How much does a drone survey cost? At Laser Surveys, we’re often asked this question, and in this video, we explain what really affects the cost of a drone survey. From site size and location to the level of detail, deliverables, and data processing required, every project is unique and priced on its own merit.

In general terms, drone survey costs vary based on site size, accuracy needed, and required deliverables, starting from around £300 to £500 for small residential sites or supplementary flights as part of ongoing work, moving upwards in price and timescale for more complex projects. Prices, as with all survey works will be overwhelmingly dependent on resources required to produce the required deliverables. These can include photogrammetric measured surveys, orthomosaic output, or photographic and video packages.

While set up costs for drone surveys may initially be higher than a traditional terrestrial-based survey, they can often save time and reduce risk and with larger projects often deliver rich data faster, saving money and improving decision-making.

Read more: The Insiders Guide To GPR

Costs depend on:

• Site size: The bigger the target area, the longer the flight time and subsequent data payload and therefore process input.
• Output requirements: Point cloud density can add data load and therefore processing time increases.
• Data outputs: Do you need orthomosaics, 2D plans, 3D models? The simplest outputs such as photographic or video records will require very little post-capture input. At the other end of the scale, 3D models will require significant draw-time so costs differ accordingly.
• Accessibility & legal setup: Urban permissions or UAV-sensitive sites & areas can increase pre-survey processes.

Read More: What Is A GPR Survey?