See your site from a clearer perspective
Need detailed survey information across a large, remote or difficult-to-access site?
Aerial drone surveying allows Treasco Surveyors to capture high-resolution imagery and spatial data efficiently from above. It can provide property owners, developers, councils, engineers and other consultants with a clear understanding of terrain, infrastructure and existing site conditions.
- Survey large or challenging areas efficiently
- Capture detailed imagery and three-dimensional site data
- Support planning, design, construction and asset management
Aerial drone surveys
Treasco Surveyors provides aerial drone surveying for projects where conventional ground-based surveying may be slow, difficult or unable to provide the complete perspective required.
An aerial drone survey uses an uncrewed aerial vehicle, or UAV, equipped with cameras or sensors to capture information from above. We can use photogrammetry, aerial LiDAR or a combination of survey methods depending on the site, vegetation, terrain and intended use of the data.
This information can be processed into maps, models, point clouds and other survey deliverables that help project teams understand existing conditions and make informed decisions.
Aerial surveying can be particularly useful across rural properties, construction sites, infrastructure corridors, stockpiles and areas with steep, remote or densely vegetated terrain.
What is aerial drone surveying?
Aerial drone surveying is a method of collecting images and spatial measurements from the air.
Two technologies commonly used by Treasco Surveyors are:
- Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry uses overlapping aerial photographs to calculate the position and shape of visible features. The images can be processed to create high-resolution orthophotos, three-dimensional models and representations of the ground surface.
- Aerial LiDAR
Aerial LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances between the sensor and the surfaces below. It can capture detailed information about terrain, structures and vegetation and may provide useful ground information in environments where vegetation limits visibility.
The most appropriate technology depends on the site conditions, required accuracy, project area and intended deliverables.
When is aerial drone surveying useful?
- Rural and agricultural properties
Capture large areas of land, terrain, waterways, tracks, fences and other visible features. The resulting information can assist property planning, subdivision investigations and land management.
- Property development
Provide an overview of the site and its surrounding conditions at an early stage. Aerial information can support feasibility studies, preliminary planning, design and communication between project consultants.
- Construction projects
Record site conditions, earthworks and project progress. Repeat surveys can help teams compare changes over time and maintain an accurate record of completed work.
- Stockpiles and earthworks
Create three-dimensional surface information that can be used to calculate volumes, subject to the required survey methodology and site conditions.
- Infrastructure corridors
Capture roads, power lines, pipelines, communication infrastructure and other linear assets across broad or difficult terrain.
- Environmental projects
Record vegetation, waterways, landforms and other visible environmental features to support mapping, monitoring and consultant investigations.
- Asset inspection imagery
Capture photographs or video of visible property and utility assets where aerial access offers a safer or more practical viewing position.
Benefits of aerial drone surveying
Efficient coverage
Drones can collect information across large areas in less field time than some conventional survey methods.
Access to challenging terrain
Remote, steep, uneven or hazardous areas can often be observed without requiring survey personnel to physically access every location.
Detailed visual information
High-resolution aerial imagery provides useful context alongside survey measurements, helping project teams understand the site as a whole.
Three-dimensional site data
Drone surveys can produce detailed representations of terrain, structures and other visible features for analysis, design and documentation.
Improved project communication
Orthophotos and three-dimensional models can make complex site information easier to communicate among owners, designers, engineers, builders and approval authorities.
Repeatable monitoring
Where surveys are undertaken at different project stages, comparable datasets can help identify changes in earthworks, construction or site conditions.
Our aerial drone surveying process
- Understanding your project
We discuss the site, survey purpose, required accuracy and how the information will be used. We also confirm whether aerial surveying is the right method or should be combined with ground-based survey work.
- Planning the flight and survey control
Our team considers the project area, terrain, vegetation, access, weather, airspace and safety requirements. Survey control may be established to connect the aerial data to the required coordinate and height system.
- Capturing the site
We collect overlapping imagery or LiDAR information across the survey area. Ground-based measurements may also be taken where required for control, verification or features that cannot be captured clearly from the air.
- Processing and checking the data
The collected information is processed into the agreed survey products. We review the results and undertake appropriate checks before preparing the final files.
- Preparing your deliverables
Depending on the scope, deliverables may include orthophotos, point clouds, surface models, contour information, three-dimensional models, imagery or volume calculations.
Why choose Treasco Surveyors?
A drone is a data collection tool. The value comes from understanding what needs to be captured, applying appropriate survey control and preparing information that is fit for its intended purpose.
Treasco Surveyors combines aerial technology with professional surveying knowledge. We work with rural property owners, developers, local councils, construction teams, ecologists and energy resource professionals across diverse site conditions.
Our focus is straightforward:
- Accuracy: survey information supported by an appropriate methodology
- Confidence: practical advice about the technology suited to your site
- Value: useful outputs prepared for the next stage of your project
Plan your aerial drone survey
Every aerial survey has different site, airspace, access and deliverable requirements. Speak with Treasco Surveyors early so we can review your project and recommend an appropriate approach.
Call (02) 6881 8199 or email projects@treascosurveyors.com.au to discuss your project.
Request a quote
Frequently asked questions
An ordinary aerial photograph may contain perspective and scale variations. An orthophoto is processed to correct those effects, creating an image with a consistent scale that can be used for mapping and measurement within the limitations of the survey.
Photogrammetry calculates three-dimensional information from overlapping photographs. LiDAR measures surfaces using laser pulses. Photogrammetry provides detailed imagery, while LiDAR may be more suitable for particular terrain and vegetation conditions.
Not always. Aerial data only captures features visible or detectable from the air. Buildings, vegetation, overhangs and other obstructions can hide important details. Ground-based survey work may be required for boundaries, survey control, obscured features or higher-accuracy tasks.
Photogrammetry generally records the visible top of vegetation. Aerial LiDAR may allow some laser returns to reach the ground through gaps in vegetation, but performance depends on vegetation density, terrain and equipment.
A drone can capture visible occupation such as fences, but a property boundary is a legal survey matter and cannot be determined from aerial imagery alone. Boundary definition requires appropriate cadastral investigation and survey work.
No. Drone operations are affected by airspace, weather, nearby airports, site access, safety requirements and other restrictions. These matters must be assessed before work begins.
Depending on the project, deliverables may include orthophotos, aerial imagery, point clouds, contour information, surface models, three-dimensional models and volume calculations. The required file format and intended use should be confirmed during scoping.
Accuracy depends on the equipment, flight height, survey control, terrain, vegetation, weather and processing method. We plan the survey according to the accuracy required for the intended task.
The timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the site, weather, airspace requirements, survey control and the final deliverables. We can provide a clearer timeframe after reviewing the project.
