What are the best construction drones?

This depends on your requirements; DJI has a comprehensive selection. The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise is a compact, complete, low-altitude mapping solution, while the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, a much larger drone, offers a more rugged and versatile solution. With these bigger enterprise models, operators can integrate different payloads, including zoom and thermal cameras. For an automated drone solution, we recommend the DJI Dock 3 — a drone-in-a-box system that can be vehicle-mounted, with compatible M4D and M4TD aircraft also operable independently. It enables rapid deployment, live data capture, and safer, more efficient remote construction site management.

What are the differences between traditional surveying and drone surveying?

Drone surveying has multiple advantages over traditional surveying, including speed, safety, streamlined project management and automated/repeatable data collection. However, drones don’t have to take away from traditional methods; Rather, they can be used to complement existing workflows. As such, drones will not replace surveyors. For more details, read our traditional surveying vs drone surveying blog.

What are the benefits of using drones for construction?

Drones have many advantages for users in the construction industry. They increase efficiency and enhance safety while collecting accurate data. Construction teams can use this data for a range of purposes, including project updates, spotting errors, and streamlined communication and decision-making.

Do attendees need to be qualified drone pilots to attend the Heliguy drone surveying course?

Yes, please note that all participants of the heliguy™ drone surveying course must have a valid Operational Authorisation obtained as part of the GVC drone training course.

What are the laws around using drones for surveying operations?

Drone surveyors need to abide by UK drone laws. The rules and regulations will depend on the type of drone you are using and where you are planning to use it. Depending on your requirements, you may require drone training, such as the A2 CofC or GVC. Read our guide to obtaining a surveying drone licence to understand what training is required and what rules you must follow.

Drones for Construction

Drones are quickly becoming an essential tool in the construction industry. Gathering data in hours instead of days saves construction companies time and money throughout the project lifecycle.

As one of the fastest-growing adopters of drone technology, construction firms use drones to safely and quickly collect precise data for land surveying, site inspections, and progress tracking. Drones also help build detailed maps and 3D models, improve decision-making, and reduce on-site risks by keeping staff out of dangerous areas.

Drones compatible with FlightHub 2 can be easily programmed to follow precise Flight Plans, stopping at designated landmarks to capture vital data. Features like One-Tap Panorama Sync allow for quick creation and cloud uploading of 360° overviews, providing real-time aerial awareness on the 2.5D Base Map. Cloud Mapping generates detailed RGB or infrared orthomosaic maps, automatically overlaying them onto the base map, offering comprehensive mission environment insights.

Drone Operations in the Real World

See how our drones perform on actual construction projects

How LiDAR Drones Are Changing Construction

The Everton Stadium development is a great example of how drone technology – especially LiDAR – can make construction work more efficient, accurate, and safe. Here's how drones made a difference on site:

Real Results on Site: The DJI Zenmuse L2 used at Everton Stadium to monitor progress and collect accurate data.
Better Than Before: On-site tests show the L2 gives clearer data and flies faster than the older L1 model.
Trusted by Industry: Select Plant Hire says the L2 improves workflows by flying higher and collecting more data in less time.
Used Across the Project: LiDAR helps track dock infilling, measure earthworks, and manage stockpiles.
4D Visuals: Drone data feeds into a 4D digital model for live updates and planning.
Heliguy’s Role: Supplied drones, trained teams, and helped meet survey and regulatory needs.
Safe and Efficient: LiDAR replaces manual checks, saving time and reducing risk on site.

This project highlights the real-world impact of drone surveying and how Heliguy supports organisations to adopt drone technology that works.

Drone Ops Image - Photogrammtry x Lincoln Stadium

3D Modelling with Drone Photogrammetry

Drone photogrammetry is a quick and safe way to create accurate 3D models. During a training course with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum, Heliguy supported the capture of a full model of the LNER Stadium. Here's how the process worked:

Interactive Stadium Model: Drone data was used to build a full 3D model of Lincoln City’s LNER Stadium.
Step-by-Step Workflow: The model followed a clear workflow, with data captured using set overlap rates and planned flight paths.
Flight Techniques: Both nadir and oblique flights were used to improve model detail, with extra manual flights for added accuracy.
Digital Advantages: 3D models help with planning, analysis, and decision-making across industries like construction, public safety, and heritage.
Georeferenced Outputs: The final models were georeferenced, supporting accurate calculations and spatial insights.
Heliguy’s Role: Provided in-house geospatial expertise and led the drone data collection during a live training course.
Safe and Efficient: Drones helped gather all data quickly, safely, and with a high level of accuracy.

This project shows how drone photogrammetry can turn real-world spaces into valuable digital assets – and how Heliguy helps teams do it right.

How Drones Benefit the Construction Sector

Drones are a versitile tool in the construction industry.

Gain a Competitive Edge
Evaluate large worksites and provide detailed, precise data for architects and contractors before stepping foot on site, giving businesses the competitive edge from as early as the bidding process.
Create 3D Maps & Models
Drone data can be converted into detailed maps and 3D models to help with project tracking and accurate measuring of distances, surfaces, elevations, and volumes.
Real-Time Progress Tracking
Access real-time aerial data to understand what is happening on site, drones are ideal for progress tracking and spotting mistakes early before they become too costly.
Efficient Roof & Building Inspections
Inspect roofs or building façades, and collect a wealth of information with zoom or thermal cameras. Drones remove the danger of manual data collection and are a far more efficient way of collecting this information.
Identify On-Site Issues Quickly
Drone imagery can highlight any on-site issues, such as a damaged section of perimeter fence. A drone with a thermal camera can spot issues such as an over-heating tank, which could be missed with the naked eye.
Access hard-to-reach areas
Drones remove the need for staff on-the-ground to clamber over potentially dangerous stockpiles, venture into hard-to-reach areas, or clamber up scaffolding. This improves job-site safety.

Construction Drone Solutions

Training, equipment, and expert guidance from Heliguy

Heliguy supports construction professionals with a full suite of drone solutions. From CAA-accredited training—delivered to over 7,000 candidates—to flexible drone hire and purchase options, we make it easy to integrate drones into your site operations.

Our team of drone experts is ready to advise on the best setup for your needs. Use our Drone Training Calculator to find the right course and start your journey today.

Drone Training Provision

Our Partners & Clients

heliguy™ has a proven track record in the Construction Industry.

Latest From the Blog

Explore how our technology drives smarter decisions and better outcomes.

Drone in a Box for the Construction Industry

A drone in a box, like the DJI Dock collection enables automated 24/7 missions for construction & AEC, delivering real-time data. Track site progress on demand.

Case Studies

Balfour Beatty benefiting from drones on M6 Smart Motorway development

Increased safety, faster data collection and accurate results - Balfour Beatty benefiting from drones, including DJI Phantom 4 RTK, with support from Heliguy. ... Read More

News

Drones Save Balfour Beatty VINCI £5m On HS2 Project

Balfour Beatty VINCI will save £5m and improve safety by deploying drones during the construction of HS2 - Europe's largest infrastructure project. Upgrading to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise has helped BBV cut drone surveys by more than 50%,

Case Studies

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Drones & Payloads for the Construction Industry

We have the right equipment for you next drone mission

Drones
Sensors & Payloads
Software

DJI Matrice 3D For DJI Dock 2 (Drone Only)

DJI M3D, for DJI Dock 2, enables remote and automated high-precision drone surveying. This option is a drone-only package.

DJI Dock 2 With DJI Matrice 3D

DJI Dock 2 with DJI Matrice 3D drone is DJI's first drone in a box surveying solution, meeting the needs for high-precision, automated drone mapping.

Rental M350 RTK Super Combo

The M350 RTK is DJI's flagship enterprise drone. This rental Super Combo includes six batteries, smart controller, and battery station. Add extra accessories and payloads to tailor your package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best construction drones?
This depends on your requirements; DJI has a comprehensive selection. The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise is a compact, complete, low-altitude mapping solution, while the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, a much larger drone, offers a more rugged and versatile solution. With these bigger enterprise models, operators can integrate different payloads, including zoom and thermal cameras.
For an automated drone solution, we recommend the DJI Dock 3 — a drone-in-a-box system that can be vehicle-mounted, with compatible M4D and M4TD aircraft also operable independently. It enables rapid deployment, live data capture, and safer, more efficient remote construction site management.
What are the differences between traditional surveying and drone surveying?
Drone surveying has multiple advantages over traditional surveying, including speed, safety, streamlined project management and automated/repeatable data collection. However, drones don’t have to take away from traditional methods; Rather, they can be used to complement existing workflows. As such, drones will not replace surveyors. For more details, read our traditional surveying vs drone surveying blog.
What are the benefits of using drones for construction?
Drones have many advantages for users in the construction industry. They increase efficiency and enhance safety while collecting accurate data. Construction teams can use this data for a range of purposes, including project updates, spotting errors, and streamlined communication and decision-making.
Do attendees need to be qualified drone pilots to attend the Heliguy drone surveying course?
Yes, please note that all participants of the heliguy™ drone surveying course must have a valid Operational Authorisation obtained as part of the GVC drone training course.
What are the laws around using drones for surveying operations?
Drone surveyors need to abide by UK drone laws. The rules and regulations will depend on the type of drone you are using and where you are planning to use it. Depending on your requirements, you may require drone training, such as the A2 CofC or GVC. Read our guide to obtaining a surveying drone licence to understand what training is required and what rules you must follow.