A Phase 1 Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical Desk Study is often the first opportunity to identify potential ground-related risks.
Traditionally, desk studies rely on historical mapping, geological records, aerial photography and site walkovers. UAV surveys provide a modern enhancement to this process by capturing current, high-resolution spatial data that may reveal features not easily identifiable from publicly available information.
UAV-derived datasets can assist in identifying:
- Potential geohazards, including landslides, sinkholes and ground subsidence
- Historical earthworks features
- Evidence of past quarrying and mining activities
- Unrecorded excavations or infilled ponds
- Surface depressions and settlement features
- Former railway cuttings and embankments
- Signs of erosion or instability
- Surface water flow routes and drainage issues
- Previously unidentified access constraints
The result is a more informed conceptual site model or ground model and a better understanding of potential environmental, geological and geotechnical risks before intrusive site works commence.