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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The session will cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 rather than replace \u2013 professional surveying expertise. Indeed, the integration of drones in surveying is opening up new possibilities for surveyors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The webinar will also look at how these technologies are now embedded as day to day tools across a broad range of sectors. This includes the use of drone surveying in major infrastructure and commercial real estate, where mature application and reliable delivery are now just as important as the technology itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n James Arnott BSc (Hons), FGS, PCN, is Managing Director of Inspection at Plowman Craven, where he leads the delivery of complex inspection and survey services across the built environment, major infrastructure and operationally critical assets. With deep experience across both traditional and technology enabled methodologies, he is responsible for shaping and delivering multidisciplinary solutions that support safer access, better decision making and more efficient project outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With more than 10 years of experience across the UK and international markets, James has led surveying and inspection teams in some of the most complex and demanding sectors, including oil and gas, nuclear, highways, rail, property and commercial real estate. His background spans major capital projects, live operational environments and high risk assets, giving him a broad and practical understanding of how inspection and survey strategies need to perform in the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Leadership of complex survey and inspection operations 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.asset owners. Of note, his involvement in drones surveying reflects the innovative spirit of Plowman Craven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n James\u2019s invitation to speak at this CIOB event reflects both his own standing in the market and Plowman Craven\u2019s reputation across surveying, inspection and intelligent data capture.Over the past 10 years, he has remained at the forefront of the drone industry through a range of operational, expert and advisory roles, and is recognised for driving the adoption of emerging technologies and modern delivery methods across the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/04\/CIOB_DIGITAL_DESCRIPTOR_LOCKUP_BLUE_RGB-1-003.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSharing Practical Experience from the Front Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdvancing Safer, Smarter Surveying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbout James Arnott<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Traditional, remote and difficult access inspection
\u2022 Condition assessment of buildings, structures and assets
\u2022 Reality capture and geospatial data delivery
\u2022 Thermal surveying and diagnostic analysis
\u2022 Major project delivery across regulated and industrial sectors<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecognised as Industry Experts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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