Ensure colour balancing
Vendors should have processes for consistent colour correction across large orthomosaics to enhance clarity and usability.
Top 5 tips for government spatial services
What to look for in a surveying partner for aerial imagery and orthophotos
Choosing the right surveying partner can make or break the success of an aerial survey project. For government planners tasked with supporting urban growth, maintaining infrastructure or managing environmental risks, your surveyor’s role isn’t just to deliver quality data.
They should help navigate challenges like procurement complexity, compliance and unpredictable weather. Here’s what to look for in a surveying partner to ensure your project runs smoothly and delivers actionable insights.
1. Expertise in quality control
Does your surveyor prioritise data accuracy and quality control at every stage of the project? Look for spatial professionals who:
Standardise data structuring
Vendors should maintain proper directory structures and metadata to ensure easy integration into government GIS systems and other tools.
Perform quality checks
Vendors should be able to show how they deliver precise and complete datasets – from capture to processing – to avoid costly delays or reworks.
2. Adaptability to weather and airspace challenges
Does your survey partner have strategies minimise disruptions that are common in aerial surveys? These could include:
Proactive scheduling
Planning flights during optimal weather windows to increase the likelihood of successful data collection.
Backup resources
Using multiple aircraft or high-capacity sensors, such as the Phase One 280i, to reduce downtime from adverse conditions.
Redundancy planning
Building flexibility into project timelines, while being responsive to sudden changes that and narrow timing windows.
3. Clarity on data handling
Does the surveyor understand that strict data handling in line with government policy is non-negotiable? They should:
Guarantee ownership
Transferring full rights to all collected data – no subscription-based or rental models.
Ensure secure storage and transfer
Delivering data securely and then removing it from vendor systems after handoff.
Facilitate your long-term access
Helping you build an archive – for historical comparisons and cross-department sharing.
4. Alignment with procurement and budget needs
Is your prospective partner familiar with public sector procurement processes, which often have strict requirements? Check that the surveyor:
Provides transparent pricing
Look for clear, itemised quotes that outline costs for resolution, data formats and additional deliverables.
Has experience in the sector
Ask for examples of similar projects they’ve completed, particularly in large-scale aerial imagery work for government.
Maximises cost efficiency
Find out if they consolidate surveys to serve multiple stakeholders, minimising duplication and optimising budgets.
5. Investment in technology
Is the spatial company primarily a drone operator, or do they specialise in fixed-wing aircraft as well? Other key considerations include:
High-resolution sensors
Cameras like the Phase One 280i produce quality images and have multi-band capabilities for specialised assessments.
Efficient processing software
Tools like SimActive Correlator3D enable rapid orthorectification, so you can receive data in a timely manner.
Customisable deliverables
The ability to provide orthomosaics, DEMs and additional data layers tailored to your project’s goals is a must.
More than anything else, your aerial surveying partner must add value through expertise, adaptability and long-term support.
Talk to the team to work with the spatial professionals who are already on government panels across Australia.