The commercial property sector is evolving rapidly, and so is the role of the building surveyor. Traditionally associated with clipboards, ladders, and detailed condition reports, surveying has entered a new era where technology plays a central role. From drones to digital twins, innovations are transforming how surveyors work, the accuracy of the information they provide, and the value they deliver to businesses.
For investors, landlords, tenants, and developers, understanding these changes is crucial. The tools shaping the future of surveying are not just making inspections faster — they are enabling smarter, more sustainable property decisions.
Drones and aerial inspections
One of the most visible innovations in recent years has been the adoption of drones.
“Traditional access methods like high-level platforms can be limited by site restrictions or unexpected barriers. By contrast, drones allow us to navigate complex roof structures, capture high-resolution images, and reduce health and safety risks — offering a more flexible and efficient solution,” according to Lewis Livesey, the founder of Ivy Lees.
For surveyors, high-level areas such as roofs and façades have always posed challenges due to cost, safety, and access restrictions. Drones now provide a safer, more efficient way to capture detailed images of these areas.
With high-resolution cameras, drones can spot defects like cracked tiles, blocked gutters, or deteriorating cladding that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond safety and speed, they also reduce costs compared to scaffolding or access platforms. As regulations and drone technology continue to develop, aerial inspections are set to become a standard feature of commercial property surveys.
3D laser scanning and digital twins
Another innovation revolutionising the sector is 3D laser scanning. Surveyors can now capture millions of data points in minutes, producing accurate digital models of buildings. These scans go far beyond traditional floor plans, offering detailed visualisations of internal layouts, structures, and services.
The next step is the creation of digital twins — virtual replicas of physical buildings that can be updated in real time. For property owners and managers, digital twins provide a powerful tool for asset management, enabling them to test scenarios, predict performance, and plan maintenance without stepping foot on site.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been widely used in construction for over a decade, but it is now playing a bigger role in surveying. By integrating survey data into BIM systems, surveyors can ensure that the information is not just a snapshot in time but part of a living dataset that supports the entire lifecycle of a building.
For businesses, this means greater collaboration between surveyors, architects, contractors, and facilities managers. Issues identified during a survey can be flagged in BIM, tracked through refurbishment projects, and resolved with accountability built into the process.
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to analyse the data gathered by surveyors. Instead of relying solely on human interpretation, AI can detect patterns in defects, predict the lifespan of building components, and even highlight risks before they become apparent on site.
For example, by combining historic survey data with live monitoring, AI could forecast when a roof is likely to fail or when a heating system will require replacement. This predictive approach supports planned preventative maintenance, allowing businesses to budget effectively and reduce unexpected costs.
Sustainability and environmental monitoring
Sustainability is high on the agenda for commercial property. Surveyors are increasingly asked to assess not only the physical condition of buildings but also their environmental performance. Technology is playing a key role here too.
Thermal imaging cameras can detect heat loss through poorly insulated walls or roofs. Sensors can monitor indoor air quality, energy consumption, and water usage. Combined with digital reporting, this information helps businesses meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets, while also lowering operational costs.
Remote surveys and digital reporting
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote working technologies, and surveying was no exception. Today, many inspections can be supported by remote tools such as video walkthroughs, cloud-based reporting platforms, and collaborative dashboards.
Clients increasingly expect digital reports that are interactive rather than static PDFs. Features such as embedded photographs, clickable floor plans, and cloud storage mean survey findings can be accessed instantly by teams across different locations. This level of accessibility improves decision-making and speeds up project timelines.
Challenges and considerations
While technology brings exciting opportunities, it also raises new challenges. The use of drones and AI, for example, requires compliance with legal frameworks and data protection rules. Training is another factor — surveyors must develop new skills to operate equipment, interpret data, and maintain professional standards.
There is also the question of cost. Advanced technologies require investment, and smaller firms may struggle to adopt them as quickly as larger practices. However, as tools become more affordable and mainstream, these barriers are likely to diminish.
A profession in transition
Commercial building surveying is no longer just about identifying defects and producing reports. It is a profession in transition, driven by technology and innovation. Drones, laser scanning, BIM integration, AI, and sustainability tools are reshaping the way surveys are conducted and the value they deliver.
For businesses, this evolution means greater clarity, efficiency, and foresight in property decisions. As technology continues to advance, commercial building surveys will move beyond problem detection to become a central part of proactive asset management — ensuring that buildings are safer, greener, and more resilient for the future.
