How our Geospatial team supports UK SORA approvals for BVLOS drone operations

• Drone survey data can play a crucial role in UK SORA applications for BVLOS drone operations;

• Precise geospatial data provides an accurate and up-to-date picture of a site to assess ground and air risk;

• heliguy™ submitted a catalogue of 3D models and LiDAR point clouds to the UK CAA, as part of its first BVLOS drone-in-a-box approval;

• heliguy™'s regulatory and Geospatial teams have since secured UK SORA approval at SAIL II for remote DJI Dock operations with Network Rail;

• heliguy™ will work with drone programmes to help them secure UK SORA approval and unlock remote and automated BVLOS missions with the DJI Dock ecosystem.

Every BVLOS approval starts with a simple question: what is really on the ground, and in the air, around your site?

Answering it accurately is where drone survey data comes in.

When it comes to advancing drone operations, nothing is as transformative as combining cutting-edge technology with precise geospatial data.

This blend has been the key to heliguy™'s revolutionary approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone-in-a-box operations in the UK. It remains just as important under UK SORA, the CAA's framework for approving complex drone operations.

Let's explore how drone mapping and survey data are unlocking new horizons for enterprise drone programmes.

Pioneering Drone-In-A-Box BVLOS Operations

heliguy™'s BVLOS approval is a landmark in the realm of autonomous drones.

It empowers the team to support enterprises in deploying remote and automated BVLOS missions in atypical air environments (AAEs).

Operations conducted within an AAE are made under conditions that enable a drone to fly in areas of airspace that are never/or only very occasionally used by other aviation users.

The BVLOS missions conducted by heliguy™ are powered by the DJI Dock ecosystem, which seamlessly integrates drones and automation.

Our in-house regulatory and Geospatial teams are at the forefront of this innovation, applying advanced survey and GIS techniques to ensure operational safety.

These methods are pivotal as we assist clients in building site-specific UK SORA applications.

What Is UK SORA?

UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is the UK CAA's method for assessing the risk of drone operations in the Specific Category, including BVLOS missions.

It replaced the Operating Safety Case (OSC) on 23 April 2025, and is now the way to apply for an Operational Authorisation in the Specific Category.

A UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation lasts for 12 months.

heliguy™'s original BVLOS approval was granted under the OSC. Since then, our regulatory team has secured UK SORA approval at SAIL II for remote DJI Dock 3 operations at two Network Rail sites, in Gloucester and Romford.

The missions are flown by heliguy™ pilots from our HQ, hundreds of miles away. You can find out more about it here.

Want to know more about the framework? Read our UK SORA guide.

Why Drone Survey Data is Indispensable For BVLOS Approvals

Drone mapping delivers a real-time, accurate snapshot of any operational site, vital for assessing both ground and air risks.

For heliguy™'s original OSC application, based on BVLOS flights at Komatsu's Smart Construction site in the North of England, the team leveraged a suite of 3D models and LiDAR point clouds.

These datasets, submitted to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), were instrumental in:

• Proving compliance with airspace safety criteria;

• Demonstrating the feasibility of BVLOS operations in AAEs;

• Mapping obstacles and creating omnidirectional buffer zones for drone safety;

• Showing site-specific features, such as elevation profiles and obstacle heights.

Under UK SORA, the same data helps to:

• Define the operational volume and ground risk buffer for each site;

• Assess radio line-of-sight for reliable command and control links;

• Evidence multi-site applications to a consistent standard;

• Track site changes over time, supporting variations and renewals.

DJI Terra was used for the majority of the processing, while Esri's ArcGIS Pro - which heliguy™ is using as part of a proof of concept process - was utilised to add the clearance buffers.

From Survey To Approval: How Our Geospatial Team Works

So, what does this look like in practice? Here's how our survey team and regulatory specialists take a site from first visit to BVLOS operations:

1. Site visit: Our team visits the site to understand the operation and its surroundings;

2. Survey flights: VLOS mapping flights capture imagery and LiDAR data of the site and/or 3DGS models captured with handheld laser scanners and drones - fused within the XGRIDS LCC software for a more enhanced photorealistic model. More info available here;

3. Data processing: 3D models and LiDAR point clouds from the drone are processed in DJI Terra;

4. Risk mapping: Obstacles are mapped, clearance buffers added, and radio line-of-sight assessed;

5. UK SORA application: Our regulatory team builds the application, backed by the geospatial evidence;

6. Installation: The DJI Dock is installed, with flight plans based on the 3D models;

7. Operations: Monitored remote operations begin, with ongoing data collection supporting compliance.

Expert Insights: Integrating Data for Safety and Compliance

Technical Geospatial Specialist Alex Williams, who spearheaded the processing of the drone data for the OSC application, highlighted its role in ensuring operational safety.

He said: "This data provided a compelling case for safe BVLOS operations, addressing obstacle clearance, radio line-of-sight considerations, and compliance with AAE criteria."

Harnessing DJI Ecosystem For BVLOS Site Mapping

The site survey was conducted using the DJI Dock 2 paired with a Matrice 3D drone, equipped with a precision 20MP 4/3 sensor and mechanical shutter for precision survey tasks.

Upon the drone's return to the dock, the collected data was automatically uploaded to DJI FlightHub 2 through the cloud mapping functionality. It was later imported into DJI Terra.

The LiDAR point clouds were created through a separate mission with the DJI Zenmuse L2 LiDAR sensor and DJI M350 RTK drone, and the point clouds processed through DJI Terra.

Unlocking BVLOS for Enterprise Clients

heliguy™'s BVLOS approvals pave the way for new possibilities. By partnering with enterprises, we aim to simplify the adoption of BVLOS operations through a comprehensive support package.

Highlights include:

• UK SORA Consultancy: heliguy™'s in-house regulatory and Geospatial teams support clients through the UK SORA application process.

• Remote Operations: heliguy™ pilots can operate remotely from heliguy™'s Remote Operations Control Centre (ROCC) at heliguy™ HQ, or from the heliguy™ Drone Command Unit - a fully-equipped mobile control room.

• Customised Solutions: Each site undergoes a rigorous approval and mapping process.

• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing data collection ensures compliance and operational excellence.

Join the Future of Drone Operations

heliguy™ is here to make BVLOS a reality for enterprise drone programmes. From initial mapping and UK SORA approval to seamless execution, our expertise guarantees safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Find out more about our UK SORA consultancy and the latest DJI Dock 4 with DJI Matrice 5TD.

Ready to elevate your operations? Get in touch with us today. Let's redefine what's possible with drones.