Drone Topographical Surveys in Ireland
Drone Services Ireland delivers drone topographical surveys with ±5cm accuracy for engineers, architects, planners, and developers across Ireland. We have completed numerous topographical surveys for projects ranging from wind farm access road planning and solar farm site preparation to greenfield development sites, road schemes, and infrastructure corridors. Our deliverables are CAD-ready, produced in Irish Transverse Mercator (ITM/IRENET95) projection with Malin Head vertical datum, and formatted for direct import into AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS platforms.
We have access to licensed surveyors for projects that require professional sign-off or ground-truth verification, giving clients assurance that our topographical data meets the standards expected by planning authorities, design engineers, and statutory bodies. Combined with our LiDAR capability for vegetated and complex terrain, we offer the most comprehensive aerial topographical survey service available from any Irish drone operator.
What is a Drone Topographical Survey?
A drone topographic survey captures the natural and man-made features of a site from the air, producing an accurate, scaled representation of the ground surface. The survey records elevation data, contours, spot heights, ground features, boundary lines, structures, roads, watercourses, vegetation, and services, including overhead power lines and poles. The output is a detailed topographic drawing or model that engineers and designers use as the foundation for site design, planning submissions, volume calculations, and construction layout.
Traditional topographical surveys rely on ground-based total stations and GNSS rovers, with a surveyor walking the site to capture individual points. For large or complex sites, this can take days or weeks. A drone topographical survey captures the same data in a fraction of the time by flying a systematic grid pattern over the site, collecting hundreds or thousands of overlapping images that are processed into a dense point cloud, an orthomosaic, and a Digital Terrain Model (DTM). From these datasets, contours, spot heights, and feature linework are extracted to produce the final CAD drawing.
The result is not a sketch or an approximation. It is a survey-grade topographic plan with ±5cm accuracy in X, Y, and Z coordinates, verified against ground control points and suitable for engineering design.
How We Conduct Topographical Surveys
Every topographical survey follows a structured workflow designed to deliver consistent, auditable results.
Project scoping and mission planning begin before we arrive on site. We review the survey boundary (typically supplied as a KML file, OS map extract, or annotated screenshot), confirm the required deliverables and accuracy standards, and plan the flight using UgCS or DJI Pilot 2 with terrain-following enabled. For sites with significant elevation change, terrain-following is essential to maintain a consistent ground sampling distance (GSD) across the full survey area.
Ground control points (GCPs) are established on site using RTK GNSS to provide known reference coordinates that the photogrammetric or LiDAR processing uses to georectify the dataset. GCP placement is planned in advance to ensure even distribution across the site. For some projects, we operate in full RTK or PPK mode where the drone’s onboard GNSS receiver records centimetre-accurate positions in real time, reducing the number of GCPs required while maintaining accuracy.
Data capture is performed using our DJI Matrice 300 RTK with either the Zenmuse P1 photogrammetry camera (45 MP full-frame sensor) or the Zenmuse L1/L2 LiDAR payload. For most topographical surveys on open ground, photogrammetry delivers excellent results. Where the site has vegetation, tree cover, long grass, or structures that obscure the ground surface, we deploy LiDAR to penetrate the canopy and capture bare-earth elevation data. On some projects, we combine both sensors to deliver a colourised LiDAR point cloud alongside a high-resolution orthomosaic.
Processing and CAD extraction take place in our office using industry-standard software, including Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, and 3D Survey. The raw data is processed into a georeferenced point cloud, classified to separate ground from vegetation and structures, and used to generate a DTM, contour lines, and feature linework. CAD drawings are extracted and delivered in DWG or DXF format, with layers organised for immediate use in AutoCAD Civil 3D or equivalent platforms. Standard deliverables are produced in IRENET95/ITM projection (EPSG:2157) with Malin Head vertical datum unless an alternative coordinate system is specified.
Quality assurance includes verifying processed data against independent checkpoints (GCPs withheld from processing). Where a project requires a professional surveyor review, our licensed surveyors verify the outputs before delivery.
Typical Deliverables
A drone topographical survey from DSI produces some or all of the following, depending on project requirements:
Topographic CAD drawings with contour lines at specified intervals (typically 0.25m, 0.5m, or 1.0m), spot heights, feature linework (buildings, roads, fences, walls, watercourses, embankments), and annotation. Delivered in DWG/DXF format.
Digital Terrain Models (DTM) showing bare-earth elevation data with vegetation and structures removed. Essential for cut-and-fill calculations, drainage design, and road alignment.
Digital Surface Models (DSM) showing the full surface including vegetation, buildings, and structures. Used for line-of-sight analysis, visual impact assessments, and planning context.
Orthomosaic imagery provides a true-to-scale, georeferenced aerial photograph of the site from which direct measurements can be taken. Engineers and planners frequently overlay orthomosaics on CAD drawings for visual context.
Dense point clouds in LAS/LAZ format for clients who process their own data or require integration with existing geospatial datasets.
Cross-sections and longitudinal profiles extracted along specified alignments for road design, pipeline routes, or corridor assessments.
All deliverables are produced in the client’s required coordinate system. Unless otherwise specified, we use IRENET95/ITM (EPSG:2157) with Malin Head (OSGM15) vertical datum, which is the standard for engineering and planning work in Ireland.
Applications
Renewable Energy Site Planning
Topographical surveys are a critical early-stage requirement for wind farm and solar farm development. We have completed topographic surveys for both wind farm access road planning and solar farm site preparation, providing elevation data, contour mapping, and feature identification that design engineers require to plan turbine positions, access road gradients, cable routes, substation locations, and panel array layouts.
For wind farm projects, accurate topographical data is essential for determining access road feasibility on steep or uneven terrain, assessing drainage and watercourse crossings, and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submissions. For solar farms, the survey provides the ground profile data needed to design mounting structures, assess shading from surrounding terrain, and plan site drainage.
Our LiDAR and photogrammetry case study demonstrates how we combine both technologies for renewable energy projects. On that project, we surveyed 15 km of overhead power lines along the site topography, extracting pole positions, pylon spot heights, cable sag measurements, and ground clearance data, and integrating them into CAD drawings. The LiDAR data captured the power line cables, which photogrammetry alone could not reconstruct due to their small diameters, while photogrammetry provided high-resolution imagery of ground features. The combined dataset gave engineers a complete picture of both the terrain and the existing electrical infrastructure, all delivered at ±5-6cm accuracy without anyone needing to access the land beneath the lines.
Construction and Development Sites
Topographical surveys underpin every stage of the construction process. At pre-planning, the survey establishes existing ground conditions and site constraints. During design, it provides the base data for architectural layouts, road geometry, drainage design, and foundation levels. At the construction stage, it enables cut-and-fill volume calculations for earthworks pricing and progress measurement.
We regularly survey greenfield development sites, brownfield redevelopment sites, road corridors, and infrastructure projects. A typical construction topographical survey is completed in a single site visit, with processed data and CAD deliverables returned within one to two working days. For clients who have previously relied on traditional land surveyors, this represents a significant reduction in both time and cost. A drone topographic survey typically yields 60-70% cost savings relative to conventional methods while capturing a much denser dataset.
Planning Submissions
Local authorities require topographical survey data as part of planning applications for developments of all scales. Our CAD drawings meet the standards expected by planning consultants and are regularly submitted as part of residential, commercial, and infrastructure planning packs. Where the planning submission requires a survey signed off by a licensed surveyor, we can arrange this through our surveyor network.
Linear Infrastructure and Corridors
Road schemes, greenways, pipeline routes, and power line corridors all require topographical data along their length. Our drone surveys efficiently cover large linear areas, and LiDAR is particularly valuable for corridors that pass through vegetated or wooded areas, where photogrammetry cannot capture the ground surface. Our Croagh Patrick greenway LiDAR survey in Mayo and the 15 km power line survey both demonstrate our capability for large-scale linear topographical work.
Quarries and Earthworks
Volumetric surveys for quarries and stockpiles are a specialised application of topographical surveying. We calculate cut-and-fill volumes, track material movement over time, and provide progressive volume reports for quarry operators, waste management companies, and construction contractors. Our emergency stockpile volume case study demonstrates rapid deployment and turnaround for time-critical volumetric work.
LiDAR or Photogrammetry: Choosing the Right Method
The choice between photogrammetry and LiDAR depends on the site conditions and the required deliverables.
Photogrammetry works best on open sites with minimal vegetation, where the ground surface is visible from above. It produces high-resolution orthomosaic imagery alongside the elevation data, making it ideal for construction sites, development land, and open terrain. Photogrammetry requires good light conditions and cannot penetrate vegetation.
LiDAR is essential when the site has vegetation, tree canopy, long grass, scrub, or any ground cover that obscures the surface. LiDAR laser pulses penetrate gaps in foliage to record the bare-earth surface beneath, producing accurate DTMs that photogrammetry cannot achieve on vegetated sites. LiDAR does not depend on light conditions and can operate in overcast weather.
Combined LiDAR and photogrammetry delivers the best of both technologies. LiDAR provides bare-earth elevation data and captures features such as power lines and thin structures that photogrammetry misses, while photogrammetry provides colourised imagery and visual context. We routinely combine the two sensors on projects where site conditions require it.
For guidance on which method suits your project, see our detailed comparison on the LiDAR survey page or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Access to Licensed Surveyors
While drone operators capture data from the air, some projects require a licensed surveyor for professional sign-off, boundary verification, or statutory compliance. We have access to licensed surveyors who can review and verify our topographical survey outputs, provide professional survey reports, and attend sites where ground-based supplementary measurements are needed.
This is particularly relevant for planning submissions where the local authority or An Bord Pleanála requires a survey certified by a qualified surveyor, and for engineering projects where the design team needs assurance that the topographical data meets professional survey standards. Our survey data is produced to a standard that licensed surveyors are comfortable certifying, because the equipment, workflows, and accuracy levels match or exceed those of conventional survey methods.
Equipment and Accuracy
We use the DJI Matrice 300 RTK as our primary survey platform, paired with the Zenmuse P1 (45 MP photogrammetry camera) and Zenmuse L2 (LiDAR sensor capturing up to 1,200,000 points per second). RTK/PPK positioning delivers centimetre-level geotagging accuracy for every image and LiDAR return.
Our standard topographical survey accuracy is ±5cm in X, Y, and Z coordinates, verified against independent ground control points. For projects requiring higher accuracy, we increase GCP density and reduce flight altitude to achieve tighter tolerances. For projects where ±10cm accuracy is sufficient, we can optimise the flight plan to achieve faster coverage and lower costs.
Flight parameters are configured for each project based on the required GSD, site size, terrain complexity, and deliverable specifications. Typical survey flights operate at 50 to 120 metres above ground level, with 75% front overlap and 65% side overlap to ensure robust photogrammetric reconstruction.
Coverage
We conduct topographical surveys across Ireland, with regular projects in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Mayo. For renewable energy projects, we frequently deploy in the Midlands and Western counties, where wind and solar developments are concentrated. We also operate in Northern Ireland.
For multi-site projects or portfolios that require consistent topographic data across multiple locations, we can efficiently schedule survey deployments to reduce mobilisation costs.
Why Choose Drone Services Ireland
We have been delivering drone topographic surveys since 2016, making us one of the country’s longest-established operators. Our combination of photogrammetry and LiDAR capability means we can survey any site regardless of ground conditions, and our access to licensed surveyors provides the professional assurance that some projects require.
We hold EASA Specific Category authorisation, carry €6.5 million public liability insurance, and deliver survey data verified against ground control to ±5cm accuracy. Our industry leadership positions (Secretary, Drone Professionals Ireland; former Chair, IPDPA; former Co-Chair, UAAI) reflect a depth of experience that clients can rely on for complex topographical work.
Turnaround is typically one to two working days from data capture to processed deliverables. For time-critical projects, we can prioritise faster delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a drone topographical survey?
Our standard accuracy is ±5cm in X, Y, and Z coordinates, verified against ground control points. This meets engineering survey standards and is suitable for planning submissions, construction design, and volumetric calculations. For projects requiring tighter tolerances, we can adjust our methodology to achieve higher accuracy.
How long does a drone topographical survey take?
A typical site of up to 50 hectares can be surveyed in half a day. Processed deliverables (point cloud, DTM, orthomosaic, CAD drawings) are usually returned within one to two working days. Larger sites or projects with complex deliverable requirements may take longer. We provide a timeline estimate at the quoting stage.
What coordinate system do you deliver in?
Unless otherwise specified, all deliverables are produced in IRENET95/Irish Transverse Mercator (EPSG:2157) with Malin Head (OSGM15) vertical datum, which is the standard for engineering and planning work in Ireland. We can deliver in alternative coordinate systems on request.
Do I need a licensed surveyor for a planning submission?
This depends on the local authority and the scale of the development. Some planning authorities accept drone survey data without a professional surveyor’s sign-off; others require certification by a licensed surveyor. We can arrange a licensed surveyor review and sign-off through our surveyor network if your project requires it.
When should I choose LiDAR over photogrammetry for a topographical survey?
Use LiDAR when your site has vegetation, tree canopies, tall grass, or other ground cover that obscures the surface. LiDAR penetrates vegetation to capture the bare-earth surface beneath. Photogrammetry works well on open ground where the surface is visible from above. For sites with mixed conditions, we can combine both technologies in a single survey.
How does a drone topographical survey compare to traditional surveying on cost?
A drone topographic survey typically costs 60-70% less than an equivalent traditional survey using total stations and GNSS rovers. The time saving is even greater on large sites, where a drone can capture in hours what would take a ground crew days or weeks. The drone also captures a much denser dataset, providing millions of data points compared with the hundreds or thousands a ground surveyor would typically record.
Can you survey overhead power lines as part of a topographical survey?
Yes. Our LiDAR and photogrammetry case study demonstrates exactly this. We surveyed 15 km of power lines along the site topography, extracting pole positions, pylon spot heights, cable sag measurements, and ground clearance data, and entered them into CAD drawings. LiDAR is essential for capturing thin cable features that photogrammetry cannot reliably reconstruct.