3D model created by survey drone

We have used a specialist survey drone to help plan and design an installation of new equipment at Tunbridge Wells North Wastewater Treatment Works, in Kent.

The drone footage is captured and can be turned into a 3D model, which helps during the design of upgrade projects.

The survey drone collects hundreds of photographs of the treatment works from different angles. These photos are processed to create a 3D model of the site, creating precise measurements to be taken across the entire area. 

Richard Stanley, Senior Project Manager at Southern Water said “We are using drone technology across some of our treatment works to help plan and design our projects, in advance of installing new site equipment.

“The new equipment will improve the quality of the treated water going back into the environment and make sure we meet new environmental standards.”

We are working with drone specialists Peryton Aerial Surveys via our Strategic Delivery Partner CMDP+.

Kerry James, Technical Director at Peryton Aerial Surveys Ltd said:

“The drone survey takes around two to three hours in the field and up to twelve hours of processing time per project. We fly an American made ‘Raptor’ drone which weighs around 1 kilogram and is equipped with precision GPS and a high-performance camera.”

The 3D model is created using software and a process called photogrammetry. The process translates the photographs into a 3D model with an accuracy of a one to two centimetres. 

Kerry said: “The model users are able to explore and measure the site almost like they were there but without getting their boots wet.”

Ray Moloney, Operations Director for Wastewater at CMDP+ said:

“As one of Southern Water’s Strategic Delivery Partners, CMDP+ will deliver over around 50 projects over the next seven years, as we help Southern Water deliver its biggest ever programme of capital delivery works. Embedding Production Thinking starts with how we visualise our work – and tools like drone surveys and 3D models are enabling us to plan smarter, earlier, and more collaboratively. This will be essential to ensure we deliver these projects as efficiently and effectively as possible, driving best value for Southern Water and its customers.”

These works are part of our investment in major projects improving infrastructure throughout the AMP8 (Asset Management Period) period, from 2025 to 2030.