Drone Surveying
QEST utilises cutting-edge drone surveying technology to deliver precise and efficient results to our clients across Melbourne, Geelong, Victoria, and South Australia. Our experienced team boasts over 30 years’ combined experience in surveying and is dedicated to client satisfaction.
Using LiDAR technology and the highest quality commercial drones, our surveyors capture comprehensive land data with exceptional speed and accuracy. Drone surveying allows us to access hazardous and otherwise inaccessible areas, making it a standout component of our suite of surveying services.
What distinguishes QEST from our competitors is our dedication to delivering a personalised service. We provide a single point of contact throughout all project phases, so that you can experience the convenience of “One call does it all”.
Contact QEST today about our drone survey services to experience a streamlined and reliable solution that our competitors simply cannot match.
What is drone surveying?
Drone surveying is a method of capturing geospatial data using a drone – also known as an ‘unmanned aerial vehicle’ (UAV) – equipped with high-resolution cameras, sensors, or LiDAR payloads. At QEST, our drone survey services use LiDAR technology to capture geospatial data with unmatched speed compared with traditional methods. The LiDAR scanner uses light to measure the distance between two points. It does this by considering the direction the light was sent, the position of the LiDAR scanner, and the speed at which the signals return.
Drone topographic survey offers several advantages over other surveying methods, including enhanced safety and speed. At QEST, we pride ourselves on providing accurate, high-quality, and reliable drone survey services to clients spanning the government, commercial and industrial sectors. Contact QEST to find out how drone surveying can help you to meet your project milestones.
What are the advantages of using drones for surveying?
Aerial drone surveying offers a number of advantages over traditional methods, including increased safety, improved efficiency of data collection, and the ability to reach otherwise inaccessible areas with ease. Because drone surveying allows surveyors to capture and analyse geospatial data in real-time, this methodology significantly improves efficiency compared to traditional surveying methods. Efficiency is further improved because aerial drone surveying mitigates the time usually spent accessing hard-to-reach areas. This carries the added benefit of keeping workers safe.
Drone surveying is fast becoming the preferred method for measuring bulk earthworks volumes, stockpile quantities, and quarry areas. At QEST, our drone land surveying services are a stand-out offering, utilising LiDAR technology to achieve fast and reliable results for our clients. Enquire with QEST today to learn how drone surveying can improve the efficiency of your project.
What types of surveys can drones perform?
Drone surveying is a diverse practice encompassing drone topographic survey, land surveys, photogrammetry, drone construction surveying, and environmental monitoring. At QEST, we use aerial drone surveying to meet diverse industry needs, ranging from agriculture, to major infrastructure projects and urban planning. Data obtained during drone surveying can be used to produce orthomosaic maps, 3D point clouds, digital surface models, digital terrain models, contour lines, and 3D textured mesh, amongst other outputs. To find out more about the full range of drone survey services we offer, contact QEST today.
How is drone survey data processed and analysed?
The analytical process for drone survey data depends on the type of drone survey performed. Photogrammetry is the process of analysing of thousands of overlapping aerial photos in order to measure geography and landscapes. LiDAR interpretation uses differences in height data to construct comprehensive maps and 3D models of terrain.
At QEST, we rely on the best available technology and our 30 years’ industry expertise to produce accurate and timely analyses of the data obtained from drone surveying. We pride ourselves on providing analyses with actionable insights that our clients can rely on for their project planning and decision-making. Contact QEST about our drone survey services for efficient and accurate terrain analysis for your next project.
How accurate are drone surveys?
Drone surveys can achieve exceptional accuracy when supported by cutting-edge commercial-grade technology and operated by surveyors with the right expertise. There are several factors affecting drone survey accuracy, such as the drone features (including camera quality, speed, and responsiveness), the flight height and speed, and the drone mapping software used.
An expert drone surveyor carefully plans each drone survey and uses a range of techniques to mitigate and correct for errors or distortions. At QEST, our drone survey services deliver results with high levels of precision and speed. Choose QEST for your next project and experience the difference for yourself.
What equipment is needed for drone surveying?
To achieve high levels of speed and accuracy, drone surveying requires a commercial-quality drone – also known as an ‘unmanned aerial vehicle’ (UAV) – fitted with specialised cameras and sensors, such as LiDAR. LiDAR technology uses light to measure the distance between two points, by measuring the direction the light was sent, the position of the LiDAR scanner, and the speed at which the signals return.
At QEST, we use LiDAR technology to capture geospatial data with speed that outcompetes traditional methods. For drone survey services you can rely on, speak to a member of QEST’s expert team today.
How long does it take to conduct a drone survey?
The time needed to conduct a drone survey depends on the survey area, the type of survey, and the type of drone used. While a smaller area might only take a few hours to survey, larger projects require several days. Drone surveying offers a significant time advantage over traditional methods of surveying, due to its ability to capture thousands of data points quickly without needing to navigate complex terrain. Contact QEST to discuss your project requirements, and we will determine an appropriate timeframe for completion of a drone survey.
What environmental conditions affect drone surveying operations?
Environmental conditions affecting drone surveying include wind speed, temperature, moisture, and fog. These conditions affect drone surveying in two ways: flight safety, and camera or sensor functionality. Optimal conditions for drone flight are clear weather and minimal wind. Poor lighting, moisture, and temperature can affect the ability of cameras and sensors to capture accurate measurement data.
At QEST, our drone survey services are designed to adapt to different settings. Our experienced surveyors are highly adaptable to the elements and pride themselves on maintaining accuracy and efficiency despite environmental challenges. Reach out to QEST to learn how we use precise scheduling to deliver drone survey services with optimal results.
How do drone surveys compare to traditional surveying methods?
Drone surveys offer several advantages over traditional methods: they are safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and can be used in a wider variety of environments and conditions. The main advantage of aerial drone surveying is its ability to reach inaccessible areas with ease. This reduces the time spent and the risk of injury.
Additionally, drone surveying minimises the risk of human error. To learn how drone surveying can replace or complement traditional surveying methods for your next project, contact QEST for a discussion today.
What industries benefit from drone surveying services?
Drone surveying services are beneficial for a range of industries, including mining, infrastructure development, construction, and agriculture. At QEST, we service government, industrial and commercial clients across Melbourne, Geelong, greater Victoria and interstate. Drone surveying is highly valuable throughout all phases of the construction process, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
Additionally, drone surveying can support land management and conservation projects by providing precise, real-time data. Whether you are planning your next major infrastructure project or looking to improve the environmental management of your site, contact QEST today about our drone survey services.