How to Become a Drone Surveyor

With rapid advancements in drone technology, the world of surveying is undergoing a revolution. Traditional surveying techniques are being enhanced, and often replaced, by efficient, cost-effective, and safer drone-based solutions. In Australia, the demand for drone surveyors is growing fast, opening doors to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. This guide explores everything you need to know about how to become a drone surveyor, including required training, equipment, and job pathways.

What is Drone Surveying?

Drone surveying refers to the use of remotely piloted aircraft (drones) to capture aerial data that can be processed into detailed maps, models, or measurements. These aerial surveys are commonly used in civil construction, mining, agriculture, environmental studies, and infrastructure monitoring. Drone surveyors use GPS, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other geospatial technologies to ensure accuracy and consistency.

How to become a drone surveyor operating drone at Australian construction site

What Do You Need for Drone Surveying?

To start drone surveying, you’ll need a combination of certifications, equipment, and software. Here’s a breakdown:

Hire a Sydney Drone Operator
  • Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Required by CASA for anyone operating drones commercially.
  • Operator’s Certificate (OC) – For those managing their own drone business or operation.
  • Survey-grade drone – Typically equipped with RTK/PPK GPS, a high-resolution camera or LiDAR sensor.
  • Mapping and processing software – Such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or Agisoft Metashape.
  • Strong understanding of airspace regulations – Including how to obtain approvals where necessary.

Drone Surveying Jobs in Australia

Drone surveying jobs span multiple industries across Australia. Whether working in-house with civil contractors, mining firms, or environmental agencies, or running your own operation as a contractor, drone surveyors are in high demand. The role may include tasks such as site inspections, progress monitoring, volumetric analysis, boundary mapping, and asset documentation. Positions range from field technicians to GIS analysts and survey project leads.

Drone Surveying from Scratch

If you’re new to the world of drones or surveying, don’t worry. Many professionals transition into drone surveying from photography, IT, engineering, or construction. The best place to start is with a certified Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) course, which we offer at Flying Glass. From there, you can build your experience with mapping tools and flight hours, eventually taking on more complex survey tasks. Mentorship and hands-on projects are essential to develop skills and confidence.

What Are Two Industries That Benefit from Drone Surveying?

Drone surveying plays a crucial role in:

  • Construction: Drones are used for site planning, volume measurement, and progress tracking, reducing manual labour and increasing safety.
  • Mining: Aerial surveys help with stockpile analysis, terrain modelling, and monitoring hazardous zones with precision and speed.

What is the Purpose of Drone Mapping?

The primary purpose of drone mapping is to collect accurate, up-to-date spatial data from above. This data is used to generate orthophotos, digital surface models (DSMs), digital terrain models (DTMs), and 3D reconstructions. These outputs allow decision-makers to plan, analyse, and manage projects more effectively. Whether it’s tracking erosion, assessing roadworks, or measuring crop health, drone mapping provides insights that are otherwise expensive or time-consuming to acquire.

Which Drone is Best for Survey?

Choosing the best drone for surveying depends on the job. Popular models include:

  • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: Compact and RTK-capable, great for small-to-medium mapping projects.
  • DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Designed for rugged field conditions and compatible with multiple sensors including LiDAR.
  • WingtraOne Gen II: A fixed-wing VTOL drone ideal for covering large areas with high precision.

At Flying Glass, we fly a range of drones suitable for survey-grade mapping and can provide guidance on selecting the right platform.

Drone Mapping and Surveying in Australia

Drone mapping and surveying in Australia must comply with CASA regulations. This includes holding the appropriate RePL and following strict operational guidelines. Surveying companies often employ pilots who are experienced in both drone flight and geospatial data processing. Australia’s vast landscapes, mining sites, and infrastructure projects make it an ideal environment for drone mapping technologies to thrive.

Drone Surveyor Course Options

To become a professional drone surveyor, training is essential. At Flying Glass, we offer comprehensive RePL training that equips you with the legal and practical skills required for commercial drone work. We also provide mentorship for those wanting to specialise in aerial surveying, including how to interpret mapping outputs, conduct safe operations, and manage data workflows.

When choosing a drone surveyor course, look for those that include real-world flying, CASA-approved content, and instructors with industry experience. You’ll benefit from learning in small groups with hands-on field training, ensuring you’re job-ready from day one.

How to Become a Drone Surveyor – Step-by-Step

  1. Get your RePL: Enrol in a certified Remote Pilot Licence course. This is the legal minimum for commercial drone work in Australia.
  2. Gain flying experience: Log hours with a variety of drone types and payloads.
  3. Learn mapping software: Tools like DroneDeploy, Pix4D, and Metashape are essential.
  4. Understand surveying principles: Learn about georeferencing, ground control points (GCPs), and photogrammetry basics.
  5. Invest in equipment: Choose a drone setup tailored to your surveying niche (e.g. construction, mining, agriculture).
  6. Get your OC (Operator’s Certificate): If you’re starting your own drone surveying business.
  7. Find work or freelance: Apply for roles in engineering firms, councils, construction companies, or start your own survey operation.

Drone Surveying: Future Outlook

Drone surveying is a rapidly growing profession. With the rise of smart cities, precision agriculture, and renewable infrastructure, the need for accurate spatial data will only increase. Becoming a drone surveyor puts you at the forefront of this technological evolution. Australia’s regulatory environment supports safe drone growth, and skilled professionals are increasingly sought-after.

If you’re ready to launch your career in drone surveying Australia, there’s never been a better time to start. At Flying Glass, we provide expert training, guidance, and opportunities for aspiring drone professionals. Whether you want to join a company or fly solo, the journey begins with learning the rules and building your skillset from the ground up.

Interested in getting your RePL and starting a new career in drone mapping? Check out our RePL drone training course.