DRONE SURVEYING FOR BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTUR AND LARGE AREAS
The requirements for surveying and engineering projects continue to increase. Projects are becoming more complex, structures more demanding, and expectations for accuracy, documentation, and usability are growing.
Especially in hard-to-access areas or large-scale environments, traditional surveying methods often lead to increased effort. On-site work becomes more time-consuming, coordination more complex, and project timelines more critical.
Additional capture methods enable a more efficient and consistent representation of reality. Instead of isolated measurements, complete datasets are generated that are both geometrically precise and visually understandable.
The combination of drone surveying and laser scanning provides a reliable foundation for planning, analysis, and documentation — particularly in complex or large-scale projects.
CAPTURING COMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE
Capturing large and hard-to-access structures places specific demands on accessibility, safety, and precision. The example of the Europabrücke shows how combined methods are applied in practice: drone surveying enables access to difficult areas, while high-resolution imagery in the sub-millimeter range allows for detailed analysis of structural surfaces.
The structured processing of the data results in a complete and consistent dataset that can be directly used for analysis, inspection, and further planning steps. This creates a reliable overall representation of the structure, enabling well-founded assessments regardless of accessibility and overall project scale.
OUR
SERVICES
Drone surveying (photogrammetry)
Capture of structures and terrain using UAV-based photogrammetry. Results include orthophotos, point clouds, and 3D models that can be directly used.
Laserscanning (TLS/MLS/ULS)
High-precision data capture using terrestrial, mobile, or airborne laser scanning. Suitable for both detailed structures and terrain models.
Autonomous drone operations
Automated flight and inspection routes for efficient and repeatable data capture, especially in recurring workflows.
Advanced sensors
Multispectral and thermal imaging provide additional data for analysis and evaluation beyond pure geometry.
Modeling (CAD / BIM)
Processing of georeferenced data into CAD and BIM models (e.g. IFC), ready for integration into planning workflows.
Visualization
Structured 2D and 3D visualizations for analysis, coordination, and communication with stakeholders.
Inspection
High-resolution data capture enables detailed inspections down to the sub-millimeter range, even in hard-to-access areas.
EXAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT PROJECT TYPES
The applied methods are comparable — the requirements vary depending on the project.
The following examples illustrate typical applications in infrastructure, buildings, and large-scale environments.
INFRASTRUCTURE – HIGH-RESOLUTION BRIDGE INSPECTION
Capturing complex infrastructure under limited accessibility conditions.
- drone-based data capture in hard-to-reach areas
- use of high-resolution Phase One camera systems
- sub-millimeter resolution (down to approx. 0.4 mm)
- complete and structured capture of the structure
The data provides a reliable basis for inspection, analysis, and engineering decisions.
BUILDING – AS-BUILT CAPTURE & BIM MODELING
Digital capture of an industrial building as a basis for technical planning.
- full capture of roof and façade areas
- combination of drone surveying and complementary methods
- processing into an IFC-based BIM model
- direct use for planning (e.g. lightning protection systems)
The structured model reduces coordination effort and supports efficient project execution.
LARGE-SCALE AREA – SURVEYING & VISUALIZATION
Efficient capture of large project areas for planning and communication.
- coverage of approximately 10 km²
- consistent drone-based data capture
- structured datasets for planning purposes
- visualizations for stakeholder communication
In addition to technical planning, the data supports communication with stakeholders and the public.
