Topographical Surveys for Proposed Solar Farm Sites

Overview

A UK based renewable energy company focused on solar power and battery energy storage projects, approached Terrain Surveys Ltd to conduct topographical surveys of several sites in central and northern England, for a proposed solar farm sites. The main objective was to provide detailed 3D topographical surveys to assist in the efficient layout of solar panels and infrastructure while identifying any potential challenges related to drainage, accessibility, or land contours.

The Survey

To survey the large areas of land at each site efficiently and accurately, a combination of GPS survey equipment for survey control together with UAV (drone) survey technology was used. The drone was equipped with high resolution camera and LiDAR sensor, which captured an accurate replica of the surface allowing our CAD technicians to create comprehensive 3D survey drawings. The use of a drone to capture survey data significantly reduced site times when compared to surveying with traditional survey equipment.

The Results

The survey drawings for the six sites were issued to our client within the agreed timescale, allowing our client to progress with the design and planning stages of the project with confidence. The surveys provided crucial site information to optimise the design layout of solar panels, maximising energy generation and mitigate any issues caused by site features, such as large trees potentially causing shading.
By utilising a UAV to capture site features for topographical surveys resulted in a quick turnaround of the surveys when compared to using traditional survey techniques. As part of our approach to being a sustainable company, this reduced our carbon footprint, as the number of site days was reduced. This is also safer for our staff, with reduced access to remote and sometimes hazardous terrain, and also reducing any disturbance to the local environment.

Get in Touch

If you have a project which requires a comprehensive topographical or utility survey, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss how we can assist. Contact us