Drone Surveying and Aerial Mapping Across Ireland
Survey-grade topographic data with ±5cm accuracy, delivered in 1–2 working days. Trusted by engineers, architects, and construction firms since 2016. From small residential sites to 500+ hectare developments, our EASA-certified operators and professional-grade equipment deliver CAD-ready results you can build on.
Projects typically start from €450, depending on requirements
EASA & IAA certified · 500+ projects completed · Operating since 2016 · All 32 counties
Survey-Grade Drone Data Deliverables
Every drone survey produces measurable, CAD-ready outputs processed to survey-grade standards from our photogrammetry and LiDAR workflows.
Millions of georeferenced data points for detailed terrain modelling and surface analysis.
Bare-earth Digital Terrain Models and surface elevation data for engineering design and earthworks.
Geo-referenced aerial maps at 1.2cm/pixel, ready for GIS platforms and CAD integration.
Contour maps, spot levels, and feature extraction delivered in DWG, DXF, or your preferred format.
Photorealistic 3D models for BIM integration with Revit and AutoCAD, and planning applications.
Precise cut/fill analysis and stockpile volume measurements from a single drone flight.
Drone Surveying & Mapping
Send Us Your Site Boundary for a Fixed-Price Quote
Share a KML file or map screenshot of your site and we will return a fixed-price quote within 24 hours. Survey-grade accuracy at 60–70% less than traditional methods, with CAD-ready deliverables in 1–2 working days.
Drone Survey Applications Across Ireland
From engineering design to environmental monitoring, our survey-grade drone data supports projects across every major sector in Ireland.
Contour mapping, DTMs, and CAD deliverables for engineering design and planning applications.
Progress tracking, earthwork volumes, and as-built verification throughout your build programme.
Learn morePower lines, bridges, solar farms, and wind turbines inspected safely from the air.
Stockpile volumes, quarry measurements, and cut/fill calculations from a single drone flight.
Digital twins and photorealistic models ready for Revit, AutoCAD, and planning submissions.
Solar farm surveys, wind farm assessments, and environmental baseline mapping for planning.
Penetrate vegetation and canopy to capture bare-earth terrain models that photogrammetry cannot.
Learn moreHigh-resolution imagery and thermal data without scaffolding, cherry pickers, or roof access.
Learn moreDrone Survey Pricing
Transparent starting prices so you know what to expect. Every project receives a fixed quote within 24 hours.
Half-Day Survey
Covers sites up to 5 acres. Ideal for residential developments, farm parcels, and small commercial sites across Ireland.
- Orthomosaic mapping
- 3D site model
- Topographic data
- CAD-ready exports
- EASA-certified pilot
- All airspace permissions
Prices vary based on site size, location, and deliverables required. Larger sites and multi-day projects quoted individually. All prices exclude VAT at 23%.
Why Choose Drone Services Ireland
Ireland’s longest-serving commercial drone operator, with the certifications, insurance, and track record to handle projects of any scale.
We hold the highest level of EASA drone certification, allowing us to operate in complex airspace, near people, and over built-up areas where standard operators cannot.
Ireland’s longest-serving commercial drone operator, with a decade of experience across construction, surveying, energy, and infrastructure sectors nationwide.
From single-acre residential plots to multi-kilometre infrastructure corridors, we have delivered over 500 drone survey and inspection projects across all 32 counties.
We handle all IAA notifications, ATC coordination, and NOTAM applications as standard. No restricted airspace is off limits, including Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and military zones.
Comprehensive aviation-specific insurance that meets the requirements of Tier 1 contractors, local authorities, and semi-state bodies across Ireland.
No hourly rates or hidden extras. Send us your site boundary and receive a fixed-price quote within 24 hours. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Real Projects, Measurable Results
See how our drone surveying services have delivered faster, safer, and more accurate data for clients across Ireland.
--> Combined LiDAR and photogrammetry to survey 15km of 220kV and 110kV power lines for a solar farm planning application, achieving over 70% cost savings and 80% time savings versus traditional methods.
Read case study
--> Mobilised within 90 minutes to resolve a volume dispute on a Dublin construction site. Our survey revealed the actual volume was 16% lower than claimed, saving the client thousands in unnecessary haulage costs.
Read case study
--> Delivered a full topographical survey with CAD extraction of a 300-acre solar farm site in just 10 days. Two days on site, with over 80% time saving versus traditional ground survey methods.
Read case studySurvey-Grade Equipment & Accuracy
Our drone fleet and sensor packages are selected for survey-grade accuracy, enabling us to meet the standards required by engineers, architects, and planning authorities.
| Ground Sample Distance | 1.2 cm/pixel at 80m AGL (typical) |
| Horizontal Accuracy | ±2 cm with RTK/PPK GNSS |
| Vertical Accuracy | ±3 cm with RTK/PPK GNSS |
| Coordinate System | IRENET95 / ITM (EPSG:2157), Malin Head datum |
| Point Cloud Density | 200+ points/m² (photogrammetry) |
| LiDAR Point Density | Up to 240 points/m² (L2 sensor) |
| Output Formats | DWG, DXF, LAS, LAZ, GeoTIFF, OBJ, PDF |
| GCP Verification | Independent check points for quality assurance |
| Processing Software | Pix4D, DJI Terra, Agisoft Metashape, 3D Survey, CloudCompare, Global Mapper, Viizor, Virtual Surveyor, AutoCAD |
Drone Survey vs Traditional Land Survey
A side-by-side comparison showing why clients across Ireland are choosing drone surveying for speed, safety, and value.
| Criteria | Drone Survey | Traditional Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Time on Site | Hours, not days. A 50-acre site is typically captured in a single morning. Faster | Multiple days for the same coverage. Large sites may require a full week with a ground crew. Slower |
| Cost | Typically 40-70% less than traditional methods. Fewer personnel, shorter site time, less equipment. Lower cost | Higher labour costs, longer mobilisation, and additional equipment hire push costs up significantly. Higher cost |
| Accuracy | Down to 15mm with RTK positioning. LiDAR delivers survey-grade accuracy even through vegetation. Comparable or better | High accuracy for individual points, but fewer data points overall across the site. Limited density |
| Data Density | Millions of survey points per flight. Creates complete surface models rather than point samples. Comprehensive | Data is collected point by point. Gaps between measurements are interpolated, not measured. Sparse |
| Safety | No personnel on hazardous terrain. Ideal for rooftops, quarries, power lines, and live construction sites. Minimal risk | Surveyors must physically access every measurement point, including difficult or dangerous areas. Higher risk |
| Site Disruption | Zero ground disruption. The drone operates overhead while site work continues below. None | Ground crews, equipment, and vehicles on site can slow down or halt ongoing operations. Significant |
| Deliverables | Orthomosaics, 3D models, point clouds, DTMs, contour maps, volume calculations, and CAD exports from a single flight. Multiple outputs | Typically a 2D plan and spot levels. 3D models or volumetrics require separate commissions. Limited scope |
| Turnaround | Processed data typically delivered within 48 hours of the flight. Days | Processing and CAD drafting often takes 1-3 weeks depending on site complexity. Weeks |
Note: Drone surveys complement rather than replace traditional surveying for certain tasks. We often work alongside land surveyors, providing aerial data that integrates with ground control networks for the best of both methods.
From Enquiry to Data in 4 Simple Steps
We handle all permissions, logistics, and processing so you can focus on your project.
Tell us about your project via the contact form or phone. We will ask about location, scope, and timeline.
We review your requirements, check airspace restrictions, and send a fixed price within 24 hours.
Our EASA-certified team handles all permissions, arrives on site, and completes the operation.
You receive processed data and reports in your required format, typically within 48 hours of the flight.
Drone Surveying Across All 32 Counties
Based in Ireland and operating nationwide. We specialise in higher-risk operations in towns, cities, and restricted airspace.
Nationwide coverage: We provide drone surveying services across all 32 counties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. View all service areas
Drone Surveying and Mapping Frequently Asked Questions
We achieve ±5cm accuracy in X, Y, and Z coordinates using RTK/PPK workflows verified against ground control points. Our results are validated by in-house surveyors.
The two main limitations are airspace restrictions and weather. We can apply for permission to fly in most restricted areas, but we won’t compromise data quality by flying in unsuitable conditions. Wind above 12m/s, rain, and low cloud base can all affect operations.
Data capture for a 50-hectare site typically takes half a day. With pre-completed mission planning and GCP layout, total turnaround, including processed deliverables, is 1–2 working days.
Unless otherwise specified, all deliverables are produced in IRENET95 (ITM) projection with Malin Head vertical datum (EPSG: 2157).
No. Drone surveys do not require planning permission. In fact, drone surveys are frequently used to support planning applications by providing fast, accurate site data.
Site size, location, airspace complexity, required accuracy level, and specific deliverables. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Every project is priced individually based on site size, location, airspace complexity, required accuracy, and specific deliverables. A single-visit topographic survey of a small site typically starts from €400, with larger sites and ongoing programmes priced accordingly. We provide a detailed quote within 24 hours of receiving your site boundary. Contact us with your site details for a free quote.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a Fixed-Price Survey Quote Within 24 Hours
Tell us about your project and we will handle the rest. We take care of all airspace permissions, risk assessments, and RAMS documentation so you can focus on your project. No hidden costs, no surprises.