How does a drone survey work? Step by step
From first contact to a precise 3D result: here is how a drone survey at Drone4D actually works — and what you need to arrange yourself.
Considering a drone survey but unsure what to expect? Below we show, step by step, how a project at Drone4D works — from your first request to the delivery of a precise 3D result.
Step 1 — Request and quote
Everything starts with your question. Based on the location, the area and the desired result (orthophoto, point cloud, volume calculation, plans…), we prepare a tailored quote. The clearer your goal, the better we can determine which method — photogrammetry or LiDAR — and which accuracy are required.
Step 2 — Flight planning and permits
We set the flight altitude, the overlap between images and the flight pattern that achieves the required ground resolution (GSD). We check the airspace rules and, where needed, request operational permits, so that every flight is safe and legal under EASA regulations.
Step 3 — Placing ground control points
Accuracy stands or falls on reference. Before the flight we measure ground control points (GCPs) with GNSS (RTK/PPK), tied to the Belgian coordinate system (Lambert 72 / TAW datum). This way every image knows exactly where it belongs and we typically reach 1 to 3 cm accuracy.
Step 4 — The flight
On the day itself we fly the site systematically. A typical site is often captured in half a day to a full day; the exact time depends on the area and the weather. Where vegetation hides the ground, we use LiDAR instead of photogrammetry.
Step 5 — Processing
After the field work we process the imagery or point cloud into usable results: an orthophoto, a digital terrain model, a classified point cloud or volume calculations. As a surveying firm, we review the results critically and relate them back to your original question.
Step 6 — Delivery
You receive the results in the desired format: orthophotos as GeoTIFF, point clouds in LAS/LAZ, 3D models and plans in DWG/DXF, with a report in PDF and, if you wish, an online viewer. We explain everything so you can start using it right away.
What do you arrange yourself? Usually nothing special — access to the site is enough. For recurring measurements (such as construction monitoring), we agree on a fixed frequency and fixed reference points, so that every capture is perfectly comparable.