How much does a drone survey cost?
UK pricing guide 2026
Most professional drone surveys in the UK have a minimum fee of around £400–£700, with larger sites charged per acre or hectare on top. Here's what drives the price, what's typical across the industry, and what we charge.
Typical UK market prices
Industry price guides put standard photogrammetry surveys at roughly £60–£100 per acre (£150–£250 per hectare), with agricultural field surveys typically £450–£1,200 for sites up to around 20 acres and construction topographic surveys £600–£2,000 per visit.
WDG Agriculture prices
| Survey | From (ex-VAT) | Per acre above minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Field mapping & boundaries | £450 | £55–£80 |
| Crop scouting & NDVI | £400 per visit | £45–£65 |
| Drainage & waterlogging | £550 | £65–£90 |
| Topographic site survey | £650 | £65–£90 |
| Volumetric stockpile survey | £450 | £55–£80 |
| Roof inspection (residential / commercial) | £450 / £700 | Per structure |
| Solar panel inspection | £400 / £700 | Per array |
What affects the price
- Site size. Small sites hit a minimum fee; large sites get volume discounts (we take 10% off over 50 acres and 15% off over 100 acres).
- Outputs. A standard orthomosaic costs less than a full point cloud or CAD-ready contours.
- Sensors. Multispectral (NDVI) surveys need specialist equipment.
- Repeat visits. Progress monitoring and crop scouting are cheaper per visit on a contract.
- Travel. Distance beyond 30 miles and weekend flights add cost.
Is a drone survey worth it?
Compared with a traditional ground survey or scaffolding for a roof inspection, a drone is usually faster, safer and cheaper — and you get a complete aerial record of the site as well as the measurements.
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Sources
- Sky Scan Surveys — UK Drone Survey Cost Guide
- Impact Aerial — Drone Land Survey Cost Per Hectare UK 2026
- Drone Works UK — How Much Does a Drone Survey Cost
Frequently asked questions
How much is a drone survey per acre?
Across the UK, standard photogrammetry typically runs about £60–£100 per acre. WDG Agriculture charges £45–£100 per acre above a minimum fee, depending on the service.
Is there a minimum charge?
Yes. Our minimum fees start at £400–£650 depending on the survey, covering planning, risk assessment, flight, processing and delivery.
Tell us about your land or site.
We reply with a fixed, no-obligation price. Free call-out within 30 miles of Cheltenham.