Guides: is a drone the right tool for the job?

On the farm

Spraying, spreading and mapping on New Zealand farms, including when a helicopter or ground rig is the better choice.

• Control weeds on steep country

  GuideCan a drone spray gorse on steep farmland?VideoSpraying gorse and blackberry

• Spray pasture or crops

  GuideHow drone spraying worksGuideDrone vs helicopter vs ground sprayingVideoA complete spray job

• Spray orchards or kiwifruit

  GuideDrones for kiwifruit and orchard sprayingVideoDrones in kiwifruit orchards

• Spread fertiliser or seed

  VideoHow drone spreading works

• Map weeds before spraying

  VideoHow spot-spraying maps are made

• Work out the cost and how much ground a drone covers

  GuideWhat drone spraying costsGuideHectares per day

• Find spraying help in your region

  RegionWaikatoRegionNorthlandRegionBay of PlentyRegionCanterburyRegionManawatū-Whanganui

All farm drone guides →

Buildings and property

Checking and cleaning roofs and buildings without ladders or scaffolding.

• Inspect a roof or building

  GuideRoof and building inspections by drone

• Find faults with a thermal camera, e.g. solar panels

  VideoThermal inspections of solar farms

• Clean moss and mould off a roof or building

  Guide coming soon.

  OperatorsRoof and building cleaning operators

Land, construction and infrastructure

Maps, 3D models and inspections of sites and assets that are hard to reach.

• Map a property or site, or make a 3D model

  GuideDrone mapping and surveying explainedVideoMapping a construction siteVideoCapturing a site in 3D

• Inspect power lines and towers

  VideoPower line and tower inspections

Before you hire, for any job

What to check so the job is done legally and safely.

• Choose an operator

  GuideHow to choose a drone operatorGuideFree checklist: 12 things to check

• Understand the rules

  GuideDrone laws: Part 101 vs Part 102VideoPart 101 vs 102 in plain English

• Check training and licences

  GuideWhat training do operators need?

Thinking of buying a drone?

For businesses doing regular drone work, owning can make sense.

• Hire or buy, and where to buy

  GuideBuying a drone in NZGuideDJI Agras T100 in New ZealandVideoDJI Agras T100 explained