Elevating Precision: The Future Of Land Surveying With Drones

In the ever-evolving landscape of land surveying, the integration of cutting-edge technology has become a game-changer. Drones, specifically designed for land surveying, are soaring into the forefront, reshaping the way topographical surveys are conducted. UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicles) and drones have an important role to play in the future of land surveying, as these useful tools allow us to collect important data more efficiently than ever before.

Continue reading to learn more about how we’re using advanced UAV/drone technology to survey land and explore the transformative impact it has on the future of the surveying industry in New Zealand.

Understanding Topographical Surveys

At the beginning of any construction or development project a key step is completing  a topographical survey. These surveys provide a map of essential information about the plot of land developers are working with, mitigating the risk of costly errors by providing accurate site assessments. The topo survey also known as a site survey or levels survey provides 3d points, levels, feature lines and a surface. A contour plan is produced from the topo survey that can be used for design.  

Traditionally, topographical surveys involved meticulous on-site measurements. As Surveyors we use a range of tools to collect the data and measure and record the land. UAV and drone technology has provided a brand-new era of efficiency to collect data, and is a great additional tool to complement traditional methods so we can provide accurate and precise data that is fit for the purpose of the project.

Drone surveying is a revolutionary approach that introduces efficiency to data capture. Drones and UAVs equipped with high resolution cameras and/or surveying technology, such as laser scanners, can efficiently survey a plot of land while their operators stay in a safe location. Photos are captured and photogrammetry software is used to create 3d models and aerial photos. Laser scanning / LiDAR captures data and the ground surface can be extracted over large areas.

UAVs and drones used in land surveying capture data that can be shown in 3D, the information from the real world is displayed in 3d in a digital representation.  Surveying with Drones and UAVs allow us to carry out aerial surveys without the need for a manned plane. Data is captured in three dimensions and ground control points are used to relate the data to the national grid system. The density of recorded points varies based on the survey's intended use, with options for even coverage or feature-oriented mapping. While high-density, even coverage surveys are achievable through drone-based laser scanning, it's crucial to strike a balance that aligns with the project's requirements.

How Are Drones Changing The Land Surveying World?

The utilisation of drones in land surveying isn't merely a technological trend; it's a strategic necessity. The three-dimensional spatial information derived from drone surveys facilitates the creation of detailed spot height maps, contour maps and intricate 3D terrain models and visualisations. The data can be viewed digitally to get a feel for the site remotely and carry out designs without multiple revisits to the site. As with traditional surveys additional data can be incorporated into deliverables including subsurface features, utilities and ground-penetrating radar data.

All of this crucial information provided by surveyors including the outputs from drones can then be used by architects, property developers, engineers and other professionals when they design and develop new structures. This accurate land surveying information allows them to create their designs in accordance to the specific plot of land they’re working with, so they can make informed decisions while mitigating risk. 

Without the accurate information provided by surveyors with the use of tools including drones, architects and land developers may make critical mistakes that waste time and money. 

The Future Landscape Of Drone Land Surveying

As drones increasingly become an integral tool for land surveying, the industry is poised for a transformative shift. The benefits of drone surveying are the volume of data that can be collected as well as efficiency, safety and the modelling and visualisations that are produced from the data.

Efficiency. Drones drastically reduce the time required for traditional surveys. They can cover large areas in a fraction of the time it would take a ground-based surveying team.

Enhanced Safety. Any kind of physical work comes with associated risks, and land surveying is no different. With drones, drone operators can safely stay back while the drone heads out and gathers important data. Conducting land surveying can be dangerous, especially if the surveyors need to traverse hazardous terrain, so using drones keeps people safe and prevents potential injuries. 

Enhanced Data Collection And Visualisation. UAV and drone-based surveys allow a large amount of data to be collected which provides a more comprehensive and detailed view of the surveyed area. This detail is particularly beneficial for remote projects where access is difficult or it is expensive to send field teams. Additionally, the three-dimensional modelling capabilities of drone surveys offer stakeholders and investors a vivid and realistic visualisation of the proposed developments.

Soaring Into A New Surveying Era With Drones

The integration of drones into land surveying practices represents a paradigm shift in the industry. The efficiency, cost-effectiveness and precision offered by drone land surveying pave the way for a future where technology and tradition seamlessly converge.

At Definition Surveying, we’re proud to utilise this technology to better service our valued clients. We use advanced technology, such as UAV and drone land surveying and laser scanning to capture 3D data, in order to provide accurate land data for our clients. 

If you’re in need of professional surveying services, we invite you to visit our Definition Surveying website to learn more about what we can do for you. Or if you’d like to speak to our team, you can call us on 0800337878. 

Embrace the future of land surveying with Definition Surveying.