Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are the questions we’re asked most often about drone surveys, LiDAR mapping, and aerial data collection — covering what these services are, how accurate they are, what they cost, and how to get started. If you can’t find your answer here, contact us directly and we’ll get back to you.

What Is a Drone Survey?

A drone survey is the use of an uncrewed aircraft (drone) fitted with LiDAR sensor, high resolution camera and other survey-grade instruments to capture aerial survey data over a site. It is typically used for mapping, measuring or inspecting land, infrastructure or vegetation. The drone flies a pre-planned flight path,  created by the pilot prior to visiting the site, capturing overlapping laser scan data and images which are then processed into deliverables like point clouds, orthomosaics, digital elevation models (DEMs), elevation contour maps, planimetric linework (tracing roads, powerlines, fences, dams, buildings, etc) and 3D CAD models. Queensland Drones has been delivering drone surveys across Queensland, NSW, and the Northern Territory since 2016.

What is LIDAR Mapping?

LiDAR mapping uses a laser scanner (LiDAR sensor) mounted on a drone to measure millions of precise distance points across a site, building a highly accurate 3D point cloud of the ground, vegetation and structures. Unlike photogrammetry (camera-based mapping), LiDAR can see through gaps in vegetation to capture accurate ground level data, which is why it’s the preferred method for corridor mapping, forested sites and anywhere dense vegetation would otherwise hide the true terrain.

What’s the Difference Between a Drone Survey and a LIDAR Survey?

“Drone survey” is the general term for any aerial data capture using a drone. It can use a standard camera (photogrammetry), a thermal sensor, a multispectral sensor or a LiDAR sensor, depending on what the project needs. A “LiDAR survey” specifically refers to a drone survey carried out using LiDAR technology. In short: every LiDAR survey is a drone survey, but not every drone survey uses LiDAR. We help clients choose the right sensor for the job: LiDAR where vegetation penetration or millimetre-level terrain accuracy matters, photogrammetry where a high-resolution visual record and lower cost are the priority.

What’s the Difference Between LIDAR and Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the original method used for drone mapping. It builds 3D models and maps from overlapping photographs and works well on open, clear sites, but not where there’s a lot of vegetation, especially grasses and thick trees. LiDAR uses laser pulses and can penetrate small gaps in the vegetation canopy to capture accurate bare-earth terrain, even under trees or scrub — something photogrammetry can’t do (it only captures the tallest point in the terrain, whether that’s ground, grass, scrub or trees. LiDAR also generally has better accuracy better across large or vegetated areas, while photogrammetry can be more cost-effective on small, open sites where visual detail matters most. But it’s worth knowing that Queensland Drones can simultaneously capture both LIDAR data and images for photogrammetry. You don’t have to choose one or the other. We’ve written a full breakdown of this in our blog post: 9 Key Differences Between Photogrammetry and LiDAR.

How Accurate is Drone LIDAR Mapping?

The accuracy of drone LIDAR mapping depends entirely on the equipment used and the skill of the operator in choosing the correct approach, method and strategy for checking and proving that accuracy. Just flying a drone is never enough. Using PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) positioning: without ground control, accuracy is typically around 5cm XY / 10cm vertical; with sufficient ground control, this improves to around 3cm XY / 5cm vertical; and with ground control plus data checking by a registered surveyor, we’ve been shown to achieve 2cm XY / 3cm vertical accuracy. Results vary with terrain, ground surface, and thickness of ground cover. This level of precision makes it suitable for engineering design, construction verification and other survey-grade applications, not just visual reference.

How Much Does LIDAR Mapping Cost?

Drone LIDAR mapping, done well, is not cheap … but it is very cost-effective. Bad data can cost you a lot of money, but good data can save you even more. As a general guide, UAV-mounted LiDAR mapping requires a two-person team and typically runs around $3,000 per day including travel time and travel expenses, compared to around $30-40,000 per day for a manned aircraft LiDAR system. Drones make this level of survey accuracy accessible for projects that couldn’t previously justify the cost of a manned flight. Actual pricing depends on site size, accuracy requirements and deliverables needed. See our full breakdown in How Much Does LIDAR Mapping Cost? or get a quote for your specific project.

How Much Does a Drone Survey Cost?

Drone survey pricing depends on the size of the area, the deliverables required and the level of precision you need. For this reason, we always prefer to chat with you about your project before we provider a quote, so we have a full understanding of what you’re needing the achieve and how our data can best meet your needs. Contact us with your site details and we’ll give you a call to get a better appreciation of your project, then give you a straightforward quote.

What Deliverables Do You Provide From a LIDAR or Drone Survey?

The last thing you need after getting a Drone or LIDAR survey for your project is to receive huge data files that either don’t meet your needs, can’t be imported into your workflow or systems, or are not what you expected to get. This is why we prefer to chat with you about the context of your project and how you will use the data before we provide a quote. Depending on your project needs, we provide point clouds, classified ground/vegetation data, TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface models, elevation contour lines, digital elevation models (DEMs), digital terrain models (DTMs), orthomosaic imagery, CAD-ready outputs compatible with common engineering and survey software, even tree counts and vegetation volumes. All processing is done in-house, so deliverables are tailored to what your project or software actually needs, rather than a generic export. We also take the time to optimise all your data before delivery to minimise download time and make sure your software can actually consume the data.

How Large an Area can a Drone or LIDAR Survey Cover

Sadly, there is still a myth in our industry that drone mapping or UAV LIDAR surveys are only practical over small areas. 2000 Hectares or 20 square km is often mentioned as a threshold where it’s more cost-effective to engage manned aircraft. This is simply not true, and we’ve proved this over and over again for our customers. We regularly map large-scale projects of 5000 hectares and more, across Queensland, NSW and  the Northern Territory. Our largest project so far is 60 square km, and they get bigger every year. It’s all a matter of time, planning and practicality. For very large sites, we can deploy multiple teams of pilots who can each cover around 10 square km per day, including ground control. Don’t assume your project is too big for a drone survey, talk to us about it first and we’ll let you know if it can be done.

What is Drone Mapping used for?

Drone mapping is used across a wide range of industries. More and more industries are finding UAV LIDAR mapping is becoming an essential component of an optimised project workflow. Topographic and contour mapping is typically used for engineering and construction. Volumetric measurement is an essential part of mining, quarrying and stockpile management (especially compliance management). Corridor mapping is a key part of major road and infrastructure projects (especially when comfirming as-built to design). Environmental and vegetation mapping is a critical component of transmission line management, land restoration projects, flood migitation and precision agriculture.  Infrastructure inspections and site surveys are valuable for pre-design and project planning and are often used during the bidding stage of major projectsd. The right sensor (RGB, LiDAR, thermal, or multispectral) depends on which of these applies to your project.

Can Drone Mapping replace Traditional Ground Surveys?

This is probably the most contentious question of all. There are a lot of “snake oil salesmen” who will tell you that you don’t need surveyors any more. This is simply not true. A lot of our LIDAR survey and drone mapping work is done hand in hand with, or on behalf of, traditional surveyors. For some non-critical applications — topographic mapping, volumetric measurement, corridor and vegetation surveys — drone LiDAR can fully replace or significantly reduce the need for ground survey work. For projects requiring legal/cadastral survey data or specific certified survey outputs, drone LiDAR is typically used alongside a registered surveyor rather than as a replacement. We work directly with surveyors and engineers to leverage their skills and integrate our precision data into their existing workflow.

How do I Arrange a Drone Survey or LIDAR Mapping?

Contact us with your site location, approximate area and what you need the data for, and we’ll recommend the right approach to best meet your specific needs (photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal or multispectral). We handle CASA approvals, flight planning and airspace considerations as part of the service. Get in touch or phone Tony on 1300 246 977. Queensland Drones can then prepare a brief proposal and quotation addressing your specific needs.

Is Queensland Drones licensed?

Yes. Queensland Drones operates under CASA ReOC #6466, is CASA-certified for Fixed Wing, Powered Lift (VTOL) and Multicopter UAV operations and is fully insured. We’ve been operating since 2016. 

You should always ask this question of any UAV or drone operator offering to undertake work for you, because if they’re not licensed and insured you could end up being held responsible if people are injured, if property is damaged, or if the operator breaches air safety regulations.

UAV or drone licensing and regulation is managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

How can I find out more?

If you would like to find out more about our aerial imaging services and how they can help you, use the links below to get in touch.

Call Us on 1300 246 977 | Request a Callback | Request a Quote