As climate change continues to heighten the frequency and severity of flooding events, the need for reliable flood defence inspections has never been more critical. Traditionally, these inspections have relied on on-ground teams who assess the condition of flood barriers, levees, and other protective infrastructure. However, advancements in drone technology are prompting experts to consider whether drone surveys could become a viable alternative, or even a replacement, for these labour-intensive and sometimes hazardous on-ground inspections.

Drone surveys offer several key advantages over traditional methods. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and LiDAR technology, drones can quickly and accurately map large areas, identifying weaknesses in flood defences that may be missed during manual inspections. Drones can access hard-to-reach or dangerous areas without putting human lives at risk, making them particularly useful for inspecting remote or damaged sections of flood infrastructure. Moreover, the speed and efficiency of drone surveys could enable more frequent inspections, allowing for earlier detection of potential issues and more timely maintenance, ultimately enhancing flood resilience. While on-ground inspections will likely remain important for certain tasks, the growing capabilities of drone surveys suggest they could play an increasingly significant role in the future of flood defence management.