Our Lady of The Assumption and The English Martyrs (OLEM) is one of Cambridge’s most iconic churches. Not only because it's Cambridge’s highest building, the church stands tall in a city full of stunning architecture. 

Whether you’re walking past and looking up at the 65-metre tall spire, or getting a slightly closer look at the Gothic features from a bus on the way into town, it’s a brilliant landmark. Cambridge is proud to call OLEM its own. 

SkyTech Cambridge has recently partnered with OLEM, using expert drone photography to survey the building and save the church thousands during their ongoing restoration work.

Drone operator and SkyTech’s founder, Marc Mann, and OLEM’s General Manager, Annelize Coetzer, tell us more about this blueprint for how new technology can better solve old problems. 

When it comes to preserving and restoring historic architecture, you face a costly battle. OLEM faces this same challenge as they work through several projects as part of their Aspire Building Fund. 

Essential six-figure repairs to the boiler system, finials and parapets have already been completed. Masonry and roof repairs are next, with the total cost projected to be around £1 million. 

Annelize noted, 

"Historic buildings are at the heart of our towns and cities. We’re making sure they’re not going anywhere, and their incredible cultural impact remains… but the cost challenges aren’t going anywhere either."

OLEM was built as part of the Gothic Revival in the late 1800s. Revival is an interesting word, closely linked to restoration and preservation.

Annelize explains, 

"Across all faiths, places of worship have always been one of the ways humans seek to reflect something bigger than themselves. They become a place of rest and restoration for people and communities.

So, protection and preservation are at the centre of what OLEM and other churches are all about. The beautiful building needs that same focus now as we secure its place in our city for generations to come."

With a plan in place for the future, OLEM needed to find the best way to move the work forward. The challenges include costs and minimising disruption to ongoing work at the church.

In the past, initial assessments have involved extensive (and costly) scaffolding bills and surveys carried out by abseiling photographers. You’ll quickly see why this process is costly and inefficient:

• Scanning an entire building while abseiling is a lengthy process
• Full scaffolding may also be needed before you even begin finding the problem
• Site teams often wait days or weeks for visual data before they can progress the next stage of the project

Even then, the survey results are not guaranteed to give your architect and contractors all the information needed. You may find yourself arranging further surveys, meaning tens of thousands of pounds and massive amounts of time can easily be lost, before you even start.



“Less time, less money, better results.”

Drone technology completely changes how large, historic buildings with complex architecture can be surveyed.

Marc Mann describes the process,

"Drone photography is a brilliant solution. You’re able to identify features and potential defects before arranging costly access and scaffolding. 

You only pay for what you need, when you need it.

A drone-based survey provides real-time high-resolution imagery combined with accurate geospatial data. For example, during the inspection of the OLEM bell tower, we conducted a systematic vertical scan of the elevation. By maintaining precise altitude control and camera positioning, we captured detailed visual data at each level. This enabled us to construct a comprehensive visual and structural record of the tower quickly and efficiently.

Less time, less money, better results"

Your survey needs to work closely with your wider construction and project team. During the OLEM building survey, SkyTech worked closely with Freeland Rees Roberts Architects. 

Henry Freeland reflected on the role of new technology across the sector,

"We recently trialled drone technology through Skytech Cambridge to support our building surveys — and it’s made a real difference. We can capture the precise data we need to draw up plans, we’ve got the flexibility to pinpoint areas of interest, and the whole process is faster and offers great value.

It’s also been brilliant to see these same benefits making life easier for the people working in the stunning buildings we’re involved with, especially where the financial stakes are high."

“… not just a drone operator – I’m a project partner”

There’s a significant skill element attached to the process of drone surveys. Flying within six feet of intricate architecture is no small thing. It takes precision and experience, so you need to work with an expert.

More than that, there’s an industry knowledge you need to rely on. Top Gun’s Maverick may be wonderful in the air, but I’m not sure he’ll be able to advise on my roof tiles or guttering. 

So, how has SkyTech Cambridge built its reputation?

Marc Mann describes how his background in the construction industry supports his drone photography and building surveys, 

"When it comes to building surveys and restoration, we’re using drone photography and new technology to solve old problems. It’s all about saving businesses and organisations time and money.

My background is in construction, which means SkyTech works closely and collaboratively with your project team. You’re not just getting aerial images – you’re getting precise, targeted visual data that highlights the key structural features your architects, surveyors, and contractors need. I’m not just a drone operator – I’m a project partner, focused on delivering the insight your team needs to move forward with confidence."

One of the surprising bonuses of using new technology for your survey is the transparency and understanding you get as a customer.

Rather than the technology ruling you out, you learn much more than you would using older survey methods. The survey takes hours, rather than days and weeks… and it’s visible in full colour from the ground.

Annelize is enthusiastic about this process and working with SkyTech,

"Working with Marc has given me much more understanding and a sense of control. We’re all invested in the building, so I love seeing the process; I’m able to speak to Marc about what he’s seen, so I know what’s going on.

OLEM is one of Cambridge’s best-loved places of worship. Without doubt, SkyTech has saved us money and played its part in preserving our beautiful building.”

Using new technology should always make life easier. Drone surveys do just that. When the project matters as much as the work at OLEM, it’s especially rewarding.

It was fantastic to hear how pleased the team at OLEM church have been. We’ll follow their restoration projects closely and look forward to working with them again in the future.

We’d love to chat about how we can help you as well. If you have any questions or want some more information, get in touch.