Question 1

How much does a drone survey cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Drone survey costs in the UK typically range from £400 for small sites (under 5 hectares) to £3,500+ for large or complex projects. The base rate is approximately £80 per hectare for the first 5 hectares, with volume discounts for larger sites. Factors like terrain complexity, required deliverables, and turnaround time all affect the final price.

Question 2

What factors affect drone survey pricing?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence drone survey pricing: site size (larger sites get volume discounts), terrain complexity (urban or heavily vegetated areas require more flight time), deliverable requirements (3D models and point clouds cost more than basic orthomosaics), turnaround time (express delivery adds 30%), and whether ground control points are needed for survey-grade accuracy (+£150).

Question 3

Is an orthomosaic included in the base price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a high-resolution orthomosaic map is included in the base price of every drone survey. This geo-referenced aerial map is created by stitching together hundreds of overlapping drone photographs. Additional deliverables like Digital Surface Models (DSM), Digital Terrain Models (DTM), contour lines, 3D textured models, and point clouds are available for an additional percentage of the base cost.

Question 4

How accurate is this cost estimate?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides an indicative price range within ±15% of typical project costs. The actual quote may vary based on specific site conditions, access requirements, airspace restrictions, and detailed project specifications. We recommend requesting a formal quote for accurate pricing tailored to your exact requirements.

Question 5

Do I need ground control points?

Accepted Answer

Ground Control Points (GCPs) are surveyed markers placed on site that significantly improve the absolute accuracy of your survey data to ±2-3cm. You need GCPs if your project requires survey-grade accuracy, integration with existing survey data, or compliance with engineering specifications. For relative measurements, marketing imagery, or general site monitoring, GCPs may not be necessary.

Question 6

What's included in the different deliverables?

Accepted Answer

Each deliverable serves different purposes: Orthomosaics provide a seamless, geo-referenced aerial map. Digital Surface Models (DSM) show elevations including buildings and vegetation. Digital Terrain Models (DTM) show bare-earth elevations. Contour lines provide topographic mapping. 3D textured models create photorealistic site reconstructions. Point clouds provide dense 3D data for CAD integration and detailed measurements.

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