As part of a heritage “townscape” recording project, Overdrones has recently completed the first phase of an aerial drone-based photographic survey of the ancient market town of Dolgellau in North Wales on behalf of the Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) and surveyors Donald Insall Associates. This has demonstrated how even some challenging wider area projects using drones are possible, such as within the Dolgellau congested town centre, and can be quickly and efficiently completed provided they are backed up with sufficient pre-production planning.

Dolgellau has over 200 listed properties - the highest concentration in Wales - and the task was to survey the roofs and elevations of a prioritised set of key buildings from hotels to small dwellings scattered around the town, and to a very tight production timescale to minimise costs and disruption to residents and business. “We managed to complete the project on time and on budget,” commented Overdrones’ Chief Pilot, Dean Overton. “What’s more, we did all of this with the minimum of disruption to pedestrians, motorists, public service vehicles, shopkeepers and residents. Try doing that with a cherry picker!” he added.

Dean continued "The secret was in the meticulous planning and preparation of the survey - whilst ensuring we were compliant with all the Civil Aviation Authority drone flying restrictions. This included air space and ground space management, and we made sure that a thoughtful and sensitive deployment with safety and courtesy were the heart of the process.” The survey was part of a proposal by the SNPA to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the next phase of the Dolgellau Townscape Heritage Scheme.