Drone Archaeological Survey Service

Understanding Drone Archaeological Assessment

A drone archaeological assessment employs sophisticated UAV technology to identify, document, and chart archaeological features that remain hidden or challenging to observe from ground level. Our unmanned aircraft gather high-resolution imagery and data that expose crop marks, earthworks, and subsurface structures throughout the terrain.

At HireDronePilot, we integrate photogrammetry, multispectral sensing, and thermal detection to produce thorough archaeological documentation. This non-destructive methodology safeguards site integrity whilst furnishing archaeologists with precise survey information for research, planning submissions, and heritage stewardship.

Peter Leslie

Owner & Drone Pilot

"Have questions? Ring me directly - I'm happy to discuss your project requirements."

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Discover Buried Heritage,Without Disturbance

What You'll Receive

• High-resolution site orthomosaic
• 3D terrain and feature models
• Crop mark analysis report
• CAD-ready survey drawings

Delivered in 5-7 working days

Why Use HireDronePilot

• CAA approved & fully insured
• Experience with heritage projects
• Latest drone & sensor technology
• Nationwide service delivery

Relied upon by archaeology units, heritage bodies and consultancies throughout the UK.

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Relied upon by leading organisations

Archaeological Assessment Pricing Guide

Investment varies based on your project scope and specifications. Here is a reference to assist with budgeting:

*Guide prices include standard deliverables. Final quote based on site complexity, access, and specific requirements.

Factors influencing your estimate

• Site size & terrain
• Required deliverables
• Turnaround time
• Sensor requirements

Our UAV-based approach typically delivers 40-60% savings compared to conventional ground survey techniques whilst covering sites considerably faster. Reach out with your project specifications and we will furnish a bespoke estimate within 24 hours.

Drone Assessment vs Conventional Methods

Conventional archaeological survey depends on ground-based techniques such as total station recording, GPS plotting, and manual photography. Though accurate, these methods prove time-intensive, weather-sensitive, and restricted in the viewpoint they provide.

Drone archaeological assessment captures complete sites from above in a fraction of the duration, exposing patterns and features that remain entirely hidden from ground level. Crop marks, subtle earthworks, and landscape relationships become instantly evident when observed from altitude.

Precision Standards for Archaeological Assessment

Our drone archaeological assessments attain positional accuracy of plus or minus 2-3cm when employing ground control points, meeting or surpassing the specifications demanded for most archaeological documentation. Ground sample distances of 1-2cm per pixel guarantee individual features remain clearly discernible and measurable.

We deploy RTK-enabled aircraft with survey-grade GNSS positioning, complemented by strategically placed ground control points measured using our own GPS equipment. This workflow generates georeferenced outputs that merge seamlessly with your existing site documentation and national grid references.

Key Uses for Archaeological Assessment

Drone archaeological assessment has revolutionised heritage documentation across numerous domains. These are the principal areas where our clients experience the most significant value:

Exposing Concealed Archaeological Features

Certainly - this represents one of the most compelling applications of drone archaeological assessment. Features concealed beneath the surface become discernible through several phenomena best observed from above.

Crop marks develop when buried ditches retain additional moisture, causing vegetation above to grow taller and stay green longer. Conversely, buried walls and floors constrain root development, producing stunted or stressed vegetation. Our aircraft capture these subtle variations during optimal conditions - typically early summer mornings following dry periods.

We can counsel you on optimal timing for your survey based on the features you seek to identify, the crops cultivated on site, and prevailing weather conditions. Many of our most noteworthy discoveries have resulted from flying at precisely the right moment.

Survey Outputs & Deliverable Packages

We customise deliverables to match your project specifications, though our standard archaeological survey outputs comprise:

• Site Orthomosaic Imagery

  High-resolution, georeferenced drone photograph encompassing the complete site, typically at 1-2cm ground sample distance. Ideal for interpretation and as a foundation for GIS work.

• Three-Dimensional Models

  Detailed 3D mesh and point cloud of excavations, structures, and terrain. Export for analysis, archiving, or public engagement initiatives.

• Feature Interpretation Mapping

  Interpretive mapping of visible archaeological features, crop marks, and earthworks superimposed on the orthomosaic.

• CAD Drawing Files

  Survey-accurate CAD files compatible with your established workflows. DXF, DWG, and Shapefile formats available.

• Excavation Assistance

  Real-time orthophotos and progress models during excavation, facilitating rapid decision-making and thorough documentation.

Project Timelines & Delivery Schedules

On-site data capture proves remarkably efficient. A typical excavation site can be surveyed in 30-60 minutes of flight time, whilst larger landscape surveys spanning several hectares require just a few hours. We can survey sites during excavation breaks with minimal disruption to the dig team.

Processing and delivery hinges on project complexity and your specified outputs. Standard deliverables are typically prepared within 5-7 working days. For urgent projects - such as fast-track excavations or planning deadlines - we provide expedited processing with 48-72 hour turnaround.

Selecting an Archaeological Survey Provider

Not all drone survey providers grasp the particular requirements of archaeological projects. When assessing providers, we recommend examining these essential factors:

• CAA certification - Verify they possess valid GVC or legacy PfCO permissions for commercial operations
• Archaeological comprehension - Do they appreciate archaeological recording standards and your project specifications?
• Comprehensive insurance - Public liability and professional indemnity coverage suitable for heritage sites
• Survey-grade precision - Can they furnish the accuracy demanded for archaeological documentation?
• Heritage sector track record - Request examples of archaeological projects they have executed

At HireDronePilot, we satisfy every criterion. We are CAA certified, comprehensively insured, and have executed archaeological survey projects for commercial archaeology units, heritage bodies, and research initiatives throughout the UK.

Drone Assessment vs Conventional Method Costs

In the majority of scenarios, yes - frequently by a considerable margin. Conventional photographic recording of excavations demands scaffold towers, multiple camera positions, and substantial time. Ground-based surveying of complex sites entails establishing stations and manually documenting thousands of points.

Our drone surveys capture equivalent or superior data in a fraction of the duration. An excavation that might consume half a day to photograph conventionally can be captured in minutes from above, with vastly greater coverage and consistency. Cost reductions typically span 40-60% compared to conventional methods, whilst providing swifter turnaround and more thorough records.