What Drone Photogrammetry Is
Photogrammetry turns overlapping photographs into measurements. The drone flies a planned pattern and takes hundreds of photos, each overlapping the next. Software matches the same points across many images and works out their position in 3D, producing a dense point cloud of the site or building.
Tied to ground control points, that model is placed in Singapore's own coordinate system, SVY21, with heights in Singapore Height Datum. Every map and model we deliver can then be overlaid on your drawings, OneMap layers or a previous survey.
What You Can Get
| Deliverable | What it is | Used for | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthophoto mosaic | One seamless, scale-correct aerial image of the site | Site plans, measuring areas and distances, progress records | Georeferenced TIFF, JPG |
| 3D textured model | A photo-realistic 3D model of a site or building | Design review, A&A planning, presentations, records | OBJ, glTF |
| Point cloud | Millions of measured 3D points with colour | CAD and BIM work, measurements, comparisons over time | LAS 1.4 |
| Surface and terrain models | Heights of everything (surface) or bare ground (terrain) | Drainage, earthworks, flood and slope studies | GeoTIFF |
| Contours | Height lines at a set interval | Design and planning drawings | DWG, DXF |
Where It Is Used in Singapore
- Construction sites — monthly orthophotos and models to track progress against programme. See construction progress monitoring.
- Site planning and design — an up-to-date base map before design starts, often with a topographic survey.
- Building 3D models — the facade and roof of an existing building, for addition and alteration (A&A) works, repainting or re-roofing scopes.
- Estates and industrial yards — a current map of a condominium estate, factory or yard for facilities planning.
- Stockpiles and earthworks — surface models for stockpile volumes and cut and fill.
- Records — a dated, measurable record of a site before works start, alongside a dilapidation survey.
Photogrammetry or LiDAR?
The Singapore Land Authority's Standard and Specifications for Survey Using Unmanned Aerial System in Singapore covers both. They suit different jobs.
| Photogrammetry | LiDAR | |
|---|---|---|
| How it measures | Passive: matches points across photographs | Active: measures laser pulse returns |
| Output | Full-colour models and orthophotos | Measured points, colour added separately |
| Under tree canopy | Cannot see the ground | Can reach ground through light canopy |
| Weak spots | Low-contrast ground such as reclaimed sand, poor light, sharp height changes | Fewer, and less affected by light |
| Highest SLA order | 2nd order (camera of 42 MP or more) | 1st order |
| Volume payment certification | Not recommended by SLA | Suitable |
We map by photogrammetry. For most mapping, modelling, progress and inventory work it is the better-value choice and gives the richer visual result. If your project needs LiDAR, we will say so when we scope it.
How Accuracy Is Controlled
Our 100-megapixel camera is well above SLA's 42-megapixel minimum for 2nd-order photogrammetry. We plan each flight so the ground sample distance is better than one third of the accuracy you need, with at least 60% forward and 50% side overlap. Ground control points are placed across the site, and independent validation points, kept out of processing, are used to check the final result. Their residuals are reported with your deliverables, so you can see the accuracy achieved, not just the accuracy promised.
Why Choose SG Drone Inspections
CAAS-Permitted Operations
Our flights run under the required CAAS operator and activity permits. We handle the airspace approvals, including near Changi, Paya Lebar and Seletar.
Singapore Datums
Every output is in SVY21 and Singapore Height Datum, ready to overlay on your drawings and survey records.
Checked, Not Assumed
Independent validation points are reported with every survey, so the accuracy is shown in numbers.
Honest Scoping
If your job needs LiDAR, a Registered Surveyor's certification or a different method, we tell you before you commit.
Mapping Pricing
Prices cover planning, CAAS permits, ground control, the flight and processing into the deliverables you choose. Building 3D models are quoted per building once we know the size and detail needed.
| Site area | Drone capture and processing |
|---|---|
| Under 1 hectare | $1,000 — $1,500 |
| 1 — 5 hectares | $1,500 — $3,000 |
| 5 — 20 hectares | $3,000 — $6,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Drone Mapping Quote
Send us the site address, the approximate area and the outputs you need. We reply with a scope and quote within 24 hours.