Drone Tech Aerospace Ltd

Drone Tech Aerospace: aerial drone surveys and inspections in the UK

Drone Tech Aerospace Ltd (DTA) is a British company specialising in professional drone services for topographical surveys, technical inspections, aerial photography and video. Its work is aimed at the civil engineering, construction, industrial, insurance, landfill, mining and quarrying, renewable energy, utilities and consumer sectors. The company develops its own drone and remote control systems, enabling it to apply engineering solutions that, according to its presentation, are beyond the reach of operators using standard commercial equipment.

DTA explicitly distinguishes between "drone inspection" and "drone survey": it reserves the term inspection for applications where only photographic or video data is recorded to assess the condition of an asset, and uses survey when measurements are taken, such as in 3D modelling and topographical studies. Services are performed directly by DTA's own pilots, without relying on networks of external small operators.

Topographical surveys and 3D modelling

The company carries out topographical land surveys, volume and earthworks studies, and 3D models using photogrammetry and LiDAR. Projects cited include the LiDAR and photogrammetric survey of the Malverleys estate in Newbury; the topographical survey of the The Droves solar plant site in West Norfolk; and photogrammetry of Canterbury Castle in Kent. DTA states it has carried out two of the largest UAV land surveys ever conducted in the United Kingdom, one covering 1,000 hectares and another covering 1,200 hectares.

Its service catalogue in this area includes 3D data capture, creation and editing; topographical land surveys; boundary surveys; construction surveys; stockpile, spoil heap and earthworks volume studies; and measured building surveys with 3D models.

Technical drone inspections

DTA conducts building and roof inspections, industrial and heritage structure inspections, as well as thermal and thermographic inspections. It also performs internal and confined space inspections using ball or cage drones, and fugitive methane gas detection and surveying at landfill sites. The company also offers wind turbine and solar plant inspections, risk assessments for insurers and loss adjusters, and construction site monitoring and inspection.

Photography, video and complementary services

The firm produces aerial photography and video, including material for public relations, and offers elevated mast photography and video. Its offering is completed with ecological surveys using drone photography and video, line-of-sight surveys for telecommunications, and studies for real estate agents and landowners.

Experience and presence on major projects

DTA has twelve years of experience in topographical surveys and engineering inspections with drones. It works with engineering consultancy, civil engineering, construction and utilities companies, and has participated in some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. Its longest-running project is HS2, where it has been operating on site since 2019. The company states that all photographs and videos on its website were captured on real commercial projects for its clients.

Sectors served

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Construction
• Facilities management and maintenance
• Landfill and recycling
• Mining and quarrying
• Property and land owners
• Real estate agents
• Renewable energy: solar and wind
• Sports facilities and their management

Offices and coverage

Drone Tech Aerospace's head office is in Cardiff, and the company also has offices in Portskewett (Caldicot, Gwent), Chippenham (Wiltshire) and Llandeloy (Pembrokeshire). Its service area covers the United Kingdom, with a presence in locations such as Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester, Liverpool, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newport, Reading, Swansea, Wales and York.

Headquarters and locations

Local HQ: 2 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Cardiff CF24 2SA

Local Bristol & Newport office: 24 King Harold's View, Portskewett, Caldicot, Gwent NP26 5RS

Local Wiltshire office: 96 Curlew Drive, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6YQ

Local West Wales office: Cwch Gwenyn, Llandeloy, Pembrokeshire SA62 6LJ