ABOUT GLOBAL DRONE SURVEYS
Overview
Operating from London and Cardiff, Global Drone Surveys Ltd provides CAA-compliant drone surveys, drone inspections and UAV mapping services across the United Kingdom. We have supported a wide range of clients in the construction, infrastructure and defence sectors, delivering consistent results on complex, high-value projects.
Our pilots have extensive commercial flight experience in congested airspace and around complex structures, including locations where GPS performance can be limited. This operational capability allows us to plan and complete safe, reliable drone inspection flights while maintaining the standards required for live sites and sensitive environments.
Across multiple industries, our UAV services support accurate data capture for asset inspections, condition surveys, construction progress reporting and mapping. We process and present outputs in a format that project teams can use—producing 3D models, maps and geo-referenced data to support planning, reporting and decision-making.
What sets us apart is the depth of our operational background, including experience within the Emergency Services, industrial access, work in high-risk industrial environments, and military contexts. This foundation strengthens our approach to safety, coordination and delivery, helping clients achieve clear outcomes from their drone surveys and drone inspections—on time and with confidence.
How Drone Surveys Work
Pre-Deployment Survey
Once we have received an enquiry from a prospective client, one of our drone pilots will carry out a "Pre-Deployment Survey". This involves a variety of safety checks including assessments of weather, task objectives, air space classification etc. that ensures that we adhere to the regulations as laid down by the CAA. Safety is as always, paramount. If we feel that the task is unsafe to fly for a drone, we will inform you and discuss other options. This survey is normally completed within the hour.
On Site Survey
Once on site, our team will carry out an "On-Site Survey". This ensures that any potential hazards identified on the pre-deployment survey are addressed and that the drone is flown to our high standards of safety. If the weather is against us, we will endeavour to complete the task, even if this means re-scheduing for another day. At no rxtra cost to the client.
During the Flight / Inspection
Global Drone Surveys prides itself on results and we ensure that the task is achieved to the highest possible standards. We welcome our clients or subject matter experts to be present at the flight as our footage can be viewed live on the ground allowing our team to receive direct instruction from clients to ensure the survey is captured precisely.
Post Flight
Once the survey or inspection is complete, all our footage/ photographs can be immediately available to the client on-site, or via direct download from our system following post-production editing (if required). All in stunning 4K Ultra-High Definition.
Drone Survey Equipment
Global Drone Surveys operates modern DJI drone platforms to support our survey, inspection and media requirements. We capture broadcast-quality 4K video and can also supply high-resolution still imagery, including RAW files where required, to support detailed review and reporting.
For added assurance on live sites, our pilots use flight telemetry throughout each operation. Where useful, we can provide live video feeds on-site, allowing your subject matter experts to review footage in real time and help guide the areas of focus during the inspection or capture.
As UAV technology continues to evolve, we routinely invest in updated equipment and capability to ensure clients benefit from reliable performance, consistent outputs and professional delivery across every project.
Meet the Drone
UAV Team
CHRIS JONES
Chris is Global Drone Surveys’ Chief Pilot (Ofqual Level 5), bringing a strong operational background from the British Army and 20+ years’ experience as a professional rescue team leader within the emergency services. He is qualified for high-risk industrial environments, including work at height and confined spaces, applying a safety-first approach suited to demanding site conditions.
He also supports a government overseas rescue capability, contributing to deployments involving building damage assessment and inspections of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and rail. In addition to multi-rotor UAV work, Chris has led high-value overseas contracts for a blue-chip defence organisation, managing teams operating large fixed-wing UAV platforms using disciplined, aviation-standard procedures.
With extensive logged commercial flight hours in the UK and overseas, Chris oversees operational delivery, flight planning, and data/imagery management to ensure consistent, compliant outputs for clients.
KEV DITE
A former Royal Marines Commando, Kevin is our Accountable manager. With over 100 hours of logged flight time, Kevin brings an enviable degree of knowledge and experience in both UAS piloting and flight planning.
Having planned and flown drone operations in the most complicated and congested areas of the UK, Kevin’s meticulous level of pre-planning and skill set allow us to operate drones safely and legally in highly complex and challenging areas that other operators would shy away from.
Kevin holds UK government security clearance allow us to work on sensitive and pivotal infrastructure sites such as COMA and Nuclear installations. He also holds relevant qualifications in “Working at Height” and Confined Space.
RYAN ATKINSON
Ryan is a specialist wildlife, adventure and travel cameraman who works for major broadcast clients across the globe including the BBC and Discovery Channel. With an extensive background in adventure sports, hazardous environments, and camera technology, he brings a number of useful and creative skills to the team at Global Drone Surveys.