Photogrammetry is the technique of taking measurements using photographs. The result is a map, a drawing, or a 3D model of an object or land mass. GPS enabled UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are increasingly used for aerial photogrammetry and LIDAR mapping. The use of drone photogrammetry services for aerial 3d mapping is highly cost effective when compared to the cost of hiring an aircraft with photogrammetry equipment.

UAV 3D Mapping

Using waypoint navigation technology, the UAV flies along a pre-programmed flight path and takes multiple, overlapping photographs of the ground or object with an 80-90% overlap. This would be impossible to accomplish accurately using an airplane. To create 3d maps from aerial photogrammetry, a camera is mounted on the drone and is usually pointed straight down towards the ground. With respect to models of monuments or statues, the camera is mounted horizontally.

UAV LIDAR Mapping

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) involves installing a laser scanner on a UAV to measure the height of points on the ground below. Drones with LIDAR scanners can measure very large areas in a single day, and create extremely detailed digital models of landscapes. Drone LIDAR sensors can penetrate dense forest canopy and vegetation, making it possible to scan bare earth structures that are invisible to satellites.

Multiple Uses of Drone Survey & Mapping Services

• Cartography and mapping


• Forestry management, flood surveying, coastline management


• Urban planning, transport planning, pollution modelling


• Gas and oil exploration, quarries, mining of minerals


• Archaeology


• Cellular network planning

All of our drone photogrammetry pilots have their FAA 333 exemption and are ready to go to work on your drone 3d mapping project.

Note: Land surveyors are required to hold a land surveying license. We do not verify if our pilots have this license. When hiring a pilot, ensure they have the proper surveyor license(s) if applicable.