Drone Forestry Survey Services

What Is a Drone Forestry Survey?

A drone forestry survey uses UAV-mounted sensors to capture detailed aerial data about woodland areas, individual trees, and forest health. Unlike traditional ground-based methods, our drones can cover vast areas quickly while collecting high-resolution imagery and precise elevation data.

At Drone Survey Services, we combine photogrammetry and LiDAR technology to deliver comprehensive forest inventories. Our surveys measure tree heights, canopy density, species distribution, and timber volume—giving forestry managers the data they need for informed decision-making.

James Leslie

Owner, Engineer & Drone Pilot

"Got questions? Call me directly - I'm happy to talk through your project."

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Professional Forestry Data,Delivered Fast

What You'll Receive

• Detailed canopy height mapping
• Tree count and species analysis
• Timber volume estimates
• Health assessment reports

Delivered in 5-10 working days

Why Choose Us

• CAA approved & fully insured
• Forestry survey specialists
• LiDAR & photogrammetry capability
• UK-wide coverage

Trusted by estate managers, forestry companies & environmental consultants across the UK.

Available now — typically respond within 10 mins

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How Much Does a Drone Forestry Survey Cost?

Pricing depends on your woodland size and required deliverables. Here's a guide to help you budget:

*Guide prices include standard deliverables. Final quote based on site access, terrain complexity, and specific requirements.

What affects your quote?

• Woodland area & terrain
• Required deliverables
• Tree density & species
• Access requirements

Our drone-based approach typically saves 50–70% compared to traditional ground-based forest inventory. Contact us with your project details and we'll provide a tailored quote within 24 hours.

What Is the Difference Between Drone Forestry Survey and Traditional Methods?

Traditional forest inventory relies on sample plots—surveyors walk through the woodland measuring a fraction of trees and extrapolating results. While this method has served forestry for decades, it's time-consuming, labour-intensive, and limited in coverage.

Drone forestry surveys capture the entire woodland from above, measuring every tree rather than just sample plots. Our UAVs collect thousands of data points per hectare, creating complete canopy height models and enabling individual tree detection. This means better accuracy, faster results, and no disturbance to wildlife or sensitive habitats.

What Accuracy Can a Drone Forestry Survey Achieve?

Our drone forestry surveys achieve tree height accuracy of ±0.5-1.5 metres using photogrammetry, improving to ±0.2-0.5 metres with LiDAR. For individual tree detection, we consistently identify 85-95% of trees in the upper canopy, with detection rates depending on species mix and stand density.

Positional accuracy depends on ground control. With RTK/PPK positioning and surveyed ground control points, we achieve horizontal accuracy of ±5cm and vertical accuracy of ±10cm. This level of precision supports timber volume calculations, carbon stock assessments, and detailed management planning.

What Are the Applications of Drone Forestry Survey?

Drone forestry surveys support the full lifecycle of woodland management. Here are the key applications where our clients see the greatest value:

Can Drones Measure Tree Heights and Timber Volume?

Yes—this is one of our core capabilities. Using photogrammetry and LiDAR, we create detailed Canopy Height Models (CHMs) that measure the height of every tree in your woodland. Combined with species information and diameter estimates, we calculate standing timber volume with commercial accuracy.

Our LiDAR surveys penetrate the canopy to map the ground surface beneath, giving us true tree heights rather than estimates. For conifer plantations, we achieve volume accuracy within 10-15% of traditional ground surveys—but covering 100% of trees rather than sample plots.

We can also track changes over time, comparing surveys to measure growth rates, monitor thinning operations, and assess storm damage. This data supports harvest scheduling, timber valuations, and long-term yield planning.

What Deliverables Do You Get From a Drone Forestry Survey?

We tailor deliverables to your project requirements, but our standard forestry survey outputs include:

• Canopy Height Model (CHM)

  Detailed height mapping showing tree heights across your entire woodland. Essential for volume calculations and growth monitoring.

• Tree Height Analysis

  Individual tree heights extracted from CHM data, with statistical summaries including mean, max, and distribution analysis.

• Timber Volume Estimates

  Standing volume calculations using allometric equations calibrated to UK forestry standards. Broken down by compartment or custom zones.

• Health Assessment

  Canopy density analysis, stress indicators, and identification of areas requiring attention. Optional multispectral analysis available.

• CAD Files & 3D Models

  Boundary mapping, access routes, and compartment data in AutoCAD format. Plus textured 3D models for visualisation and planning.

How Long Does a Drone Forestry Survey Take?

On-site data capture is remarkably efficient. We can survey 30-80 hectares per day depending on terrain and flight conditions. A typical 20-hectare woodland takes half a day of flight time, plus setup and ground control establishment.

Processing and delivery depends on the complexity of analysis required. Standard canopy mapping and height analysis is typically ready within 5-7 working days. Full timber volume analysis with detailed reporting takes 7-10 working days. We'll confirm realistic timescales when we quote your project.

How Do I Choose a Drone Forestry Survey Provider?

Not all drone survey companies understand forestry. When evaluating providers, we recommend checking these key factors:

• Forestry experience – Ask for examples of woodland surveys they've completed and references from forestry clients
• CAA authorisation – Ensure they hold valid GVC or legacy PfCO permissions for commercial operations
• LiDAR capability – For accurate ground surface mapping under canopy, LiDAR is essential
• Processing expertise – Tree detection and volume estimation require specialist software and knowledge
• Professional insurance – Public liability and professional indemnity cover appropriate to your project

At Drone Survey Services, we tick every box. We're CAA approved, fully insured, and have delivered forestry surveys for private estates, forestry companies, and environmental consultancies throughout the UK.

Is Drone Forestry Survey Cheaper Than Traditional Methods?

In most cases, yes—substantially. Traditional forest inventory requires teams of surveyors walking through woodland measuring sample plots. For a 50-hectare site, this might take a ground team 5-7 days of fieldwork, plus office time for analysis and reporting.

Our drone surveys capture equivalent or better data in a fraction of the time. That same 50-hectare woodland can be flown in a single day, with complete coverage rather than sample-based estimates. The cost savings typically range from 50-70% compared to traditional methods, while delivering faster turnaround and more comprehensive data.