Drone and Measured Building Survey
University of Essex

A drone survey was the best way to capture the data we needed

To meet its sustainability objective to reduce carbon emissions, the University of Essex wanted to substantially increase its use of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of a number of existing buildings at its Colchester campus.

In order to assess the feasibility of installing the panels – totalling more than 1000 – Survey Solutions was commissioned to carry out a measured building survey to provide detailed data on the roofs which had been identified.

Iain Farquharson, Sustainability (Energy & Transport) Manager at the University of Essex says: “When we first discussed our requirements with the Survey Solutions team, they suggested that the best way to achieve what we needed was to carry out a drone survey.

“This had a number of significant advantages over a traditional survey, particularly for us as a working campus.

“By using a drone, not only could we obtain full roof details, it was a safer method than working at height, it removed the need for access to different areas and there was minimal disruption to staff and students.

“The job could also be completed within two days and didn’t require supervision by our facilities team. Last but not least, it was highly cost-effective and would give us data translated into CAD drawings for long-term use.

“We have worked with Survey Solutions before but this was the first time using a drone. The work was completed well within the estimated two days and we now have the data to progress the project.”

“We have worked with Survey Solutions before but this was the first time using a drone. The work was completed well within the estimated two days and we now have the data to progress the project.”
Iain Farquharson Sustainability (Energy & Transport) Manager at the University of Essex

RECENT PROJECTS

Get in touch

Scroll to Top