Plowman Craven is pleased to announce that James Arnott, Managing Director: Inspection, will be presenting at an upcoming Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) webinar on 21 May 2026. Moreover, his presentation will cover the latest developments in drones surveying and how they are shaping the future of the industry.
Titled From Access to Insight: The Evolving Role of Drones in Surveying, the online session will explore how drone technology is transforming the surveying profession. Furthermore, this transformation moves far beyond traditional aerial photography to deliver richer data, safer access and more informed decision-making across the built environment. Additionally, this discussion will focus heavily on drones surveying advancements within the industry.
Hosted by CIOB, the webinar provides an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to gain practical insight into how unmanned systems are already creating measurable value on projects across the UK and internationally.
Sharing Practical Experience from the Front Line
Drawing on live project examples from Plowman Craven, James will demonstrate how drone-enabled surveying and inspection workflows are supporting chartered surveyors in increasingly complex environments. In addition, his analysis will showcase the benefits that drones bring to modern surveying processes.
The session will cover:
- Large-scale mapping and reality capture
- Façade and roof inspections at height
- Thermal surveying
- Confined space inspections using specialist indoor drone platforms
- Digital twin delivery
- Emerging applications where remotely captured data can reduce cost, improve safety and provide access to previously inaccessible areas
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of where drone technology is already delivering significant benefits. Similarly, they will learn where limitations remain and how these technologies can work alongside – rather than replace – professional surveying expertise. Indeed, the integration of drones surveying is opening up new possibilities for surveyors.
Advancing Safer, Smarter Surveying
As buildings and infrastructure become more complex, the demand for safer and more efficient methods of data capture continues to grow. Drone technology is enabling surveyors and asset owners to access high-risk, hard-to-reach and operationally sensitive environments with greater confidence. Among innovative solutions, surveying with drones is now one of the safest and most efficient methods.
Through real-world examples, James will explain how remotely captured data is helping organisations make faster, more informed decisions while reducing disruption, risk and cost.
The webinar will also examine how these technologies are being applied across a broad range of sectors. Moreover, this includes drones surveying in major infrastructure and commercial real estate.
- Property and commercial real estate
- Major infrastructure
- Highways and rail
- Oil and gas
- Nuclear
- Industrial and complex operational environments
About James Arnott
James Arnott BSc (Hons), FGS, is Managing Director – Inspection at Plowman Craven, where he leads multi-discipline inspection and survey delivery across the built environment and major infrastructure sectors. Among the latest surveying practices, James has led the adoption and innovation of drones surveying methodologies within the business.
Over a career spanning more than 10 years, James has delivered and led operations across the UK and internationally. He has worked on complex capital projects in oil and gas, nuclear, highways, rail, property and commercial environments.
His expertise includes:
- Large-scale mapping and topographical survey support
- Façade and roof inspections
- Thermal and condition surveys
- Confined space inspection
- Reality capture and digital twin delivery
- Leadership of both drone-based and traditional inspection teams
With a background rooted in emerging technology, combined with extensive experience in major project delivery, regulatory compliance and operational leadership, James is recognised for translating advanced survey and inspection methods into practical, scalable solutions for clients and asset owners. Of note, his involvement in drones surveying reflects the innovative spirit of Plowman Craven.
Recognised as Industry Experts
James’s invitation to speak at this CIOB event reflects Plowman Craven’s growing reputation as a leader in innovative surveying and inspection solutions for the built environment. Notably, their reputation is enhanced by continuing to spearhead drones surveying practices.
As the use of drone technology continues to evolve, Plowman Craven remains committed to helping clients unlock better insight through intelligent data capture. At the same time, they maintain the highest standards of safety, accuracy and professional expertise.
Event Details
From Access to Insight: The Evolving Role of Drones in Surveying
21 May 2026
12:00pm–1:00pm BST
Online via Microsoft Teams
The webinar is free for CIOB members, with a £25 fee for non-members.
To find out more and book your place, visit: https://www.ciob.org/events/from-access-to-insight-the-evolving-role-of-drones-in-surveying-1987329966427#event-heading-1. Additionally, the session will highlight how drones surveying is transforming industry standards.
