Professional guide
Drone Mapping and Surveying in Switzerland
Drones complement the work of licensed surveyors for land mapping, construction site monitoring and volume calculations, without replacing Switzerland's official cadastre, which remains reserved for licensed professionals. An RTK drone such as the DJI Matrice 4E captures oblique imagery from 5 directions to produce orthophotos and 3D models with centimetre-level precision. For large areas, a long-endurance VTOL such as the JOUAV CW range covers several hundred hectares in a single flight.
The drone's role alongside the licensed surveyor
In Switzerland, the official cadastre remains the exclusive preserve of licensed surveyors. The drone is not meant to replace it: it serves as a complementary tool, ahead of or in support of an official survey.
Typical uses include preliminary studies before a construction project, volume and cubature calculations on a construction site or quarry, and tracking a site's progress over time.
Photogrammetry, orthophotos and 3D models
Photogrammetry assembles hundreds of aerial photos taken from multiple angles to reconstruct a 3D model or a georeferenced orthophoto of a plot of land, a building or a quarry.
The DJI Matrice 4E, capable of oblique capture from 5 directions, is designed for this type of mission. Providers such as Aerospot, in Lucerne and Zurich, use it for roof surveys and precise 3D digital twins.
LiDAR and centimetre-level precision
For terrain covered in vegetation or complex relief, LiDAR complements or replaces classic photogrammetry. The Feima D2000S, equipped with LiDAR and SLAM, illustrates this approach for precision surveys.
Combined with an RTK system, a mapping drone achieves centimetre-level precision, sufficient for volume calculations or reliable site monitoring over time.
Mapping large areas: long-endurance VTOLs
To cover large agricultural, forestry or industrial areas with a minimum number of flights, long-endurance VTOLs (vertical take-off and landing) such as the JOUAV CW range are used for professional photogrammetry and mapping. These aircraft are sold on quotation, depending on sensor configuration.
The VTOL combines the range of a fixed-wing aircraft with the simple take-off of a multirotor, reducing the number of sorties needed to map an extensive site.
Swiss drone mapping providers
Several Swiss providers cover drone mapping and surveying: Aero Peak in Fribourg, Aerospot in Lucerne and Zurich for roof surveys and 3D digital twins, Kopa.ch, pixmap.swiss in Bern, HeliFoto.ch and Drone GVA in Geneva.
The ASIT directory lists geomatics professionals in French-speaking Switzerland and helps you find a provider or surveyor near a given project.
- Aero Peak — Fribourg
- Aerospot — Lucerne / Zurich, roof surveys, 3D digital twin
- Kopa.ch, pixmap.swiss — Bern
- HeliFoto.ch, Drone GVA — Geneva
Choosing the right service for your project
The choice between classic photogrammetry, LiDAR or VTOL depends on the area to cover, the type of terrain (open or vegetated) and the precision required for the final output.
SinoDrone lists Swiss providers for drone mapping and surveying to point each project to the provider best suited to it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a drone replace a licensed surveyor in Switzerland?
No. Switzerland's official cadastre remains the exclusive preserve of licensed surveyors. The drone serves as a complementary tool for preliminary studies, site monitoring or volume calculations.
What precision can a drone survey achieve?
With an RTK system, a mapping drone achieves centimetre-level precision, sufficient for most volume calculations and site monitoring.
What is the difference between photogrammetry and LiDAR?
Photogrammetry reconstructs a 3D model from photos, which works well on open terrain. LiDAR measures distances by laser and penetrates dense vegetation or complex relief better, as demonstrated by the Feima D2000S.
Can a drone map a large agricultural or forestry area?
Yes, for large areas long-endurance VTOLs such as the JOUAV CW range cover several hundred hectares in a single flight, compared with the more limited range of a classic multirotor.
What is a 3D digital twin and what is it used for?
A 3D digital twin is a precise reconstruction of a building or site from aerial imagery. Providers such as Aerospot use it in particular for roof surveys before renovation work or solar panel installation.
Where can I find a drone mapping provider in Switzerland?
Several providers operate by region: Aero Peak in Fribourg, Aerospot in Lucerne and Zurich, pixmap.swiss in Bern, Drone GVA in Geneva. The ASIT directory also lists geomatics professionals in French-speaking Switzerland.