What does a drone survey as a service cost?

No one can give you a reliable figure without knowing the details of the project – the effort involved for the same area can vary greatly depending on the desired outcome. What we can tell you are the factors that determine the price.

What drives the price

• The result, not the flight. A few overview images can be produced within a few hours. A dimensionally accurate 3D model with documented accuracy is primarily office work – the flight itself is often the shortest part.
• Required accuracy. Centimetre-level accuracy means surveying ground control points or using RTK, flying at a lower altitude, taking more images and allowing more processing time.
• Sensor technology. Thermal imaging, multispectral cameras or LiDAR mean more expensive equipment and more complex analysis.
• The location. Open fields are inexpensive. City centres, proximity to airports, industrial facilities or railway lines involve additional approval work, sometimes with several weeks' lead time.
• Approval requirements. If the project requires an operational authorisation, this can significantly affect the schedule and costs.
• Travel and weather risk. A cancelled appointment due to wind still costs a day.
• Repeat surveys. Recurring appointments are significantly less expensive per appointment than one-off assignments – the preparation only has to be done once.

How to obtain a reliable figure

Do not tell us how large the area is; tell us what you want to use the result for. Everything else follows from that. Useful information includes the purpose, desired data format, required accuracy, location, schedule and whether the operation is a one-off or recurring.

If it becomes clear that you need the result regularly, we can also calculate during the same consultation when investing in your own drone becomes worthwhile.

Not sure what applies to your project? We can help you assess this in a consultation – book an appointment.