Drone Surveying and Mapping Services
Survey-grade topographic maps, volumes and AutoCAD linework
Accurate site data in days, not weeks.
Our drone surveying services capture an entire site in a fraction of the time of traditional ground surveys, then turn the data into survey-grade maps, contours, stockpile volumes and AutoCAD-ready linework your team can use immediately. Photogrammetry is our preferred method for most projects, with LiDAR available when vegetation or terrain calls for it.
We work with engineers, developers, contractors and surveyors across Ontario and Quebec, and our first-in-Canada Aerial-to-AutoCAD workflow delivers georeferenced linework straight to your desktop.
- Survey-grade accuracy: ground control and GNSS-verified data
- Faster than ground crews: large sites mapped in a single visit
- Ready-to-use files: orthomosaics, contours, surfaces and CAD
- Safer sites: no crews walking active or hazardous areas
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+ St. Michael, Quebec: survey-grade orthomosaic and AutoCAD linework for a 120-acre hydroelectric development site.
Drone Mapping Services for Every Stage of Your Project
From early site planning to final volumes, our drone surveying and aerial mapping services deliver the data your team needs, in the formats you already use.
Rural Development Base Mapping
- Base Planimetric CAD Exports
- Property and Feature Boundaries
- Contours and Spot Elevations
- GCPs and Breaklines
- Ideal for Site Planning!
As-Built Base Mapping
- Detailed Planimetric CAD Exports
- Up to 40 Visible Features Per Acre
- Roads, Utilities, Structures etc
- Accuracy Report and Raw GPS Data
- For Industrial and Commercial Sites!
Stockpile and Volume Measurement
- Accurate Stockpile Volumes
- Cut and Fill Calculations
- Repeat Flights for Tracking
- Clear, Easy-to-Read Reports
- For Aggregates and Earthworks!
How We Conduct a Drone Survey
A proven workflow that delivers survey-grade data, fast
Over the years, we’ve refined a drone surveying workflow built for land-use planning and industrial and commercial as-builts. On a typical 100-acre site, our field work is finished in a few hours, and survey-grade results are usually delivered within one to two weeks, faster and at a lower cost than traditional ground surveys.
Our Drone Survey Process
- Review the site and your project goals
- Confirm the linework features to include
- Plan the flights and ground control positions
- Check the NTRIP correction network accuracy for the location
- Lay down aerial survey targets on site
- Take GNSS survey shots of each target
- Fly the mapping mission at the required ground sample distance (GSD)
- Process, quality-check and deliver your files
What You Receive
Every drone survey includes a full set of photogrammetry exports: an orthomosaic, 3D mesh, .las point cloud, classified DTM LAS, DSM, contours and a Clean Top TIN. These open in the engineering, GIS and design software your team already uses.
On top of these, our base mapping packages include an accuracy report, raw GPS data and three AutoCAD (.dwg) drawings: planimetric features, breaklines and a planimetric DTM, processed to your required horizontal and vertical datum. A section drawing showing site elevation changes is available on request. LiDAR data is also available for sites with dense vegetation or complex terrain.
Get fast, accurate AutoCAD exports with detailed linework delivered in weeks—not months. Our drone mapping services are ideal for land-use planning, site development, and commercial or industrial as-builts. With survey-grade data and precise georeferencing, you get reliable results that integrate directly into your CAD workflow, saving time and cutting costs.
Drone Survey Examples and Results
Here are four recent drone surveying projects, with the real site sizes, accuracy and costs at the time of each project. Combined operational and processing fees ranged from about $65 to $120 per acre, depending on site size, accuracy requirements and deliverables. Larger sites typically cost less per acre.
- h162 acres, 1,146 photos, GSD about 20 mm
- RMSE 1.8 ft without ground control (planning grade)
- Orthomosaic, contours, DTM, 3D model and point cloud
- About $65 per acre combined
- 123 acres, 1,585 photos, GSD about 1.55 cm
- Accuracy under 2.0 cm against ground control
- Planimetric, breakline and planimetric DTM files in AutoCAD
- About $76 per acre combined
- 40 acres, GSD about 1.50 cm, 5 ground control points
- Accuracy under 3.5 cm against ground control
- Drainage network, section profile and planimetric DTM files
- About $105 per acre combined
- 29 acres, 1,221 photos, GSD about 18 mm
- RMSE 2.4 ft without ground control
- Contours, DTM, 3D model and AutoCAD planning outputs
- About $120 per acre combined
Drone Mapping and 3D Modeling
Every drone survey we complete also produces a detailed 3D model and point cloud of your site. These models let engineers, planners and clients explore terrain, structures and elevation changes from any angle, long before anyone sets foot on site.
The video below shows point clouds from four separate drone mapping projects, and the level of detail our aerial mapping captures, from open land and slopes to buildings and infrastructure.
Drone Surveying FAQ
Every drone survey quote is made up of four parts: on-site survey time (from $1,499 per day), processing, drone equipment and travel. Processing for rural development base mapping starts at $40 per acre, and detailed as-built base mapping is about $80 per acre. Larger sites usually cost less per acre overall, because on-site time is spread over more land. We provide a fixed quote the same day.
Rural development base mapping covers what you need for planning land development: property and feature boundaries, contour lines, spot elevations, ground control points and breaklines. As-built base mapping is more detailed, capturing up to 40 visible features per acre, such as roads, curbs, buildings, utilities, manholes, hydrants and light standards. It’s ideal for industrial and commercial facilities. Both include an accuracy report, raw GPS data and three AutoCAD drawings.
With ground control points and NTRIP corrections, our recent projects have been accurate to less than 5.0cm, and every base mapping package includes an accuracy report. For early planning work, we can also fly without ground control at a lower cost, with accuracy in the 1.8 to 2.4 ft range.
No. Legal boundary (cadastral) surveys in Ontario must be completed by an Ontario Land Surveyor. The property boundaries in our base mapping are shown for planning reference only. For many projects, our topographic base mapping, contours and AutoCAD linework provide what’s needed for planning and design, faster and at a lower cost than through traditional land surveyors.
You receive an orthomosaic, 3D mesh, .las point cloud, classified DTM LAS, DSM, contours and a Clean Top TIN, plus an accuracy report, raw GPS data and three AutoCAD (.dwg) drawings: planimetric features, breaklines and a planimetric DTM
Field work on a typical 100-acre site takes a few hours. Processed, survey-grade deliverables are usually ready within one to two weeks.
Yes. Photogrammetry is our preferred method for most projects, and LiDAR is available for sites with dense vegetation or complex terrain.
Yes. We measure stockpile volumes and calculate cut and fill for aggregates, earthworks and construction sites, with repeat flights available to track changes over time.
We provide drone surveying and mapping services across Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal.
Related Drone Mapping Services
Need something more specialized? Explore our AutoCAD linework and drone data processing services.
Let’s Map Your Site
Tell us about your site, the features you need mapped and your timeline, and we’ll recommend the right base mapping package, with a fixed quote the same day.
Let's Get Started!
Principal Drone Services
- Drone Photography
- Drone Videography
- Reshoots Free, if needed (but this is never needed)
- Building Facade Inspections
- Thermal Roof Inspections
- AI backed reporting
- Survey-grade sensors and GNSS receivers
- Aerial-to-AutoCAD deliverables
- Drone Data Processing
- Construction progress photography
- Live streaming 24/7 timelapse
- Mapping, earthworks and site logistics
We Get Around!
Years Strong
Happy Clients
Missions Flown