Sadler Bridge Studios, Derby - 3D Drone Survey

Written by J.Jackson | Published:

Regular building inspections play an important role in protecting commercial and public assets. Identifying defects early allows maintenance to be planned before small issues develop into costly repairs. However, accessing roofs and elevated areas traditionally requires scaffolding, access platforms, or rope access, all of which increase project costs, disruption, and health and safety considerations.

We were appointed by Bowmer & Kirkland to carry out a drone survey of Sadler Bridge Studios in Derby on behalf of Derby City Council. The purpose of their annual survey is to assess the external condition of the Connect Derby buildings, with particular attention given to the roof and other difficult-to-access areas.

Our Approach

Before arriving on site, our team completed all necessary flight planning, risk assessments, and airspace checks to ensure the survey could be carried out safely and efficiently.

Using a professional survey-grade drone, we captured a comprehensive set of high-resolution aerial imagery covering the entire building envelope. Particular focus was placed on the roof coverings, gutters, parapets, flashings, roof junctions, and other areas that would normally require working at height.

The drone enabled our surveyors to collect detailed visual information from multiple angles without disrupting the day-to-day operation of the site or requiring temporary access equipment.

Because this inspection forms part of Derby City Council's ongoing maintenance programme, consistency was a key objective. The survey was completed using the same equipment, similar flight paths, and comparable weather conditions to previous inspections wherever possible. This allows images to be compared directly with previous years, making it much easier to identify any changes in the building's condition.

By carrying out regular drone surveys, building owners can establish a reliable inspection history that supports planned preventative maintenance, improves budgeting, and helps extend the lifespan of the building fabric.

How Did Our Client Benefit From a Drone Survey?

1. Significant Cost Savings Compared with Scaffolding

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

Traditional roof inspections often require scaffolding, cherry pickers, or specialist access contractors, particularly when inspecting large or complex buildings. These methods can quickly become expensive, especially when inspections are required on a recurring basis.

By using drone technology, our client was able to inspect the roof safely without erecting scaffolding each year. This substantially reduced inspection costs while still providing the detailed imagery needed to assess the condition of the building.

The savings become even greater over multiple annual inspections, making drone surveys an excellent long-term investment for ongoing asset management.

2. Fast Data Capture with Minimal Disruption

Efficiency was another important benefit of the project.

The on-site survey was completed in approximately four hours, allowing our team to capture comprehensive coverage of the building in a single visit. Processing of the data took around eight hours before the final outputs were delivered to the client.

Because no scaffolding or access equipment was required, disruption to the surrounding area was kept to an absolute minimum. Site operations could continue while the survey was carried out, avoiding many of the logistical challenges associated with traditional inspections.

This speed makes drone surveys particularly valuable for local authorities, property managers, facilities teams, and commercial property owners responsible for multiple buildings that require regular condition assessments.

3. Reliable, Repeatable Data for Annual Monitoring

Perhaps the greatest value of an annual drone survey is consistency.

Using the same drone platform and following a repeatable survey methodology allows inspections to be compared year after year with confidence. Images captured from similar positions make it easier to identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

This provides building owners with a dependable visual record of the property's condition over time.

Extract from the 3D drone model

Rather than relying solely on written inspection reports, maintenance teams can review high-quality imagery from previous years and quickly identify developing issues such as damaged roof coverings, deteriorating masonry, blocked gutters, vegetation growth, or other defects.

This consistency supports proactive maintenance planning, helping clients address issues before they become more expensive repairs while extending the lifespan of the building.

Why Choose SolidPoint?

The annual drone survey at Sadler Bridge Studios demonstrates how modern surveying technology can transform routine building inspections.

By replacing traditional access methods with an efficient drone survey, our client was able to monitor the condition of the building safely, quickly, and cost effectively. The inspection eliminated the need for expensive scaffolding while providing a consistent record that can be compared against future annual surveys.

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