From Hobby to High Stakes: What Gets Surveyors Using Drones in Trouble
This Is Surveying
- Residential & Housing
- Risk, Legal & Insurance
- Technology & AI
Adam Bailey was there when drones first entered the built environment, and he’s watched the entire industry evolve around him.
As Head of Specialist Surveys at Earl Kendrick, Adam joins Nina Young to talk about how drone technology has transformed the way surveyors work, why regulation and professional standards are being outpaced by poor practice, and what AI actually means for the future of the profession.
From photogrammetry and thermal imaging to the very real risks of cutting corners with technology, this is a conversation about where surveying is headed and what it takes to do it properly.
What We Cover
- How Adam Bailey became one of the first drone surveyors in the UK
- The evolution of drone surveying technology since 2013
- Drone regulations and CAA requirements
- Insurance, compliance and operational risk
- Why professional surveying knowledge matters in drone inspections
- AI in surveying and the future of automated inspections
- Drone photogrammetry and measured surveys
- Common mistakes surveyors make with drones
- Thermal imaging, building performance and retrofit surveys
- The importance of education and professional standards in surveying tech
Guest Links
Useful Links
Guest Bio
Adam Bailey is Head of Specialist Surveys at Earl Kendrick and has been working in the drone surveying sector since the early days of commercial drone use within the UK built environment industry. Originally coming from a background in block management and surveying, Adam founded one of the first specialist drone surveying businesses focused on property inspections and building surveys. He has also been involved in shaping standards and industry discussions around drone operations, safety, and regulation. Adam specialises in drone inspections, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, and surveying technology, with a strong focus on professionalism, compliance, and education within the sector.
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Connect with me – Nina Young on LinkedIn
Adam Bailey
Head of Specialist Surveys at Earl Kendrick
