September 21, 2022
With further instructions received for site surveys I have invested in a Sensefly Ebee X to expand capabilty for covering multiple large sites. Whilst Phantom 4 Pro's are an excellent workhorse the Ebee X will allow the more efficient capture of imagery.
January 05, 2021
With increased demand for drone photogrammetry surveys a new workstation has been ordered to cope with the workload.
October 22, 2020
I have just received my Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) from the CAA. The CAA turned round my application with 10 days. Entering my 6th year of drone operations I remain encouraged that drones are been seen as positive and benficial for a wide range of commercial uses. I undertake the majority of my work in the contruction and property sectors with emphasis on providing construction updates, photogrammetric surveys and general imagery. Clients find that the collection of data and the ouputs provided removes many health and safety risks, is quicker and more efficient and cost effective.
October 13, 2020
For one of my clients I produce drone based videos every month of their operational sites. It has proved to be an extremely effective way of keeping the Senior Management Team upto date. Key benefits are that it is a quick way of capturing the "status" of every site, it avoids many health & safety issues (I can fly from the site car park in most cases), it saves a lot of time and cost as opposed to the them driving around all the sites and the get to see a lot more. I have now been asked to film all of their sales outlets to see where the differences are, identify the good ones and where improvments can be made.
July 03, 2020
Over the past 10 or so years I have got through a few. I don't have a big need fpr priniting but sometimes it is essential. A simple Canon I had years ago ago was good but limited funtionality. Then I got the noisiest HP which was forever going through a cleaning routine plus would drop the wi-fi signal all too often. Current one (well it is going today) is an Epson WF 7620. I haven't liked this one after about a month of ownership. It packed up and I got it replaced, should have gone for the refund. Print quailty pretty avaeage, toner catridges £££. 2nd paper tray packed up working a while back and quote for repair was not worth it. After printing some documents yesterday had enough so it is going to day. To be replaced by a Brother MFC6530DW, I hope I have more success with this one.
March 22, 2020
Good to read over the weekend that much progress is being made to keep the planning system functioning. There are a number of key issues which include (1) obtaining all the technical reports (2) getting applications registered (3) statutory consultees performing and (4) the use of virtual Planning Commitees. In addition various Chambers are in dialogue with the Planning Inspectorate to see if virtual Inquiries can be used. One area which will be key is giving those involved access to the application site. Planning Commitees certainly won't be carrying out site inspections. Drone imagery can be of great help here and quite possibly be a means by which you can keep your application on track. Call if you need assistance.
February 19, 2020
Wind and rain are the primary limiting factors in being able to fly a drone. In light of this ongoing succession of storms time had come to purchase a new anemometer.
September 25, 2019
I have purchaesed a Mavic 2 Zoom to join the three other drones currently used for a variety of jobs. With an increasing scope of work having access to different drones enables jobs to be completed efficiently.
September 06, 2019
Mansfield Brick asked to help with a planning application to vary two key planning conditions for their manufacturing site in Mansfield. These related to hours foir the deleivery and dispatch of materials and overal noise controls. The application was approved at Committee last night.
April 30, 2019
With increasing workload for construction updates we have acquired another drone. The majority of this work is for video outputs so a small`compact drone has provided an ideal solution.
November 28, 2018
Everything is Somewhere were instructed to submit a planing application for a steel framed storage building to be used in conjunction with a residential property and planning permission has now been granted. In this case we advised that pre application advice was sought as there were three potential locations for the building. The application did not receive any objections and therefore a delegated decision.
November 20, 2018
With the onset of winter flying days become fewer as weather restricts operations. It will be either rain or the wind which prevents flights taking place. This year the amount of enquires and instructions is higher so every effort is being made to get the jobs completed.
October 26, 2018
Everything is Somewhere has a had a busy week and three new instructions received for various planning applications.
October 18, 2018
Photogrammetry requires high specification hardware and with an increasing number of instructions we have purchased a new workstation.
October 15, 2018
We have undertaken a survey of a large inert landfill operation in the North West, an ideal application for drone derived data. All flights were undertaken on one day and initial data processing carried out within 5 days.
October 15, 2018
We are plased to have been instructed to carry out ongoing aerial surveys to monitor some infrastructure assets. In light of the commercial nature of this project we cannot disclose details. It is however a project where drones provide the ideal solution for the client.
September 16, 2018
As a Chartered Surveyor I use any number of tools and technology to assist in our work and delivery of solutions for clients. I have been a long term GIS advocate and have been using drones commercially for 3 years. Whatever the tools being used the single most important aspect is delivering the right outputs and solutions for the client. GIS and drone technology continues to evolve and for Everything is Somewhere they are used on most projects we undertake.
We are feel very priviledged to be featured on ESRI UK's web site and the case study can be seen here.
September 04, 2018
The planning application has now been validated. The Story Map - http://bit.ly/LitecastApplication2 created to provide an overview of the project now includes "Updates" (scroll to bottom). I have added a link to the North Warwickshire Borough Council's web site to view the application. Story Maps are proving to be an ideal method for keeping Stakeholders advised on progress.
August 12, 2018
Everything is Somewhere have submiited a major planning application on behalf of Litecast for a new concrete products manufacturing facility at the Purley Chase Industrial Estate, Ansley Common, near Nuneaton.
July 26, 2018
Another UAV job where the dry weather may reveal further information about a Scheduled Ancient Monument and adjoining land.
July 25, 2018
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the first review of the National Planning Policy Framework on July 24th. Whilst much of it relates to delivering more housing it will have ramifications for all development. It has received mixed responses from developers.
July 23, 2018
A DJI Osmo is a handheld gimbal witrh a 4k camera. A useful add on for close up ground level image capture.
June 07, 2018
Much of the work I undertake is aerial surveys and for a wide range of properties. Imagery acquisition is an automated process and therefore you are not viewing the "picture" as you would with conventional photography. On some projects a few thousand images can be captured which are then processed to create orthomosaics. However when reviewing the imagery you do come across individual photographs which are interesting.
May 25, 2018
This was the first Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (known as a CLUED) that I have submitted. In this case it was a residential property where various buildings had been constructed or altered without planning permission. The difficulty I had, and I assume that this is case with similar applications, is collecting the appropriate evidence to support the application. If you are doing one remember that Google Earth allows you to view historic aerial imagery which can be very useful.
April 11, 2018
Everything is Somewhere have been instructed by a national consultancy practice to carry our an aerial survey of a remote development site. The site given it's nature and extent is ideal for a UAV survey as the data can be captured quicker than conventional surveying. In terms of time the UAV will require a part day on site whereas a traditional topographical survey would take a few days. Data will be processed shortly after the UAV data is captured and point cloud data supplied to the client. In addition whilst on site still imagery and video footage will be captured.
March 14, 2018
Planning permission granted for three new toilet blocks as part of a number of unfrastructure upgrades at Donington Park.
January 28, 2018
Link here to the review http://bit.ly/EiS2017Review
January 04, 2018
With a number of projects progressing using City Engine some time has been spent on creating a number of 3D models. A "stock" of models is being created using a combination of Sketchup and CGA generated models.
December 28, 2017
We have acquired a new UAV which will be predominatley used for survey work. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro has a 25 minute endurance which allows larger sites to be surveyed more efficiently.
November 13, 2017
Whilst not necessarily "news" whilst capturing true vertical imagery today this particular picture caught my attention. Whilst over 300 images were captured this one shows the variance in colour of the foliage. The weather was overcast will and the drone (Phantom 4 Pro) was 100 metres high. Aperture 5.6 at 120th/sec, ISO 100.
October 27, 2017
Everything is Somewhere secures permission for a new three bay garage.
October 22, 2017
Following the successful mapping of two farms using the New Zealand Grazing system Everything is Somewhere have been recommended to map three more farms.
October 17, 2017
How do you show a site that is difficult to access to a Planning Committee - Use a Drone
October 16, 2017
Everything is Somewhere has been commissioned to map the extension for another established dairy unit.
September 21, 2017
Everything is Somewhere has been commissioned to map the extension for an established dairy unit.
August 07, 2017
Masterplan for Sports Facility and Outline Planning Application
August 04, 2017
Site survey undertaken with a UAV successfully completed and design work can now start.
June 17, 2017
Stakeholder Engagement remains an important part of the development process. Everything is Somewhere has created "Story Maps" using GIS and UAV imagery to keep stakeholders upto date.
June 13, 2017
One minute I am filming a development site, next task a Charity Event.
May 19, 2017
Vertical imagery of woodland - a different perspective.
May 15, 2017
Everything is Somewhere has just complted another survey of a dairy fram using the New Zealand grazing system.
April 10, 2017
Everything is Somewhere have been commissioned to undertake a tree survey of a developement site.
March 31, 2017
Everything is Somewhere are working on a project to monitor mining subsidence which is being achieved using UAV imagery and GIS.
March 03, 2017
The Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (ARPAS) AGM was held today, good to meet many fellow pilots and learn about plans for the next 12 months.
January 18, 2017
Everything is Somewhere were instructed by Jacksons of Jersey to help locate a new site on the Isle of Wight for a new multi franchise dealership. A site was found and contracts entered into and subject to the grant of planning permission. The site had the benefit of an outline consent which the former owner had allowed to lapse. The planning team have now secured a full permission for the site and construction is likely to commence this Spring.
January 09, 2017
Everything is Somewhere have been commissioned by a long standing client to carry out a Schedule of Condition for a diverse range of assets. This will require a significant number of photographs (likely to be over 2,000) to accompany the reports. UAV imagery captured last year for other purposes will come into use.
December 14, 2016
Everything is Somewhere has been commissioned to undertake roof surveys of 23 buildings for an independent school to assist with a 5 year maintenance and capital works programme. The task is to be undertaken over the School Christmas holiday when the puplis won't be distrached by a UAV! The challenge will be weather conditions.
November 20, 2016
I have been surprised how much difference a new car can make to day to day life. I have recently purchased a Skoda Octavia Scout.
October 26, 2016
Everything is Somewhere have received three planning permissions this week for two different clients. Whilst not all big schemes there were difficulties to overcome not least as two of the schemes were retrospective.
October 14, 2016
We are now an approved BASIS UAS Operator providing high quality imagery and analysis for the agricultural sector.
October 06, 2016
I attended my first event as a CLA member yesterday in Lincolnshire on the growing of miscanthus for energy. The event was hosted by Terravesta who are leaders in providing biomass for power plants.
September 30, 2016
A day spent training and learning about UAV's and their use in Agriculture
September 09, 2016
My career started in Land Agency so I seem to have full circle in joining the Country Landowners Association. The link to the CLA website and the announcement is here http://www.cla.org.uk/your-area/east/business-profiles/everything-somewhere.
September 05, 2016
Just attended a day UAV training with HexCam over in Norwich. As with any skill you can always learn more. I have owned my UAV for just over a year and have undertaken a wide variety of commissions over that period. However there is always scope to improve both flying and camera skills. Today demonstrated that and with an excellent and knowledgeable tutor you can improve learn a considerably amount.
July 22, 2016
Well a couple of years have passed since purchasing my iMac and today a nice new one has been delivered. The reason I have found it necessary to upgrade is that I am doing much more 3D work and 4k video editing which I wasn't expecting to be doing 2 years ago.
July 22, 2016
Everything is Somewhere has just secured planning permssion for the import of inert materials to facilitate the construction of two bunds and future use for motor cycle trials as part of a quarry restoration project. This former quarry, Barrow Hill near Earls Barton, was last worked over 20 years leaving a water filled area, some remnants of the old plant and rough amenity land.
July 07, 2016
This project brings together UAV's and GIS. I have just completed flying a 385 acre farm and have produced an accurate orthomosaic at 3.5cm resolution. This image is then being used in GIS to accurately map the 50+ "paddocks" that make up the farm. In addition I am capturing additional infrastructure data such as roads, water troughs, pipelines etc.
June 27, 2016
I am currently undertaking stock surveys for 12 quarries so lots of flying time with the UAV. There is something intruiging with the resulting DEM's, they are almost artistic. Clearly when there are signifcant variances in height it makes it look more dramatic.
June 08, 2016
Whilst not a large scheme it was good to receive planning permssion on Monday for two buildings for Nottingham Rugby Club. Not only is the application site in the Green Belt it is also in an active flood plain. The buildings were seen as being essential to the opertaion of the club and as we had applied for a temporary consent the benefits were deemed to outweigh the constraints.
April 22, 2016
Good to receive three planning permissions through in one day. Two were for applications at Donington Park and the thrid was an appeal decision for Nottingham Rugby Club.
February 14, 2016
Visited an excellent planning event yesterday to see the proposed mixed use scheme for a site known as "Barton's Quarter". The property owners (Barton plc) and developers (Farland Developments) and working in conjunction with the Prince's Foundation are bringing forward a mixed use scheme for a brownfield site in the centre of Breaston.
January 22, 2016
You will see below my first 3D model created from aerial imagery from my drone. Exciting ti
January 17, 2016
Good example of where a drone can be used for roof inspections. In addition to capturing the shadow of the drone as the picture below shows the chimney pots need re-seating and new flaunching.
January 14, 2016
Data files seem to be getting bigger and bigger, in particular when using imagery. A job I undertook for a client yesterday resulted in 750Mb of images and video. I have puchased some branded memory sticks and as can be seen from the photo attached it to my business card with some string. Client thought it was very "arty", does the job though.
December 11, 2015
Since the grant of my CAA Licence the weather hasn't been kind for flying. There are wind speed limits and clearly not a good idea to fly in rain. However with a break on Wednesday managed to get 30 mins of flying completed taking pictures and video of Lakeside Sporting Wymeswold and can be seen here Lakeside Sporting Wymeswold
November 17, 2015
At long last my PfAW has arrived, 8 weeks after submission. After some chasing over the last few weeks notification was received by email today. It was then I discovered that the CAA had actually processed it on October 19th and sent it out by email. I reaslised that they originally sent it to the wrong email address!! Well everyone makes mistakes and there is nothing I can do to wind back the clock back. I am looking forward to undertaking my first commercial work and hopefully over time more and more cleints will see the benefits of using UAV's.
October 23, 2015
After a very prolonged period one of my clients has been granted an EPS licence today which will allow the demolition of a building to commence next week. With only to brief period during the year when demolition can place it was certainly down to the wire. In light of the EPS licencing process it is inevitable that hundreds of applications arrive on Natural Englands doorstep at the same time. I certainly get the impression that they are under resourced but also like many other formal processes also wrapped in red tape.
September 22, 2015
You may have heard about this story in the press. It is quite scary that Luke found 500 faults with his new house and some serious issues like the property not having all the insulation fitted. His twitter account is interesting to follow https://twitter.com/myhousesucks. Thankfully his ordeal is coming to an end but it has really taken some effort on his part to get matters resolved. To get things moving he set up the Twitter account, upto then he had not made sufficient progress through usual communication channels. Once again shows the power of social media.
September 17, 2015
The last part to attaining my CAA Licence was the "Flight Test" which I successfully completed on Monday. The venue for the test was a caravan park close to the now closed Swinderby Airfield. Having prepared well for the exam the main issue was the weather with rain/drizzle forecast until mid morning. After a tense hour wait we had a brief gap in the weather and all was complete within 15 minutes. I was very pleased to receive a commendation for my flying skills. The required paper work has now gone off to the CAA.
September 07, 2015
There are three main elements to achieving your CAA approval to fly a drone (1) Ground School Exam (2) Operations Manual and (3) Flight Test. I am making good progress and the first two are completed. The Operations Mnaula takes some time but as with all processes and systems as long as you follow it logically it all fits into place. Flight test taking place soon. I have to complement RUSTA who have provided excellent training and guidance throughtout the process.
August 21, 2015
Everything is Somewhere will soon be able to provide clients with the aerial photography and videography. I am in the process of securing my CAA Licence to operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System and am hoping that all will be completed by early September. The use of drones are certainly enjoying fantastic growth and you can see why given the opportunities they can provide for a vast range of uses.
January 20, 2014
Donington Park will become the home of the new FIA Formula E Championship. EiS Property secured planning permission for the development of 9 new buildings extending to a total of 6.500m2. The buildings are to be constructed in the Western Paddock close to the race circuit. A lot of work was undertaken to secure the arrangement with Formula E and Donnington Park were able to offer them new buildings as well as direct access to the circuit for testing. the buildings are being constructed to the BREEAM "Very Good" standard.
November 18, 2013
In early December I was appointed the Chariman of the AGI's Land & Property Special Interest Group. This group brings together specialists working in the management of land and property. The aim of the group is to highlight key issues facing the sector and improving GIS knowledge.
June 08, 2013
HS2 is clearly going to affect many people. Understanding the impact and how it may affect any particular property requires some good plans. HS2 have published detailed plans for the London to Birmingham sectionand the route (also showing cuttings/tunnels etc) for the Birmingham to Manchester to leeds section.
