Drone Surveys & Aerial Inspections

Every Terrain Surveys drone survey follows a rigorously planned workflow to ensure accuracy, safety and compliance.

Our Equipment

• Professional-grade multirotor and fixed-wing UAVs
• RTK/PPK GNSS positioning for improved accuracy
• RGB, LiDAR, and thermal sensors for multi-purpose data capture
• Ground control points (GCPs) to validate results

Our Process

Pre-Survey Planning:

• Feasibility assessment, risk and airspace checks
• Flight path planning and CAA notification

On-Site Capture:

• Data collection by certified pilots under Method Statement and RAMS

Processing & QA:

• Photogrammetric reconstruction and accuracy validation
• Quality control against ground data

Deliverables & Review:

• Data delivered in formats tailored to your workflow
• Optional online viewer for easy collaboration

At Terrain Surveys, precision is our promise. Every drone flight is supported by robust ground control, calibration, and verification processes to ensure reliable, survey-grade results.

How We Guarantee Accuracy

• Ground Control Points (GCPs):
  We establish GCPs using GNSS equipment to provide reference data with centimetre-level accuracy. These are clearly visible and georeferenced for consistency across multiple flights.

• RTK/PPK Positioning:
  Our drones use Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) or Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) systems, allowing for real-time correction and post-flight verification of all captured data.

• Quality Control Checks:
  ◉ Independent accuracy validation against known control points
  ◉ Residual error analysis and tolerances reviewed per project

Safety, legality, and professionalism are central to every flight we undertake.

All Terrain Surveys drone operations are carried out by CAA-approved pilots, under a Civil Aviation Authority Operational Authorisation (GVC).

Our Commitments

• CAA Licensed Pilots:
  Fully qualified to fly drones commercially in UK airspace.
• Risk Assessment & Method Statements:
  Site-specific RAMS prepared for every project.
• Insurance & Liability Cover:
  £10 million public liability insurance as standard.
• Data Security:
  Client data securely stored and transferred via encrypted servers.
• Health & Safety First:
  Compliance with CDM and all relevant on-site safety regulations.

We also handle all necessary flight permissions, site coordination, and airspace notifications — so your project proceeds smoothly and safely.

Each drone survey is unique, but understanding what affects cost helps you plan with confidence.

Factors That Influence Pricing

• 1. Site Size & Complexity:
  Larger or more complex sites require more flight planning and processing time.
• 2. Accuracy & Resolution Required:
  Higher image overlap and GCP density increase data precision and post-processing effort.
• 3. Deliverables & File Formats:
  Basic orthophotos cost less than full 3D point clouds or BIM-ready models.
• 4. Permissions & Airspace Restrictions:
  Surveys near airports, railways or sensitive sites may need special authorisations.
• 5. Travel & Logistics:
  Costs vary slightly based on site access and geographic location.

Typical Project Range

• Small roof or structure inspection: from £650 +VAT
• Medium site topographic survey: £950 – £1,800 +VAT
• Large area or volumetric mapping: from £2,000 +VAT

(Estimates are for guidance only — each project receives a tailored quotation.)