
Case Studies
Published on 20 Jun 2025
James Willoughby
Paddington in Peru: How drone surveys played a leading role
Case study showcasing how Visualskies used DJI tech to conduct drone surveys, including of Machu Picchu, to help with the visual effects in Paddington in Peru.
From the mist-covered peaks of the Andes to the dense Columbian jungle: Drone photogrammetry played a leading role in bringing the world of a much-loved character to life in a hit children's movie.
Aerial survey data formed the digital backbone of the visual effects for Paddington in Peru, enabling producers to faithfully recreate locations and build immersive set extensions.
Drone content collected at the iconic Machu Picchu - captured with the help of DJI tech - was used to enhance the film's ancient citadel scenes.
The task of mapping these environments fell to Visualskies - a London-based studio that specialises in delivering high-resolution scanning, aerial photogrammetry, and LiDAR data for a range of sectors, including film, TV, and heritage applications.
Visualskies paired the DJI M300 RTK with the Sony A7RIV and Gremsy Pixy SM Mapping Gimbal to gather accurate data in an efficient and non-intrusive manner.
And the company was supported by drone partner heliguy™, who offered advice and logistics support throughout the Paddington assignment.

Dora Schluttenhofer Lees, Visualskies producer, said: "For a film like Paddington in Peru, aerial photogrammetry isn't just a pretty extra - it’s a core tool for environmental realism.
“Our scans inform set extensions, digital twins, and virtual environments that seamlessly blend with on-location footage. The data we captured was handed over to VFX vendors who could then recreate scenes that were logistically impossible to film directly.
"And thanks to DJI’s technology, supported by Gremsy gimbals, and our trusted suppliers like heliguy™, we were able to do that safely, reliably, and with absolute confidence."
How drone photogrammetry helps film companies
Paddington in Peru demonstrated why drone photogrammetry has emerged as a key tool for film companies.
Scan data assists with scene planning and pre-visualisation; is used for digital set extensions; and tackles logistical constraints and removes the need to send large crew teams on-location.
Dora said: "Our scanning work made it possible for filmmakers to recreate locations exactly as they appeared, or to build them out into larger scenes that still respected the geography and texture of the original environments.
"From the tilt of a mountain ridge to the erosion lines in ancient stone, our data allowed visual effects teams to match reality down to the millimetre.

“In Columbia and Peru, we scanned towering mountain passes, forest canopies, and ancient ruins. In England, we brought our scanners to charming countryside lanes and village squares that would stand in for parts of Paddington’s journey.
"Each of these scans began with drone-based image capture, structured flight paths, and precision data logging. We process these datasets into textured meshes and point clouds that slot directly into production pipelines.
"In the final film, audiences won’t necessarily think about drones or mesh resolutions. They’ll see a curious bear exploring the world around him - and that world will feel grounded, beautiful and true. That’s the magic of what we do.
Drone mapping Machu Picchu
Just like the globe-trotting bear, Visualskies' Paddington brief took them on a global adventure. At the heart of this journey was a site of profound global significance: Machu Picchu.
The team's goal was to digitally capture the UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, using non-invasive methods.
Drones were deployed along with high-precision terrestrial LiDAR scanners, providing dense and accurate spatial data that complemented the aerial data capture and ensured exceptional fidelity in complex areas.
The historic site was skillfully mapped by Visualskies pilot Lydia Fauser.

Dora said: "Being granted permission to scan the site was an extraordinary privilege, and one we approached with deep respect and technical precision.
"Working in an environment like Machu Picchu isn’t about showing off what the tech can do - it’s about doing justice to a place that holds deep meaning for millions of people. That means adapting workflows to the environment, not the other way around.
"From pre-flight planning to post-capture data handling, we made sure our presence left no trace, only high-fidelity digital records to support cinematic storytelling.
"This respectful approach is a core part of how we operate at Visualskies. Whether we’re scanning castles in England or citadels in Peru, our mission is the same: To capture the magic of real-world spaces without ever compromising their integrity."
Harnessing the power of trusted DJI tech
Mapping in the unforgiving environment of the Andes Mountains and Columbian jungle came with its challenges.

"This was not a typical drone job," said Dora.
"Operating at over 2,400 metres above sea level, we had to contend with high altitudes, shifting weather, tight flight windows, and strict environmental guidelines.”
With this in mind, the team required a stable, robust, and reliable drone platform. Fly forward the DJI 300 RTK - with its IP45-rating, integrated safety systems, and enhanced transmission.
Dora said: "When choosing drone platforms for high-stakes projects like this, reliability isn’t a luxury - it’s a requirement. That’s why we consistently turn to DJI Enterprise systems."

Another advantage of the DJI Matrice family is its interchangeable payload capability, facilitating mission versatility and enabling operators to choose the best payload for each mission.
Dora said: "The set-up we deployed allowed us to match our aerial data precisely with our terrestrial photogrammetry - streamlining our workflow and maintaining consistency in quality and format across all capture types.
"The M300 RTK offered the ideal mix of endurance, stability, and modularity. It allowed us to integrate our preferred photogrammetry camera systems and fly confidently in unpredictable mountain conditions.
"With centimetre-level positional accuracy, we were able to capture data robust enough for VFX workflows without the need for extensive ground control in difficult terrain."
The DJI M300 has been replaced by the M350 RTK, and most recently, the DJI M400 - as DJI evolves its flagship enterprise drone platform.
Dora said: "For us, what really sets DJI apart is their ecosystem’s adaptability. Whether it’s tight urban filming or large-scale rural survey missions, the DJI platforms we use allow us to remain agile, precise, and compliant with international drone regulations.
"And when you're flying in a location like Machu Picchu - a site where every moment in the air matters - that combination of precision and peace of mind is everything."
heliguy™: Visualskies' drone partner
Leading UK DJI dealer heliguy™ is a proud partner of Visualskies, offering the team wide-ranging assistance, from consultancy through to supply and repairs.

Dora said: "Our ability to deploy drones wouldn’t be possible without the support of trusted partners like heliguy™.
"heliguy™ has played an essential role in keeping our operations streamlined, responsive and future-ready.
"Whether it’s advising on hardware integrations, facilitating repairs, or ensuring timely equipment access across borders, the heliguy™ team has become a reliable extension of our own.
"Their expertise and logistics support were particularly valuable during our international work on Paddington in Peru, helping us keep things moving smoothly in high-pressure environments."
'We contributed to a story beloved by worldwide audiences'
The Paddington project was a feather in the cap for the Visualskies team - and one that will last long in the memory.
Dora said: "Paddington in Peru was a project that reminded us why we do what we do. It stretched our technical muscles, deepened our cultural awareness, and gave us the chance to contribute to a story beloved by audiences around the world.
"At Visualskies, we’re always chasing the next adventure - the next challenge that requires equal parts art, science and human intuition.
“With DJI drones in our kit, laser scanners in hand, and trusted collaborators like heliguy™ behind the scenes, we’re more ready than ever to keep capturing the world’s wonders - one scan at a time."