Our Services

Photogrammetry.
3D geometry from overlapping imagery.

UAV photogrammetric capture across infrastructure corridors, solar farms, earthworks, brownfield and large open sites — RICS Band D / E accuracy (±10–25 mm at 1σ on hard detail) with documented GCP control and check-point verification.

Band D/E
RICS hard-detail accuracy
2–5 cm
Typical GSD
RICS
Regulated practice
Request a Quote Methodology
What it is

In-depth guide: Drone Photogrammetry Survey Guide →

What is photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry generates accurate 3D geometry from overlapping 2D photographs. Identical features visible in multiple images at known camera positions allow the software to triangulate every pixel into a 3D point — producing a dense, georeferenced point cloud and, from that, a mesh, orthophoto, digital surface model and digital terrain model. With a documented Ground Control Point network and independent check points, UAV photogrammetry routinely achieves ±10–25 mm absolute accuracy on hard detail at 1σ — RICS Band D or E from the Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities (3rd edition) framework.

It is the most cost-effective capture method for large open sites with low vegetation and well-textured surfaces — solar farms, brownfield development, earthworks, quarries, corridor mapping. For vegetated terrain, featureless surfaces or engineering-tolerance work, we hybridise photogrammetry with LiDAR and total-station capture.

Angell Surveys is a RICS-regulated practice (Firm 681790). UAV operations conducted under the appropriate CAA authorisations.

Methodology

How we capture.

Survey-grade photogrammetry depends on documented control and verified accuracy, not just flight planning. Every output ships with a check-point residual report.

GCP Network

Pre-marked Ground Control Points established by GNSS RTK rover or total station, distributed to cover the site at appropriate density. Targets visible at flight altitude. Coordinates traceable to OSGB36 / ODN.

Flight Plan & Overlap

Mission planning at calibrated overlap (typical 80/70%), altitude matched to required GSD, and crossed flight lines for complex terrain. Wind, light and airspace conditions all assessed before mobilisation.

Dense Reconstruction

Industry-standard photogrammetric processing (Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D, RealityCapture) on dedicated workstations. Dense point cloud, mesh, orthomosaic and DTM/DSM products derived in-house.

Independent Check Points

Independent ground points not used in bundle adjustment are observed and reported as accuracy residuals on every deliverable. The accuracy statement is measured, not advertised.

Orthorectified Imagery

Pixel-true orthophoto generated from the bundle-adjusted model. Suitable for planning, condition recording, change detection and visual context layered over CAD design files.

Volumetric Analysis

Stockpile and earthworks volumes computed against a reference surface (previous capture or design surface). Statistical confidence band reported with every volume.

Our Process

How we work.

01

Survey Design

Site boundary, target accuracy, deliverables and access window agreed. Flight plan, GCP layout and RAMS prepared. CAA authorisations confirmed.

02

GCP & Capture

GCP network established and check points observed before flight. UAV photogrammetric capture executed with field QA confirming coverage before demob.

03

Processing

Bundle adjustment, point cloud, mesh, orthomosaic and DTM/DSM derived in-house. Accuracy verified against independent check points.

04

Delivery

Outputs issued to specification with accuracy report. Hosted 3D model published where required for stakeholder review.

Sector Applications
Solar & RenewablesEarthworks & ConstructionQuarries & AggregatesHighways & Rail CorridorsWater UtilitiesBrownfield Development
FAQ

Photogrammetry questions.

What is photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is the technique of generating accurate 3D geometry from overlapping 2D photographs. Identical features visible in multiple images at known camera positions allow the software to triangulate every pixel into a 3D point — producing a dense, georeferenced point cloud and from that a mesh, an orthophoto and a digital terrain or surface model. With a documented Ground Control Point (GCP) network and independent check points, UAV photogrammetry routinely achieves ±10–25 mm absolute positional accuracy on hard detail at 1 sigma — RICS Band D or E.
When should I use photogrammetry instead of LiDAR?
Photogrammetry is faster, cheaper and more efficient for large open sites with low vegetation, well-textured surfaces, and where cm-level accuracy is acceptable — typical use cases: solar farms, brownfield development, earthworks, corridor mapping, quarries, large building elevations. LiDAR is the right tool for vegetated terrain, featureless surfaces, low-light conditions and where engineering tolerance (mm-level) accuracy is required. We hybridise on most projects — photogrammetry for area capture, LiDAR or total station for tight-tolerance ground control.
How accurate is UAV photogrammetry?
Accuracy is referenced to the RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities (3rd edition) bands. With a documented GCP network and independent check-point verification, typical UAV photogrammetric accuracy is ±10–25 mm on hard detail at 1 sigma — RICS Band D or E depending on flight planning and ground control density. Accuracy is reported against actual measured residuals, not theoretical specifications. Where Band B or C engineering tolerance (±4–10 mm) is required, we hybridise photogrammetry with terrestrial GNSS + total station capture for ground control density and check-point coverage.
What software and platforms do you use?
Industry-standard photogrammetry processing (Agisoft Metashape, Pix4DMapper, RealityCapture) on dedicated workstations. The Wingtra Ray (fixed-wing VTOL) is our primary survey platform, with a mechanical-shutter full-frame payload and on-board PPK for survey-grade imagery across large areas; multirotors fly the small or access-constrained sites where fixed-wing is not appropriate. GCP and check-point control by GNSS RTK rover and Leica total station. All processing is performed in-house — point cloud, mesh, DTM and DSM products are derived, not outsourced.
What deliverables will I receive?
Standard outputs are an orthomosaic GeoTIFF (typical GSD 2–5 cm), a dense point cloud (LAS / LAZ), a digital surface model (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM), contours at the requested interval, an AutoCAD DWG plan extract, and an accuracy report. Optional outputs include textured 3D mesh (OBJ, FBX), LandXML surfaces for Civil 3D, volumetric reports against a reference surface, a video flythrough and a hosted measurable web model.
Are you RICS regulated and CAA authorised?
Yes. Angell Surveys is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) — verify our registration at ricsfirms.com/office/681790/Angell-Surveys-Ltd. UAV operations are conducted under the appropriate CAA authorisations with full RAMS, insurance and operator training records supplied at proposal stage. All photogrammetric work is delivered under the RICS Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities professional statement with documented control and independent check points.
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Photogrammetric survey, scoped and quoted within 24 hours.

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