If you scanned this QR code, a drone survey is currently underway in your area. 

This flight is being completed to support municipal park and open space assessments using high-quality aerial imagery. Across Canada, municipalities are being asked to do more with limited resources—so having accurate, up-to-date information about parks, sports fields, trees, and public assets is essential for maintenance planning, safety, and long-term decision-making. 

Drone-based mapping helps municipalities efficiently and consistently understand current conditions, producing 2D maps and 3D models for planning, asset management, and future capital work. 

Below is an overview of the services that may be included in this drone operation, depending on the project scope. 

Safety and privacy during drone surveys 

We understand that seeing a drone nearby can raise questions. Our team takes safety and privacy seriously on every project. 

Safety first 

• Flights are completed by trained operators using a pre-planned flight area and procedures.  

• We maintain safe distances from people, vehicles, and active areas, and we avoid lingering over park users whenever possible.  

• If conditions change (weather, site activity, unexpected hazards), the flight plan may be adjusted or paused.  

Privacy and respectful data collection 

• The purpose of this work is to document municipal assets and site conditions (parks, sports fields, trees, pathways, and infrastructure)—not individuals.  

• Imagery is collected to support mapping and modeling; we aim to minimize capture of identifiable individuals and private property where possible.  

• Project data is handled as part of a municipal consulting scope and is used for planning, maintenance, and asset management. 

If you have a concern while the drone is operating nearby, please keep a safe distance and contact the project representative identified by the municipality or project team. 

Why municipalities use drone surveys 

Drone surveys provide a fast, detailed way to document large areas without disrupting public use. The imagery can help municipal teams: 

• Identify maintenance needs earlier  

• Prioritize work based on observed conditions  

• Track changes over time  

• Improve long-term planning with consistent documentation 

What we’re assessing during this drone operation 

Sports field assessment (multispectral turf health mapping) 

For sports fields, the drone may capture multispectral imagery to evaluate turf health and overall field condition. Using this data, we generate a detailed 2D model that can highlight: 

• Stress areas and uneven growth patterns  

• Patches that may need reseeding or targeted maintenance  

• Patterns that suggest drainage or compaction issues (where visible) 

These insights support more effective maintenance practices and help improve the long-term performance, safety, and playability of sports turf. 

Urban tree assessment (street tree inventory support) 

In some projects, the drone collects imagery along urban streets and corridors to support a tree inventory. From this imagery, we can help assess: 

• Tree counts along each corridor  

• Species identification (when imagery allows)  

• General health indicators (where visible) 

The resulting inventory supports proactive urban forestry management, including identifying trees that may require pruning, monitoring, or removal to reduce potential hazards. 

Tree stand assessment (natural areas and forested stands) 

For naturalized areas or forested stands, drone imagery can be used to build a 3D model of the site. This model supports evaluation of: 

• Tree height and canopy structure  

• Stand density and coverage  

• Overall stand condition and patterns across the site 

These insights support ecological planning, hazard assessment, and long-term forest management. 

Park inventory (mapping park assets and amenities) 

Parks include many assets that benefit from consistent documentation. Drone imagery can help municipalities map and inventory features such as: 

• Trees and landscaped areas  

• Benches, picnic tables, and shelters  

• Playgrounds and sport amenities  

• Pathways, access points, and other park features 

This information helps municipalities understand what is currently in the park and identify gaps, upgrades, or future improvements, often using regional or national benchmarks. 

Infrastructure modeling (3D models for buildings and structures) 

Where included, the drone may also capture imagery of municipally owned buildings and structures to create accurate 3D infrastructure models. These models can support: 

• Asset documentation and condition review (where visible)  

• Early identification of maintenance needs  

• Better long-term planning for repairs and renewals 

Questions about the drone flight? 

We appreciate your patience while this work is completed. Our goal is to deliver accurate information that helps municipalities plan and maintain safe, high-quality public spaces. 

If you have questions about this drone survey, please contact the project representative identified by the municipality or the project team at Drone@quantumrecreation.com.