Drones: applications and compliance for surveyors

This insight paper discusses the opportunities, rapidly developing applications and compliance challenges of using drones in a surveying environment, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases of misuse. The insight paper also highlights the fast-moving national and international regulatory issues impacting the technology's integration into widespread use in the land, property and construction sectors.

The rapid development of drones has led to a significant increase in their use for surveying applications, including mapping, building surveying and land and agriculture management. Businesses are increasingly assessing the potential impact drone technology can have on their professional practice and speculating on how they can develop their own drone strategies.

This insight paper also includes in-depth sections on:

• a rapidly evolving national and international drone industry
• opportunities and challenges for drone users
• drone platforms and, even more importantly for surveyors, sensors (from optical to hyperspectral)
• case studies
• current and emerging regulatory and compliance issues, including national and international legislation and developing standards
• factors to consider ahead of incorporating this cutting-edge technology into your business.

The insight also contains extensive references, a glossary and a further reading list and is essential reading for all professionals thinking of using, employing or integrating drone-derived imagery and data into their workflow.