Drone LiDAR Surveys Across Ireland
See through vegetation, tree canopies, and overgrowth to get bare-earth terrain data that photogrammetry cannot deliver. ±5cm accuracy, processed and classified to ASPRS standards, with deliverables returned in 2 working days.
EASA & IAA certified · 10+ years LiDAR experience · All 32 counties
What is Drone LiDAR Surveying?
When your site is too complex for traditional surveys or standard photogrammetry
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses laser scanners mounted on drones to emit rapid light pulses. The sensor fires these pulses toward the ground and uses the reflected signal to calculate the distance to the surface.
Each pulse records multiple returns as it passes through tree branches, undergrowth, and grass before reaching the ground surface. This multi-return capability is what makes LiDAR essential for sites with vegetation. A standard drone camera (photogrammetry) can only capture what it can see from above. LiDAR captures what is hidden beneath.
Our drone LiDAR systems integrate high-precision GPS/GNSS positioning and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) with real-time correction to produce georeferenced point clouds with ±5cm accuracy, verified through ground control points.
Overgrown sites, restricted access, dense vegetation: our drone LiDAR delivers bare-earth DTMs where standard surveying methods fail. 10+ years of experience across Ireland's most challenging terrain.
LiDAR Survey Deliverables
Processed, classified, and delivered in your required format within 2 working days
Classified Point Clouds
Georeferenced LiDAR data classified to ASPRS standards: ground, vegetation, buildings, and infrastructure.
Digital Terrain Models
Bare-earth elevation models with all vegetation digitally removed, revealing the true ground surface.
Contour Maps
Precision contour mapping at intervals from 0.1m to 5m, tailored to your project requirements.
CAD-Ready Drawings
Engineering-ready outputs for planning submissions, AutoCAD integration, and design workflows.
Volumetric Analysis
Cut/fill calculations and stockpile measurements derived from classified point cloud data.
Tree Inventory Data
Individual tree height, crown diameter, and canopy density metrics from classified point clouds.
Ready to Commission a LiDAR Survey?
Tell us about your project. We will review your site, check airspace requirements, and send a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
LiDAR Survey Applications
From greenfield development sites to 110kV power line corridors
Construction & Development
Survey overgrown greenfield sites for planning applications. Monitor earthworks and generate CAD-ready contours for engineering design.
Learn moreRenewable Energy
Wind farm terrain assessment beneath forest canopy. Solar farm site modelling and power line corridor vegetation management.
Forestry & Agriculture
Forest inventory with individual tree height calculations. Timber volume estimation, drainage planning, and canopy density metrics.
Infrastructure & Utilities
Railway corridor mapping, road widening surveys, bridge approach assessments, and quarry stockpile volumetrics.
Environmental
Flood risk modelling with bare-earth DTMs. Coastal erosion baseline surveys and habitat mapping for conservation projects.
Archaeology
Detect archaeological features hidden beneath vegetation cover. Reveal landscape formations invisible from ground level.
How Much Does a Drone LiDAR Survey Cost?
Transparent pricing based on site size and complexity
Drone LiDAR survey pricing depends on site size, terrain complexity, access restrictions, and the deliverables you need.
| Under 50 acres | €1,500 – €5,000 |
| Larger sites | Priced per hectare |
Why Choose Drone Services Ireland for LiDAR?
Ireland's longest-serving commercial drone LiDAR operator
10+ Years LiDAR Experience
The longest track record of any drone LiDAR operator in Ireland, with projects across every terrain type.
Complex Project History
From 110kV power line corridors to multi-county forestry surveys across Ireland's most challenging sites.
EASA-Certified Operators
All operators hold EASA certification with advanced survey qualifications and full airspace permissions.
Results in 2 Working Days
Most LiDAR surveys are processed and returned within 48 hours of the flight completing.
GDPR Compliant by Design
LiDAR sensors use laser pulses, not cameras. No personal data or identifiable imagery is captured.
Fully Insured
Comprehensive public liability and professional indemnity cover for every project we undertake.
Drone LiDAR vs Photogrammetry
Choose the right approach for your project, or combine both for comprehensive data
| Criteria | Drone LiDAR | Photogrammetry |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Vegetated, overgrown, or restricted-access sites ✓ | Bare or low-vegetation sites with good visibility − |
| Vegetation | Penetrates canopy to bare earth ✓ | Captures surface only ✕ |
| Light Conditions | Works in low light and overcast ✓ | Requires good ambient light ✕ |
| Vertical Accuracy | ±5cm on vegetated terrain ✓ | ±5cm on bare surfaces only − |
| Visual Output | Point cloud (no colour by default) − | Full-colour orthomosaic and 3D model ✓ |
| Cost | Higher sensor cost, justified for complex sites − | Lower cost for straightforward sites ✓ |
| Data Density | Up to 1.2M points per second multi-return ✓ | Resolution depends on flight altitude − |
| Ideal Combo | We frequently combine both on the same flight for comprehensive datasets ✓ | ✓ |
Not sure which approach your project needs? Contact us with your site details and we will recommend the right solution.
LiDAR Case Studies
Real projects, measurable outcomes
110kV Power Line Corridor Survey
Combined drone LiDAR and photogrammetry to survey a 110kV power line corridor, achieving vegetation clearance measurements with 5cm accuracy. The dual-sensor approach produced both bare-earth DTM data and high-resolution imagery in a single flight.
Trusted by Ireland's Leading Organisations
Over 10 years delivering drone LiDAR survey services across every sector
Secretary, Drone Professionals Ireland · Former Co-Chair, Unmanned Aircraft Association of Ireland
How We Work
From first enquiry to delivered data in four simple steps
Areas We Cover
Drone LiDAR surveys across all 32 counties of Ireland
Drone LiDAR Frequently Asked Questions
Our drone LiDAR surveys achieve a vertical accuracy of +/-5 cm when verified against properly located ground control points. This meets engineering survey standards and exceeds typical photogrammetry accuracy on vegetated terrain
Use LiDAR when your site has dense vegetation, tree canopy, or grass above 30cm. LiDAR is also the better choice for restricted-access sites (power lines, railways, hazardous areas) and any project requiring bare-earth DTM data for engineering design.
Yes. Modern laser scanner hardware has reduced significantly in size and weight. We use the DJI Zenmuse L2 mounted on the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, capturing up to 240,000 points per second in single-return mode (1.2 million points per second in multi-return) with integrated GPS/GNSS and IMU positioning. This is a purpose-built laser technology platform designed for survey-grade aerial LiDAR.
LiDAR and water do not mix well due to refraction and light absorption. Standard land-survey LiDAR sensors cannot reliably penetrate water. For coastal erosion monitoring, photogrammetry with tidal planning is often the better approach. We can advise on the right method for your project.
Data capture depends on site size, but most sites under 50 hectares are completed in half a day. Processed deliverables are typically returned within 2 working days.
Ready to Start Your LiDAR Survey Project?
Whether your site is overgrown, access-restricted, or requires bare-earth terrain data, our drone LiDAR surveys deliver the accuracy you need. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.