrammetry, aerial mapping or 3D survey data, contact UAV Surveys UK to discuss your project.

Telephone: 01223 944646
Email: info@uav-surveys.co.uk

We can discuss the survey area, required accuracy, control requirements, outputs and intended use of the data before providing a quotation.