Inadequate control networks, poorly maintained registers and the absence of independent verification are the most common causes of setting out failures on UK civils and infrastructure projects — and their commercial consequences run well beyond the direct cost of the error. This guide explains what goes wrong and what precision setting out on a well-run programme looks like.

Accurate volume calculations, drainage design from real terrain data, and an objective programme record — this guide makes the commercial case for drone survey on UK earthworks and infrastructure projects, with a focus on what it means for QSs and PMs.