Drone Volumetric Survey Services

What Is a Drone Volumetric Survey?

A drone volumetric survey uses aerial photogrammetry to calculate the precise volume of stockpiles, excavations, and earth movements. Our drones capture hundreds of overlapping images that are processed into detailed 3D models, from which accurate volume measurements are extracted automatically.

At Drone Survey Services, we deliver volumetric surveys that achieve 1-3% accuracy—often exceeding the precision of traditional ground-based methods. Whether you're measuring aggregate stockpiles at a quarry, tracking earthworks progress on a construction site, or reconciling material inventory, our drone surveys provide the data you need quickly and safely.

James Leslie

Owner, Engineer & Drone Pilot

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

Call Now

Accurate Volume Data,Delivered Fast

What You'll Receive

• Certified volume reports (PDF)
• Cut/fill analysis with colour maps
• 3D stockpile models (OBJ/mesh)
• 1-3% measurement accuracy

Delivered in 3-5 working days

Why Choose Us

• CAA approved & fully insured
• Specialist volumetric processing
• Latest DJI survey equipment
• UK-wide coverage

Trusted by quarries, construction companies & material suppliers across the UK.

Available now — typically respond within 10 mins

020 4634 0456Get Expert Advice

Trusted by leading organisations

How Much Does a Drone Volumetric Survey Cost?

Pricing depends on the number of stockpiles and site complexity. Here's a guide to help you budget:

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

What affects your quote?

• Number of stockpiles
• Site access & safety
• Turnaround time
• Recurring frequency

Our drone volumetric surveys typically cost 50-70% less than traditional surveying methods while delivering results in a fraction of the time. Contact us with your requirements and we'll provide a tailored quote within 24 hours.

What Is the Difference Between Drone Volumetric Survey and Traditional Measurement?

Traditional stockpile measurement relies on physical tape measurements, GPS surveys with rod shots, or wheel-based methods. Surveyors must physically walk around and over stockpiles—a time-consuming process that creates safety risks and often misses irregular shapes and surface variations.

Drone volumetric surveys capture thousands of surface points without anyone stepping onto the stockpile. Our aerial approach creates complete 3D models that account for every bump, slope, and irregularity. The result is faster data collection, improved safety, and measurements that are typically more accurate than ground-based methods.

What Accuracy Can a Drone Volumetric Survey Achieve?

Our drone volumetric surveys consistently achieve 1-3% accuracy on volume measurements. This level of precision meets or exceeds the requirements for inventory management, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance across the aggregates and mining industries.

We achieve this accuracy through RTK/PPK-enabled drones, strategic ground control point placement, and rigorous processing workflows. Every survey is quality-checked against known volumes and control points before delivery. For clients requiring the highest accuracy, we can implement enhanced ground control networks to push accuracy below 1%.

What Are the Applications of Drone Volumetric Survey?

Drone volumetric surveys serve a wide range of industries where accurate volume measurement is critical for operations, compliance, or financial reporting:

How Accurate Are Drone Volume Measurements?

Drone volumetric measurements achieve remarkable accuracy—typically within 1-3% of actual volumes. This level of precision comes from the combination of high-resolution photogrammetry, precise GPS positioning, and sophisticated 3D modelling software that captures the true surface of every stockpile.

Independent studies have shown drone surveys consistently outperform traditional tape and GPS rod methods, which typically achieve only 5-15% accuracy. The key advantage is coverage: while traditional methods sample a limited number of points, drone surveys capture millions of surface points that define the complete shape of each stockpile.

What Deliverables Do You Get From a Drone Volumetric Survey?

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

• Volume Reports (PDF)

  Certified volume calculations for each stockpile with methodology, accuracy statements, and summary tables ready for audits.

• Cut/Fill Analysis

  Colour-coded maps showing volume changes between surveys. Essential for tracking earthworks progress and material movement.

• 3D Stockpile Models

  Detailed mesh models (OBJ format) that can be viewed in standard 3D software or imported into your management systems.

• Orthomosaic Maps

  High-resolution aerial imagery of your site, georeferenced and ready for GIS software or simple visual reference.

• Reconciliation Data

  Material movement analysis comparing surveyed volumes with sales/delivery records to identify discrepancies.

How Long Does a Drone Volumetric Survey Take?

On-site data capture is remarkably fast. A typical site with 5-10 stockpiles can be surveyed in 1-2 hours, including setup and ground control. Even large quarries with 20+ stockpiles rarely take more than half a day.

Processing and delivery depends on project complexity. Standard volume reports are typically ready within 3-5 working days. For urgent requirements, we offer express processing with 24-48 hour turnaround available at additional cost.

How Do I Choose a Drone Volumetric Survey Provider?

Not all drone survey providers have the expertise for accurate volumetric work. When evaluating providers, check these key factors:

• CAA authorisation – Ensure they hold valid GVC or legacy PfCO permissions for commercial operations
• Professional insurance – Public liability and professional indemnity cover appropriate to your industry
• Volumetric experience – Ask specifically about stockpile measurement accuracy and methodology
• RTK/PPK capability – Essential for achieving the accuracy required for financial reporting
• Industry references – Request testimonials from similar operations in your sector

At Drone Survey Services, we tick every box. We're CAA approved, fully insured, and have delivered volumetric surveys for quarries, construction sites, and material suppliers throughout the UK. Our RTK-enabled equipment and rigorous processing workflows ensure the accuracy your business depends on.

Is Drone Volumetric Survey Cheaper Than Traditional Methods?

Yes—significantly in most cases. Traditional volumetric surveys require surveyors to physically measure stockpiles using tape measures, GPS rovers, or laser equipment. This is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often requires multiple site visits for large yards.

Our drone surveys capture the same data in a fraction of the time. A site that might take a ground team a full day can be surveyed in hours. The cost savings typically range from 50-70% compared to traditional methods, while delivering faster turnaround and often better accuracy. For recurring surveys, the economics become even more favourable with our monthly packages.