The Entire Spire Captured in 3D — Before Scaffolding Began
A church spire is not a standard structure. It is a historic piece of craftsmanship, more than 100 years old, with original metal fittings that are often undocumented anywhere except on the spire itself.
Once the first section is dismantled, it can no longer be studied in its original state.
A 1:1 photogrammetric model captured every detail from a drone flight, allowing the project team to examine each fitting from their desk before the first scaffold tube was erected.
Headline numbers
1 day
Drone flight
vs. 1–2 weeks of scaffolding
±1–3 cm
Measurement precision
On the photogrammetry surface
100%
Coverage
The whole spire in coordinate space
Days
Authority approval
4–8 weeks → days
The Simple Story
A Complete Map — Instead of Going In Blind
A church was preparing to dismantle its spire. The traditional approach would be to erect scaffolding, send engineers and contractors up for a week, take photographs, make notes, and then begin the work. It is expensive, time-consuming and fragmented — each specialist sees only part of the picture from a single angle at a time.
Instead, DroneTjek delivered a 1:1 photogrammetric 3D model of the spire. Captured in a single drone flight, processed in Pix4D and delivered as a measurement-accurate digital model, it allowed the project team to inspect every fitting, flashing and connection from every angle before work began.
The Key Shift
"It is the difference between entering a project blind and entering it with a complete map."
The investigation phase changes from being a time-limited physical activity — constrained by the period the scaffolding is in place — to becoming a continuous digital resource that can be consulted at any time: before, during and after dismantling.
What "1:1" Means
Not an Illustration. A Measurement-Accurate Working Model.
A photogrammetric model is created from thousands of overlapping drone images, processed in specialised software. The result is a dense point cloud and a textured mesh, where every pixel can be measured with known geometric accuracy.
cm
Measure Directly
Measure distances directly in the model with centimetre-level accuracy — typically ±1–3 cm on drone-surveyed surfaces.
x / y / z
Extract Coordinates
Select any fitting, detail or component and extract its coordinates. Use them as reference points for restoration, fabrication or documentation.
1:1
Everyone Works from the Same Model
Scaffolding contractors take measurements directly from the model. Contractors count flashings and components. Authorities can inspect the structure in full resolution — without visiting the site.
Explore the Digital Twin
Click, rotate and zoom to inspect the spire from every angle. Every detail was captured before dismantling began, creating a permanent digital record and a measurement-accurate basis for planning the restoration.
Pre-Survey Value
10 Findings Identified Before Scaffolding Began
The purpose of a pre-survey is to identify risks and unexpected findings before they become costly delays during the project. In a traditional inspection, issues are often discovered one at a time — and frequently only after the scaffolding is in place, costing 4,000–6,000 DKK per day.
- Fitting Typology & LocationIdentification of original metal fittings, their location and whether each component is unique.
- Connection DetailsWhere copper cladding meets the timber structure; original craftsmanship versus later repairs.
- Flashing InventoryEvery hand-crafted copper flashing documented and measured — not available as a standard replacement part.
- Structural ConditionCracks, suspected decay and deformations visible on the model surface.
- Roof Covering InventorySlate, copper, lead and clay tiles — every component documented to support accurate procurement.
- Weathervane, Cross, Finial & Spire TipThe highest elements documented from every angle — impossible to achieve from scaffolding alone.
- Previous RepairsIdentification of historic repair work, distinguishing original craftsmanship from later interventions.
- Penetrations & Ventilation OpeningsLocations of bird protection, ventilation openings and drainage points.
- Lightning Protection SystemRouting, fixing points and placement of the lightning conductor along the spire.
- Corrosion PatternsDistinguishing natural patina from active corrosion through visible surface characteristics.
Time Savings — From Weeks to Days
The Discovery Phase Happens Before the Scaffolding Goes Up
The most expensive part of a historic spire restoration is not labour — it is downtime. A single day with scaffolding, a crane and 4–6 craftsmen waiting can cost between 50,000 and 80,000 DKK.
50,000–80,000 DKK
The cost of a single day of project downtime. With a 3D model, key findings are identified before scaffolding, cranes and specialist contractors are on site.
Scaffolding planning
Sized Correctly the First Time
Radius, heights, platform requirements and weather protection needs are derived directly from the model.
Saves 1–2 revision cycles
Material procurement
Ordered in Parallel with Dismantling
Custom copper profiles often have lead times of 6–8 weeks. Components can be measured and ordered before dismantling begins.
No waiting time after dismantling
Regulatory approval
Reviewed in Days, Not Weeks
Heritage authorities receive the documentation digitally, allowing faster review and decision-making.
4–8 weeks → a few days
Traditional Preliminary Survey vs. 3D Photogrammetry
From a Physical Activity to a Digital Resource
| Step | Traditional Approach | 3D Model Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the Spire | Scaffolding first · 1–2 weeks · 200,000–500,000 DKK | Drone survey · 1 day |
| Documentation | Photos and notes, fragmented | Entire spire captured in a coordinated 3D model |
| Measurement Accuracy | Tape measure, difficult high-level measurements | ±1–3 cm accuracy from any angle |
| Cross-Disciplinary Access | One specialist at a time on the scaffold | Everyone works from the same model simultaneously |
| Reassessment | Return visit and additional scaffold time required | Reopen the model at any time, at no additional cost |
| Regulatory Review | Physical site visit | Shared digitally, reviewed in days |
| After Project Completion | Photos and reports stored separately | The model remains as a permanent digital archive |
Documentation Value After Dismantling
The Model Becomes an Archive Asset
Once the spire has been dismantled, the model continues to provide value. It costs roughly the same as a week of scaffold-based inspection but delivers documentation that remains useful for decades.
Reassembly
Reassembly Reference
A 1:1 record showing where each fitting, flashing and connection was originally located.
Insurance
Insurance Documentation
The condition before the project is objectively documented, providing a reliable reference in the event of future disputes or claims.
Archive
Archive Reference
The parish council, local archive, museum or diocese can continue using the model for documentation and communication.
Reproduction
Reproduction Reference
If a fitting, detail or component needs to be recreated in 5, 10 or 20 years, the reference already exists.
Comparison over time
Comparison Over Time
Future inspections can be compared directly against this baseline to document change and deterioration over time.
A church spire is not a standard structure. It is historic craftsmanship, where each fitting and flashing is often original and irreplaceable.
The project team needs to know exactly what is there before scaffolding is erected — because once components are dismantled, they can no longer be studied in their original context.
A 1:1 photogrammetric model solves that challenge. Every detail is measured, located and documented in 3D space before any work begins.
And when the project is complete, the model continues to deliver value — as a reassembly reference, an insurance record and an archival resource for future generations of craftsmen and conservators.
Tariq Kajjouj
Founder & CEO, DroneTjek ApS
Get Started
Facing a historical renovation project?
Get a complete map before the first scaffold. One flight day gives a 1:1 model that lives on as a re-assembly, insurance and archive reference.
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