What is NowMapIt?

NowMapIt is a simple platform to allow those who need accurate, high-resolution aerial mapping products get them from our national network of certified drone operators. We are able to capture the data you need at a previously un-matched price point and we give you a result of what your site looks like today.

After creating an account you draw the area you want to be mapped, select the formats you need, pay the invoice and we do the rest. We then aim to deliver your map as quickly as possible.

How much does it cost?

There are a number of variables which affect the price of the map but the most significant factor is the location of the site. If the site is in built up areas or close to sensitive sites then the drone operator has more work to do with gaining clearance and often increasing insurance cover. The prices below give a rough indication of costs per acre:

• Up to 4 acres – £499
• 4-12 – £499 + £49 per Acre
• 12-20 – £891 + £39 per Acre
• 20-100 – £1203 + £29 per Acre
• 100-200 – £3523 + £19 per Acre
• 200+ – £5423 + £9 per Acre

Therefore 6 Acres (24,281m2) is £499 + 2 x £49 = £597

How does it work?

The process is simple. First you create an account and we verify your email. Once this is complete you can access our NowMapIt system. From there you can draw the area you want to be mapped, select the product formats and await your quote. Once you are happy with your quote you have the option of setting up an account with us, or pay direct via paypal.

Once we receive your payment we will get to work. As soon as the task is flown we will get you your products as quickly as possible.

Who captures the data?

We have a network of certified operators across the UK who have state of the art equipment to enable them capture the data you need. Where applicable, all operators have the appropriate permissions to fly commercially and have been tested to ensure the quality of our output.

Often you will not even see the operator conduct the flight, as they only occasionally need access to the site they are mapping. This simplifies the process massively meaning you do not have to worry about health and safety considerations associated with an individual conducting a traditional survey.

What products do you offer?

For free you gain access to your own, secure, NowMapIt account where you can view your map, make annotations and share with your colleagues (via PDF and email). For an additional fee we can produce products for you to integrate with your GIS applications. You should select these on checkout.

Included in the purchase fee is six months secure data storage on the NowMapIt system. When this time expires the map is released to the public. You can request that the data is stored longer or is deleted.

On negotiation we can also provide specialist printed products. Contact us for more information.

Why do I have to wait for 30 days for my map?

Like all aircraft our drones are subject to the local weather conditions at the time of data capture. To allow us to give you the best possible results we ask for 30 days to deliver the product but this is the exception. We aim to get you your product much quicker then that.

There may also be occasions when the mapping task is particularly complex meaning that we will be required to obtain permissions to fly the mission. This process often takes much longer.

What resolution will I get?

The aerial images you currently see are captured from either a manned aircraft of are satellite images. In many parts of the world these images are low resolution and are often years out of date.

By using drones we dramatically reduce the distance between the sensor and the subject resulting in far superior quality images. The very best traditional aerial images are between 5 and 7 cm per pixel (a measure of resolution). Our images are typically four times better than the very best traditional aerial images and are delivered at a much lower price point.

What is NowMapIt?

NowMapIt is a service which enables you to turn your hobby of flying drones into a viable business by giving you access to a database full of mapping tasks for you to complete. You need to have all the proper permissions to fly commercially in your area and adhere to the relevant laws governing the use of drones. To gain access to the mission dashboard you must first become an NowMapIt Certified Operator.

How does NowMapIt work?

NawMapIt is the world’s first and most simple drone surveying service that links those who use high quality aerial mapping with those who can create them. It provides a fixed price for the customer and a set fee for the drone operator removing the requirement for lengthy negotiations. The client draws an area, we work out the price, the client agrees and the drone operator accepts and flies the mission. We process the data and the client gets their ultra high-resolution map in any standard GIS format or they can view the results in our own account.

How do I become a Certified Operator?

The process for becoming a certified operator is really simple. You must first have the relevant permissions from your National Aviation Authority to operate your drone commercially in your country. Once you tell us that and give us a copy of your permission to verify it we will set you a simple mapping task in you local area. You upload the data and once we verify the quality you will be added to our list of certified operators and you will gain access to our Missions Dashboard.

How much can I earn?

The fee for each task is clearly displayed in the Missions Dashboard when you login. You can decide yourself if you wish to carry out the mission for that fee or you could choose not to. The fee is linked to the size of the area being mapped and the complexity of the airspace. For instance, if the task was in a restricted airspace or in a heavily built up area then the fee would increase to reflect the extra work you have to do to obtain the correct permissions. You need to have a PayPal account to receive your fees.

What drone do I need?

There are a number of commercially available drones on the market today which are suitable for mapping projects. The most essential aspect is the ability for the drone’s camera to be able to automatically geo-tag the images it captures. Ideally the camera should be stabilised (on a gimbal), be at least 12MP and have a ‘flat’ lens (not fisheyed).

To obtain consistent results the drone should be controllable via a ‘ground station’ where you can automate the survey process to ensure that all the whole area is covered effectively with sufficient image overlap.

To find out more how to carry mapping tasks visit our help section.

How do I find out about a mission in my area?

Once you become a certified operator you will get complete access to the Missions Dashboard. When a task is published you will receive an email alert giving you the location so you can decide if you want to take it. The fee displayed is a flat fee so you must decide if you want to travel to the location.

How long do I have to complete the mission?

You have 48 hours from accepting a standard mission to delivering the data. For complex missions this deadline is increased to seven days to allow you to obtain the relevant permissions.

What happens if I don’t complete the mission in time or my images are not good enough?

If you fail to upload the images within the 48 hours/seven days the mission will automatically re-appear in the Missions Dashboard for other operators to claim. You will then be given a strike.

If your images are not good enough or are in anyway corrupted on upload you will be given a second chance to re-capture the data. You can then upload the data again, if this is still not good enough then the mission will be released back into the Missions Dashboard. You will then be given a strike.

Three strikes and your account will be suspended pending review.

The rating system

As you complete more successful missions you begin to accrue points which will give you benefits. These range from early notification of tasks in your area, you being automatically selected for specific tasks and eventually bonus fees. Some examples of how points are awarded can be found below:

· For every £100 you receive in fees you will receive one point.
· If you introduce a new client you will receive five points.

The rating system will be periodically updated and new offers introduced.

Are there any tutorials available?

Yes. Once you have a registered account you can find a link to our help pages.

How do I get started?

The process is simple. You just need to follow these steps:

· Register as an operator by clicking here.
· Verify your email.
· Complete your personal details and upload a copy of your permissions.
· Once we have checked your data we will confirm you as a Certified Pilot and you will get access to the Missions Dashboard.

Click here to begin.