Case Study Drone Evidence: Combating Illegal Fly-Tipping

36 sites
Visited during the data collection programme

Around 7 minutes
Data collection time per site

Under 5 days
End-to-end service delivery

The challenge

Build a clear, repeatable record of fly-tipping activity

Fly-tipping can spread across large areas, making it difficult for local authorities to inspect every location quickly and record the scale of each incident consistently. Ground-based visits can take time, and manual measurements may not provide the same clear visual record for later comparison.

The authority needed a practical way to survey multiple sites, map the affected areas and identify changes during repeat visits. The resulting information also needed to help direct enforcement activity and guide decisions about where fixed cameras could be most useful.

The aim was to capture and process site data quickly, creating measurable maps that could support monitoring and enforcement decisions.
The survey covered 36 sites, with data collection taking approximately seven minutes per site.

Case at a glance

Mapped evidence for local authority monitoring

Sector: Local authority enforcement

Issue: Fly-tipping across multiple sites

Platform: DJI Matrice 4E

Survey area: 36 sites

Mapping output: 2D orthomosaics

Service delivery: Under five days

The approach

Survey quickly. Map each site. Compare activity over time.

Iprosurv used a DJI Matrice 4E to collect aerial imagery across 36 locations. Each site took approximately seven minutes to survey. The imagery was processed using cost-effective mapping software to create 2D orthomosaic maps with measurement tools for reviewing the affected areas.

Capture each location

Use the DJI Matrice 4E to collect aerial imagery across each site, with around seven minutes of data collection per location.

Create measurable maps

Process the imagery into 2D orthomosaics, giving the authority a consistent visual record and tools to measure areas of dumped material.

Compare and target follow-up

Repeat surveys can be compared to identify changes at known locations, helping teams monitor activity and consider where fixed cameras may be needed.

The result

36 sites mapped, with data ready for review in days

Iprosurv collected data at 36 sites, taking approximately seven minutes per location. Processing was completed in under 24 hours, and the service was delivered to the client in under five days.

The orthomosaic maps provided a clear visual record with measurement tools. When surveys are repeated, teams can compare maps to identify changes in the sites and monitor where fly-tipping activity is occurring. The mapping also helped the authority identify locations where additional fixed cameras could be considered.

What the data supported

A shared evidence base for monitoring and enforcement

✓
Survey coverage across 36 sites

✓
Processing completed in under 24 hours

✓
Measurement tools to help assess the extent of incidents

✓
Information to guide repeat monitoring and fixed-camera placement

Why it matters

Repeatable maps can help turn site visits into a monitoring record

A single survey can show the extent and location of visible fly-tipping at a particular time. Repeat mapping adds a way to compare that record with later surveys, helping authorities identify changes, monitor known problem areas and direct further investigation.

Measured maps and imagery can support an evidential package and have been used in court. Their value depends on how the data is collected, recorded, retained and presented alongside the authority’s wider evidence and enforcement process.

Start with the site

Need clearer data on fly-tipping activity?

Tell us about your sites, monitoring requirements and evidence needs. We’ll help you assess whether drone mapping could support your local authority’s work.

Talk to Iprosurv