UAV Surveying: Smarter Data, Faster Projects
When time, accuracy and safety matter, UAV Surveying delivers.
At Fox and Associates, helping clients unlock the full potential of their land starts with obtaining the right data. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Surveying is one of the most powerful tools in our kit. It’s transforming the way land is measured, mapped, and managed across New Zealand.
Using specialised drones equipped with high-end sensors, we capture rich, precise spatial data from the air, safely, quickly and cost-effectively. The result? Better information, clearer decisions, and projects that stay on track.
Let’s take a closer look at how UAV Surveying works, and why it might be the smartest move for your next land development project.
What Is UAV Surveying?
UAV Surveying, informally known as drone surveying, is the process of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles equipped with advanced sensors to collect data from above. Instead of sending a team of surveyors out on foot, we fly high-tech UAVs over your site to capture everything from high-definition imagery to 3D terrain models.
It’s faster, safer, and often more detailed than traditional methods, without compromising on accuracy.
How Does UAV Surveying Work?
Our UAVs are fitted with a range of specialised sensors, including HD cameras, thermal imaging, multispectral lenses, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). These sensors capture vast amounts of spatial data from the air.
Whether it's a 200m² urban section or a 4km² rural expanse, we plan the flight path, fly the UAV in a precise pattern (even over complex terrain), and process the collected data into usable outputs like:
- Ortho-rectified imagery
- 3D surface models
- Point clouds
- Topographic surveys
- Volume measurements
- Digital terrain models (DTMs)
The Benefits to Your Project
UAV surveying offers real advantages compared to traditional surveying methods:
- Speed: What used to take weeks can now be done in days or even hours.
- Safety: Perfect for hard-to-access sites like quarries, unstable slopes or areas too dangerous for people.
- Accuracy & Detail: Rich data with sub-centimetre precision, suitable for design, planning, and compliance.
- Cost-Effective: Faster surveys mean reduced on-site time and faster project progression.
- Scalability: Whether your project is big or small, we scale to fit.
Real-World Examples
3D Mapping Arthur’s Pass
In one of our more technically demanding projects, Fox & Associates partnered with Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and The Property Group Ltd to accurately 3D map the winding 15km stretch of State Highway 73 through Arthur’s Pass and Otira Gorge. With no clear boundary markers between the highway and the protected National Park, our mission was to create a high-accuracy, LiDAR-based 3D model that would help define new road boundaries.
Using our Innoflight Galaxy UAV and some clever logistics involving a mobile, two-vehicle team, we safely captured detailed data without disrupting traffic or compromising safety. The final deliverables gave stakeholders the insights they needed to make smart, informed decisions about a sensitive and challenging site.
Read the full project story: Legacy Project – 3D Mapping Arthur’s Pass
Aerial Mapping & Precision Farming for Potatoes
When global precision agriculture leader Resson needed a reliable partner to deliver ultra-high-resolution imagery quickly, they turned to Fox & Associates. Our goal? Capture over 6,000 images daily at resolutions of 0.5mm/pixel or better (30 to 60 times sharper than typical aerial imagery) to support cutting-edge potato disease monitoring in Canterbury.
We rose to the challenge by customising our UAV technology, developing new flight methods, and building bespoke workflows to meet Resson’s strict delivery timelines. The result? We succeeded where 40 other providers worldwide hadn’t, supplying consistent, accurate data that helped farmers detect diseases earlier and optimise inputs for better yields and lower costs.
Read the full project story: Aerial Mapping and Precision Farming for Potatoes
Why Fox and Associates?
We don’t just fly UAV, we bring expertise, insight, and a commitment to doing things right.
- CAA Part 102 Certified: We were one of the first in NZ to earn this certification, which allows us to operate in places others legally can’t.
- Custom Fleet: Our UAVs are NZ-made by Altus UAS, and we’ve got the right drone for every job (plus backups if needed).
- Experienced Pilots: Our dedicated UAV pilots are passionate about getting the best results and guiding you every step of the way.
- Trusted by Developers: Whether it’s land development, subdivision, or infrastructure planning, we’re the surveying partner clients return to time and again.
Let’s Take Your Project to New Heights
UAV Surveying is just one of the ways Fox and Associates continues to lead innovation. Whether you’re managing a large rural block, subdividing in the city, or tackling a tricky site, we’re here to provide the data, insights, and service you need to move forward with confidence.
Talk to our team today and let’s get your project off the ground.