Drone surveying by photogrammetry involves flying a grid pattern over the site whilst taking overlapping photos. The software then uses pixel comparison to create a 3d model of the terrain. It can create a large complete aerial photo by “stitching” the overlapping photos into one.
For the best results, the ground cover needs to be minimal (exposed/hard surfaces or short grass).
Some examples where drone surveying is viable:
- Over large area's (with short ground cover) where traditional survey methods would take significantly longer.
- Exposed or hard surfaces such as roads
- Gravel piles or riverbeds
- As-builts/monthly volumes for civil contractors
- Dam as-builts
- Slope analysis