Drone mapping (aerokartografavimas) means photographing an area with a drone (an unmanned aircraft) and processing the images with photogrammetry software. The images produce a georeferenced orthophoto map, a point cloud, a 3D surface model, a topographic plan or earth volume calculations. GEOMANAI flies a DJI Matrice 4E drone, measures ground control points on site with a GNSS receiver and processes the images in Trimble Business Center (TBC). Drone mapping costs from €200 (VAT included): the price depends on the area and the required accuracy, and the work takes from one day to a month.
What do you get from drone mapping?
| Result | What it is used for | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Orthophoto map (GeoTIFF) | A georeferenced aerial image of the area: for planning, monitoring construction progress and analysing plots and sites | drone mapping from €200 |
| Point cloud | The surface of the area and objects for design and modelling | from €300 |
| 3D topographic survey (in Lithuanian) | A model of the terrain and objects for architects and designers | from €485 |
| Surface model (drone flight) | A 3D surface — the basis for volume calculations and terrain analysis | €180 |
| Volume calculation | Quantities of soil, crushed stone or gravel: cuts, fills, stockpiles | €120 |
We calculate the price from the size of the area and the required accuracy. Urgent work can be done for an extra fee. Full price list: Prices.
Delivery formats
- Orthophoto — a georeferenced GeoTIFF (.tif) file.
- 3D surface — in XML and DWG formats.
- Plan with elevations and quantities — DWG and PDF.
- Earth volume report — with the quantity excavated or filled.
- 3D PDF — a model you can rotate without special software.
- Point cloud — we agree the format depending on the software you will use it in.
Coordinates are in LKS-94 and heights in LAS07, as in our other geodetic work.
What are photogrammetry and photogrammetric surveys?
Photogrammetry is determining the shape, size and position of objects from images. When the images are taken from the air, it is called aerial photogrammetry; when they are taken with a drone, it is drone photogrammetry. A photogrammetric survey works like this: the drone flies a pre-planned route, the images overlap one another, and the software calculates a point cloud, a surface model and an orthophoto map from them.
To make the result match the real coordinates, we mark ground control points on site (kontūrženkliai) and measure them with a GNSS receiver. Using them, the whole model is tied to the LKS-94 coordinate system and the LAS07 height system.
The level of detail is shown by the GSD (ground sampling distance) — the size of one image pixel on the ground. The smaller the GSD, the finer the details you can see and the more precise the measurements. The GSD depends on the flight altitude and the camera, so we choose it according to what the result is needed for.
More about orthophotos: what an orthophoto map is and where to find one (in Lithuanian).
Drone services: where drone surveys are used
- Earth volume calculations — cuts, fills, stockpiles, storage yards and construction sites (cut and fill volume calculation (in Lithuanian)).
- Repeat flights over a construction site — for example monthly, so that you can see how much soil has been excavated or filled and how the work is progressing.
- As-built surveys of paved surfaces — yards, squares, roads.
- 3D surfaces and photogrammetry for architects — the existing situation for design.
- Orthophoto maps — for farmers, bailiffs and land managers: an up-to-date georeferenced aerial image.
- Topography of large areas, where walking the site with instruments would take long or be difficult.
Drone or ground-based instruments?
| Situation | What works better |
|---|---|
| Large open area, quarry, yard | Drone — faster, more data |
| Volumes of soil or bulk materials | Drone — the whole surface is visible |
| Area under trees, dense scrub | Ground-based instruments — a drone sees only the surface, not the ground under the trees |
| Individual points, plot boundaries, building corners, underground networks | Ground-based instruments (total station, GNSS receiver) |
| You need both imagery and measurements | A combination: drone and ground-based survey |
The best result often comes from combining both methods. A ground-based topographic survey costs from €240/ha.
How does drone mapping work?
- Enquiry. You send us the address or boundaries of the area and tell us what result you need (orthophoto, volumes, topographic plan, 3D model).
- Flight planning. We assess the area and airspace restrictions and plan the flight route.
- Ground control points and flight. We mark ground control points on site and measure them with a GNSS receiver, and the drone photographs the area.
- Processing. We process the images in Trimble Business Center: we create the point cloud, 3D surface and orthophoto and calculate volumes.
- Delivery. We hand over the files to you or your designer in the agreed format.
The work takes from one day to a month, depending on the area and the result. For example, an orthophoto of an area of a few hectares (flight and processing) usually takes about a week.
Frequently asked questions
What is drone mapping?
Drone mapping is photographing an area from the air with a drone and processing the images into an orthophoto map, a point cloud, a 3D surface model, a topographic plan or volume calculations.
How does photogrammetry differ from drone mapping?
Photogrammetry is a method of measuring from images. Drone mapping is the work of producing maps and models from aerial images using this method.
How much does drone mapping cost?
From €200 including VAT. The price depends on the size of the area and the required accuracy; a point cloud costs from €300 and a 3D topographic survey from €485.
How long does drone mapping take?
From one day to a month, depending on the size of the area and the result. We usually prepare an orthophoto of an area of a few hectares within a week. Urgent work can be done for an extra fee.
What drone do you use?
We fly a DJI Matrice 4E drone and process the images in Trimble Business Center (TBC). We measure ground control points on site with a GNSS receiver, so the results are tied to LKS-94 coordinates and LAS07 heights.
Can a drone be used to calculate earth volumes?
Yes. We generate a surface model (€180) and calculate the volume (€120). You receive a volume report and a plan with elevations and quantities.
In what formats will I receive the results?
Orthophoto — GeoTIFF, 3D surface — XML and DWG, plan — DWG and PDF. We can also prepare a 3D PDF that you can rotate without special software.
Can a drone measure the ground under trees?
No. The images show only the surface, so in overgrown areas the ground surface has to be measured with ground-based instruments.
How does an orthophoto map differ from an ordinary aerial photo?
In an orthophoto map, perspective and terrain distortions have been removed and the image is georeferenced, so you can measure distances and areas on it.
Do you carry out building inspections with drones?
Our drone work is surveying: orthophotos, surface models, volumes and topography. We do not carry out roof or façade condition inspections.
Order drone mapping
Call +370 603 45 805 (Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00) or email info@geomanai.lt. Send us the address or boundaries of the area and tell us what result you need. We aim to reply within 1–2 business days. Contact
Related services
- Topographic survey
- Geodetic surveys
- Prices
- Cut and fill volume calculation (in Lithuanian)
- 3D topographic survey (in Lithuanian)
- Orthophoto map (in Lithuanian)
- Engineering geodesy on construction sites (in Lithuanian)
- Local construction geodetic network (in Lithuanian)
Responsible for content:Julius Giedraitis — Director of UAB GEOMANAI, land surveyor and geodetic surveyor (qualification certificates No. 2M-M-1788, 1GKV-807) · Updated:11 November 2026