Turn a Building or Site Into a Measurable Digital Record
3D models and spatial datasets that support surveying, design, construction, heritage and asset management.
Specialist photogrammetry and mapping projects across the UK.
CAA-Qualified Pilots · PDRA01‑27664 From terraced houses to the Houses of Parliament The value of specialist drone capture
Choosing the Right Tool for the Problem
Modern drones can capture many different types of information, from detailed 4K video and still imagery to thermal data, mapping and 3D models. At Roof Hawk, we start with the question you need to answer and the information that will help you answer it, then choose the most appropriate way to capture it.
3D mapping and photogrammetry have particular value where a project needs more than a visual record, for example, where teams need to map, measure, understand geometry, create a reusable digital model or bring spatial information into another workflow.
As RICS puts it:
“It is the data that you need, and drones are the facilitator for the data.”
When 3D mapping adds value
Work With the Geometry of the Building or Site
Detailed imagery lets you see a building or site. Photogrammetry goes further by turning overlapping imagery into spatial information that can be mapped, measured and explored in three dimensions.
That can create a reusable digital record for surveying, design, planning, construction, heritage documentation, asset management and future comparison.
How photogrammetry works
From Overlapping Images to a 3D Model
The drone captures a carefully planned series of overlapping images from different positions around the building or site.
Photogrammetry software identifies the same features across those images and uses their changing position to reconstruct the geometry of the real-world environment.
The result can then be processed into outputs ranging from a map-like aerial image to a detailed point cloud or navigable 3D model.
Established survey practice
A Well-Established Way to Capture Spatial Information
Photogrammetry is already widely used across surveying, construction, mapping and heritage recording.
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Historic England’s current geospatial guidance covers photogrammetry for recording buildings, landscapes and heritage assets, while RICS professional standards cover aerial survey data, accuracy and deliverables.
Sources: Historic England Geospatial Survey Specifications Historic England Photogrammetric Applications guidance RICS Earth Observation and Aerial Surveys
Typical outputs
Different Ways to Use the Same Capture
The same carefully planned capture can be processed into different outputs depending on what you need the information to do.
Orthomosaic
A detailed, map-like aerial image that can be measured, annotated and compared over time.
3D point cloud
Detailed spatial data representing the geometry of visible surfaces, useful for measurement, analysis and technical surveying or design workflows.
Textured 3D model
A realistic, navigable representation of the building or site that can make complex geometry easier to explore, understand and share.
Terrain and surface models
Height and surface information that can support analysis of levels, terrain, drainage, earthworks and change over time.
Measurements, volumes and contours
Derived information can also be produced where the capture methodology and required accuracy support the intended use.
Tell us how you need to use it
Start With the Use, Not the File Format
You do not need to know whether you need an orthomosaic, point cloud or 3D model before speaking to us.
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Tell us what you are trying to understand, who needs to use the information and what they need to do with it. We can then help define the appropriate capture, accuracy and deliverables, whether that is technical data for an existing CAD, BIM or GIS workflow, or a more accessible model that can be viewed, explored and shared without specialist software.
Roof Hawk
Tell Us What You Need the Information to Do
Tell us what the digital record needs to support, who will use it and whether measurement accuracy or integration into another system matters.
Roof Hawk can scope the capture and arrange the appropriate processing and outputs across the UK, keeping the technical decisions tied to how the information will actually be used.
FAQs
A Few Useful Things to Know
Is photogrammetry the same as ordinary drone photography?
No. Ordinary drone imagery is designed primarily to help you see the building or site. Photogrammetry uses a deliberately planned sequence of overlapping images so software can reconstruct its geometry and create measurable spatial outputs.
How can I view and use the 3D model?
That depends on how you need to use the information. Technical outputs can be prepared for use within common CAD, BIM or GIS workflows where required.
If you simply need to view, explore or share the model, a more accessible viewing format can also be provided where appropriate. Tell us who needs to use the information and what they need to do with it, and we can help define the most useful deliverable.
How accurate is drone photogrammetry?
The achievable accuracy depends on the project, including the capture method, positioning and control, processing and site conditions.
The important starting point is what the information needs to be used for. If it needs to support technical surveying, design or engineering work, we can agree the required accuracy and methodology as part of the brief.
Can the data be used in CAD, BIM or GIS workflows?
Often, yes. If your surveyor, architect, engineer or asset team uses a particular system or requires a particular format, tell us before the survey so the capture and deliverables can be structured around it.
Can you model buildings as well as land?
Yes. Photogrammetry can be used across buildings, structures, development sites and landscapes where suitable overlapping imagery can be captured.
Do you work across the UK?
Yes. Roof Hawk supports specialist commercial drone projects across the UK and can scope the capture and outputs around individual sites or larger programmes.
More on this: Historic and complex buildingsConstruction monitoring and mappingThermal imagingCommercial drone roof surveys
“Excellent service with a very quick response and a professional approach throughout. The quality of the drone footage was outstanding, capturing the roof in exceptional detail.”
Turn the Capture Into Useful Information
Tell us what the information needs to support and we’ll help define the most useful capture and deliverables.