Friar Gate Studios, Derby - 3D Drone Survey

Written by J.Jackson | Published:

Maintaining commercial buildings is far easier and more cost-effective when potential issues are identified before they become expensive repairs. However, carrying out these inspections using traditional methods can often be expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming, particularly when roof access is required.

We were appointed by Bowmer & Kirkland to carry out a drone survey of Friar Gate Studios in Derby, as part of Derby City Council’s annual condition checks of Connect Derby buildings. The purpose of the survey was to assess the condition of the building, with particular focus on the roof and other difficult-to-access external areas, while avoiding the cost and disruption associated with erecting scaffolding.

Our survey team spent approximately 5 hours on site collecting the required data before completing around 8 hours of office processing to prepare the final deliverables.

Our Approach

Using one of our CAA-certified drone pilots, we carried out a comprehensive aerial inspection of Friar Gate Studios, capturing high-resolution imagery of the roof and the external building fabric.

Drone surveys are particularly well-suited to buildings such as this, where traditional access methods would be potentially hazardous, due to one side of the building facing a main road. Rather than relying on scaffolding, access platforms, or manual roof inspections, the drone was able to safely capture detailed imagery from multiple angles while remaining entirely non-intrusive.

Because this was a repeat inspection, consistency was a key priority throughout the survey. Our team followed the same flight methodology used during the previous inspection, enabling accurate comparisons between datasets. Capturing the building from similar viewpoints and under comparable conditions makes it much easier to identify subtle changes that may indicate deterioration or emerging defects over time.

The result was a detailed visual record of the building's current condition without the expense, health and safety considerations, or disruption associated with traditional inspection methods.

How Did Our Client Benefit From a Drone Survey?

1. Significant Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of carrying out annual drone inspections is the reduction in access costs.

Traditional roof inspections often require scaffolding, cherry pickers, or other temporary access equipment. These solutions can significantly increase project costs before the inspection has even begun.

By using an aerial drone survey instead, our client is now able to inspect the building safely while eliminating the need for costly access equipment, allowing inspection budgets to be focused on maintaining the building rather than simply reaching it.

For organisations responsible for managing multiple buildings or heritage assets, these savings become even more valuable when inspections are repeated on a regular basis.

2. Fast, Efficient Data Collection

Despite the size and locality of the building, the entire site survey was completed in approximately five hours.

Drone technology enables surveyors to inspect large roof areas and building elevations far more quickly than traditional methods while maintaining excellent image quality. There is no lengthy site setup, minimal disruption to surrounding areas, and very little impact on the day-to-day operation of the property.

The faster the survey can be completed, the sooner maintenance teams and property managers have the information they need to make informed decisions.

For annual inspection programmes, this efficiency makes routine condition monitoring both practical and cost-effective.

3. Reliable Data for Long-Term Building Monitoring

Annual inspections only deliver real value if the information can be compared accurately over time.

Because this survey followed the same established process as the previous inspection, Derby City Council now has a reliable visual record of the building's condition from year to year.

Consistent data collection allows surveyors and property managers to identify gradual deterioration that may otherwise go unnoticed. Small defects can be monitored, maintenance can be planned more effectively, and repair works can be prioritised before issues become more serious.

This proactive approach reduces risk, supports better budgeting, and helps preserve important buildings for years to come.

Rather than reacting to visible defects after they become significant, the client can make informed maintenance decisions based on accurate, repeatable survey data.

Friar Gate Studios Signage - Extract from 3D drone model

Why Choose SolidPoint?

By replacing traditional access methods with a professional aerial drone survey, our client obtained detailed condition information while avoiding the expense of scaffolding, reducing disruption, and completing the survey in just 5 hours on site.

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