How to Write a Drone Mapping Project Brief That Gets You the Right Data

The most common source of disappointment in drone mapping projects is not poor execution — it is poor specification. When a client does not clearly communicate what they need, the provider delivers what they think is needed. These are often different things.

A well-written project brief eliminates this gap. It gives the provider the information needed to plan the right survey, produce the right deliverables, and deliver them in the right format.

Provide the project location as precisely as possible:

• Address — for urban or suburban sites
• GPS coordinates — for remote sites
• Shapefile or KML — for complex or irregular project boundaries
• Map — a screenshot or link to a map showing the project area

The more precisely you define the project area, the more accurately the provider can plan the flight and quote the project.

Specify the area to be surveyed in acres or square miles. If the project area is irregular, provide a boundary file (shapefile, KML, or GeoJSON) rather than just an acreage estimate.

Describe what you are trying to accomplish with the data:

• "We need to calculate cut/fill volumes for earthwork bidding"
• "We need to monitor construction progress weekly"
• "We need a topographic survey for drainage design"
• "We need aerial photography for a real estate listing"

The purpose determines the appropriate deliverables, accuracy requirements, and methodology.

Specify exactly what you need:

• Orthomosaic (GeoTIFF)
• DEM/DSM/DTM (GeoTIFF)
• Point cloud (LAS/LAZ)
• Contour lines (DXF or Shapefile, specify interval)
• Processing report
• Other (specify)

If you are not sure what deliverables you need, describe your application and ask the provider to recommend appropriate deliverables.

Specify the accuracy you need:

• "General mapping — 10–20 cm accuracy is acceptable"
• "Engineering survey — 3–5 cm horizontal and vertical accuracy required"
• "Survey grade — 1–2 cm accuracy required, with independent check points"

If you are not sure what accuracy you need, describe your application and ask the provider to recommend appropriate accuracy.

Specify the coordinate reference system (CRS) your team uses:

• "NAD83 / UTM Zone 14N (EPSG:26914)"
• "NAD83 / State Plane Texas Central (EPSG:32139)"
• "WGS84 geographic coordinates (EPSG:4326)"
• "Match the CRS of our existing GIS data" (provide a sample file)

If you are not sure what CRS to use, ask your GIS or engineering team.

Specify the vertical datum:

• "NAVD88" — the standard for most US engineering and surveying work
• "Ellipsoidal height" — if you need GPS-compatible elevations
• "Match our existing data" (provide a sample file)

Specify the file formats your software requires:

• "GeoTIFF for raster data, DXF for contours, LAS for point cloud"
• "Shapefile for vector data"
• "AutoCAD DWG format"

Specify:

• Survey date — when the survey needs to be conducted
• Delivery date — when you need the deliverables
• Flexibility — whether the survey date is flexible (weather delays, airspace issues)

Note any special requirements:

• "The site is in Class D airspace — confirm LAANC authorization is available"
• "The site is an active construction site — coordinate with the site superintendent"
• "Multispectral imagery is required for vegetation analysis"
• "The survey must be conducted before 8 AM to avoid construction traffic"

Project: Riverside Industrial Park — Phase 2 Construction Survey

Location: 1234 Industrial Blvd, Denver, CO 80201 (see attached KML for project boundary)

Area: Approximately 85 acres

Purpose: Weekly construction progress monitoring and earthwork volume tracking for Phase 2 site development

Deliverables:

• Orthomosaic (GeoTIFF, 2 cm/pixel)
• DEM (GeoTIFF, 5 cm/pixel)
• Processing report confirming accuracy

Accuracy: 3–5 cm horizontal and vertical

CRS: NAD83 / Colorado Central (EPSG:26954)

Vertical Datum: NAVD88

File Formats: GeoTIFF

Timeline: Weekly surveys beginning March 15, delivered promptly after each flight

Special Requirements: Site is in Class D airspace (Centennial Airport) — LAANC authorization required. Coordinate with site superintendent (John Smith, 303-555-1234) before each survey.

A clear, complete project brief is the foundation of a successful drone mapping engagement. It ensures that the provider understands your requirements, plans the appropriate survey, and delivers data that meets your needs.

Contact Blackridge Geospatial — we are happy to help you develop a project brief for your specific requirements.