Case Study: RSK Orbital Limited inspects UK’s tallest tower safely with Pix4D

Inspecting UK's tallest tower with drone images

RSK Orbital Limited, a UK aerial survey provider, was asked by Arqiva to carry out an external inspection of Emley Moor Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the United Kingdom. The challenge was to assess a 330-meter transmission tower safely and thoroughly without putting workers at risk on ropes or relying on incomplete ground-based inspection methods. RSK Orbital worked with Pix4D and used Pix4Dmapper for the project.

Using a DJI Inspire 1, RSK Orbital captured 3,210 images and processed them in Pix4Dmapper to create a high-resolution 3D model of the tower. This allowed inspectors to examine cracks and other small defects in detail, with accurate 3D coordinates and preserved imagery, while avoiding dangerous high-altitude work. The Pix4D solution reduced inspection time and cost, improved coverage and data quality, and made the results easier to share and reuse.

RSK Orbital Limited