Drone Roof Survey at Duchy Hospital, Truro

Carrying out a building survey from the air always brings a mix of precision, planning, and a touch of adventure. Recently, I was commissioned to photograph the extensive roof structures of Duchy Hospital in Truro as part of a wider building survey. What sounds simple at first glance involves a lot more than just taking off and pressing the shutter.

Pre-Flight Checks and Permissions

Before a single propeller spins, safety and planning take centre stage. For any drone work, especially in a hospital environment, airspace awareness is critical.

I began with a full pre-flight assessment, which included checking restricted zones and identifying any other air users nearby. With Duchy Hospital being close to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, I reached out to Cornwall Air Ambulance for guidance. They kindly provided operational details to ensure there would be no conflict with emergency helicopter routes.

Once I had the green light, I set my start time for 8:00 a.m. on a bright Friday morning. My alarm went off at 6:30 a.m., and I made the drive down to Truro armed with fully charged batteries—and plenty of coffee.

A Day in the Sky

The hospital grounds are surprisingly varied, with multiple buildings and changing roof structures. This was not a quick job. I allowed myself the entire day to photograph every inch of the site.

Why so long? Simple: patience. Any time a helicopter needed to land, my drone had to be grounded for safety—non-negotiable. By building in extra time, I could work without pressure.

The weather played its part beautifully. Sunshine and clear skies meant ideal light for capturing crisp, detailed images of gutters, tiles, windows, and even the surprising number of air conditioning units that keep staff and patients comfortable inside.

Powering the Operation

Drone flights are measured in minutes. Each battery gives me around 16 minutes of air time, and with five batteries in rotation, I have roughly 1 hour 20 minutes of flying before needing a recharge.

This is where my camper van becomes more than just transport—it’s my mobile office. Equipped with solar panels, it powers a rolling charge system for the drone batteries, my laptop, and, of course, a kettle and fridge. A hot brew and a quick bite make all the difference on a long day like this.

Final Checks and Wrap-Up

By lunchtime, the bulk of the work was complete, but I ran a final set of checks to make sure every angle was covered. The last thing you want is to get home and realise you missed a section of roof—especially on a site this size.

After backing up the images onto my laptop and external drives (always in duplicate—safety first), it was time to pack up, head home, and start the next stage of the process: preparing and delivering the files for the client.

Why Use a Drone for Building Surveys?

Traditional roof inspections can be time-consuming, costly, and often require scaffolding or cherry pickers, which come with additional safety risks and expenses. Aerial drone surveys provide:

• Speed and efficiency – Cover large areas quickly.
• Safety – No need for working at height.
• Detail – High-resolution images, ideal for spotting issues like cracks, water pooling, or damaged flashing.

For sites like Duchy Hospital, where operations can’t be interrupted, drones are the perfect solution.

See More from the Duchy Hospital Survey

Scroll through the gallery below to see more images from the day, including the diversity of rooftops and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the process running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Every survey tells a story—not just about a roof, but about preparation, precision, and making sure we respect the space we’re working in. For me, being part of these essential maintenance projects is as rewarding as photographing a wedding or a brand shoot. It’s about trust, reliability, and delivering something of real value.

If you’d like to learn more about aerial surveys or commercial photography in Cornwall and beyond, take a look at my commercial photography services or get in touch to discuss your next project.

Complete Gallery from the Duchy Hospital Survey