King’s College Cambridge Turns to Skytech for Revolutionary Drone Roof Surveys
How Cutting-Edge Aerial Inspections Streamline Historic Building Maintenance
King’s College, Cambridge has taken a significant step forward in maintaining its historic buildings by utilising cutting-edge drone technology for roof surveys. Traditionally, the college relied on cherry pickers to inspect their roofs, a process complicated by high costs, logistical hurdles in obtaining permits to work on public roads, and health and safety concerns for operators and passersby. These challenges led to delays in essential inspections and made it difficult to gain comprehensive coverage of the college’s numerous buildings.
Seeking a more efficient and thorough approach, King’s College commissioned Skytech Cambridge to carry out aerial surveys of multiple rooftops in the city centre. Over the course of just two days, Skytech Cambridge captured thousands of high-resolution images of each designated roof, providing complete visual coverage and revealing issues that might have been missed with traditional methods.

A pivotal outcome of the survey was the creation of a detailed photographic record for all inspected roofs. This valuable archive not only assists King’s College in planning long-term maintenance but also allows them to track emerging issues over time. Additionally, having precise visual documentation enables the college to expedite repair projects. Contractors can assess damage based on the provided imagery, calculate the necessary materials, and submit tenders without needing physical access to often difficult-to-reach areas.
Skytech Cambridge specialises in professional drone surveys, aerial inspections, and high-resolution imaging for both commercial and historic properties. By offering an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional surveying techniques, the company helps clients reduce risk, streamline project timelines, and make informed decisions about their asset management and maintenance needs.
For King’s College, embracing drone technology has proven transformative, enhancing their ability to safeguard and preserve the institution’s historic architecture. This project underscores the advantages of aerial surveys for organisations managing complex or hard-to-access buildings. As drone technology continues to advance, Skytech Cambridge remains committed to delivering precise, actionable insights for universities, heritage sites, and businesses alike.

