Drone Mapping and Aerial Surveys
Drone mapping has transformed the way businesses capture, analyse, and present information about land, buildings, and infrastructure. Whether you’re surveying a construction site, planning land development, monitoring natural landscapes or agricultural fields, drone-generated 2D and 3D maps offer an efficient, safe, and accurate way to see the full picture.
Please note we offer lower-cost Non-RTK mapping service but can direct you to RTK provider if required. See below for the difference between RTK & Non-RTK.
2D Mapping
2D maps (orthomosaics) give you a detailed, top-down view of your site. These stitched-together images are perfect for:
- Site planning and progress tracking
- Environmental and landscape assessments
- Asset inspection and documentation
Below is a 2d (othomosaic) map created of the Nesscliffe Hillfort for Shropshire Council’s Outdoor Recreation department during a recent archeological excavation. As you can see it is overlaid on top of an existing Google map. You can zoom in and out by using the ‘+’ & ‘-‘ buttons. You can also use the line, polygon, square and circle tools to measure distances and areas. Right click anywhere on the map to get longtitude and latitude!
RTK vs Non-RTK Drones: What’s the Difference?
Using an RTK drone increases the accuracy of mapping but incurs a much higher cost:
Non-RTK (Standard GPS)
- Uses standard satellite positioning
- Typical mapping accuracy: 1–3 metres
- Suitable for general mapping, visual inspections, land overview, and non-precision work
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)
- Uses GPS with real-time correction data
- Achieves centimetre-level accuracy
- Ideal for surveying, engineering, and any project where precise measurements matter.
In short:
Non-RTK is great for visual maps and general data.
RTK offers survey-grade accuracy and efficiency, but is significantly more expensive.
3D RTK Mapping
Working in partnership with LandScope Engineering we are able to offer complex 3d models. Data is captured via a DJI 350 Matric RTK drone equipped with LiDAR & a HiRes photographic camera. On the ground LandScope surveyors use base stations and ground control points to achieve accuracies of just a few centimetres.
