Accurate, Low-Risk Drone Surveying & Mapping
National Drones provides advanced aerial survey solutions as alternatives to traditional land surveying. Our drone technology eliminates labour-intensive fieldwork, delivering topographical markers, building locations, road and waterway documentation, hazard identification, and property boundary definition with significant time savings and reduced manpower requirements.
Detailed Mapping & Data Capture
Using photogrammetry technology, we convert aerial imagery into actionable data including 2D orthomosaics, 3D models, and detailed terrain captures. All data integrates seamlessly with project planning workflows through our SmartData software platform for accessing and utilising captured mapping data.
Safety & Access Advantages
Drone surveying enables access to challenging terrain including elevated structures, unstable ground areas, flood-affected zones, disaster areas, and sensitive wildlife habitats. Our approach minimises the hazards associated with manual surveying while maintaining the accuracy required for professional outputs.
Large Area BVLOS Surveys
Our specialised fixed-wing aircraft with a 3.5-metre wingspan can fly for up to 4 hours, covering expansive areas in single flights. This approach reduces project timelines and operational costs compared to full-sized aircraft.
Related Services
BVLOS
Large area survey flights covering expansive terrain efficiently.
Thermal
Identification and assessment of site conditions and defects.
LiDAR
Data capture and visualisation for terrain modelling.
Inspections
Infrastructure condition assessments from the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is drone surveying compared to traditional methods?
- Drone surveys routinely achieve 2–3 cm horizontal and vertical accuracy with ground control points, comparable to traditional total station surveys. For large sites, drones deliver this accuracy in a fraction of the time — a 50-hectare survey that takes a ground crew several days can be completed in a single drone flight.
- What deliverables do I receive from a drone survey?
- Standard deliverables include georeferenced orthomosaic maps, digital surface models (DSM), digital terrain models (DTM), 3D point clouds, contour maps, and volumetric calculations. All data is provided in industry-standard formats compatible with GIS, CAD, and BIM software, and can be accessed through our SmartData platform.
- How long does a drone survey take?
- Flight time depends on the area and resolution required. A typical 20-hectare site can be flown in 30–45 minutes. Data processing for orthomosaics and 3D models typically takes 2–5 business days. Our fixed-wing BVLOS aircraft can cover hundreds of hectares in a single flight for large-area projects.
Ready for Lift Off?
Get in touch with our team to discuss how our drone services can support your next project.