As one of the UK’s largest chartered land and geospatial survey companies backed by the Ogilvie Group, we’re proud to provide secure, precise, and intelligence-driven spatial data for defence estate development, asset management, and operations.

Over recent years, we have supported defence clients across a range of programmes, providing surveying services and geospatial information that underpins infrastructure resilience.

Our work contributes to safer construction, faster decision-making, and reduced programme risk within mission-critical settings.

While details remain appropriately restricted, our work consistently contributes to safer construction, faster decision-making, and reduced programme risk within mission-critical settings.

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Challenges in the defence sector

Defence estates present a unique set of challenges. For example:

Highly secure and operationally active environments

Complex, ageing, and mission-critical infrastructure

Tight programme timelines with zero tolerance for error

The need for reliable, audit-ready data to support critical decisions

What sets us apart

When you work with us, you’ll benefit from:

● Improved situational awareness through high-accuracy spatial data.

● Reduced construction risk by identifying constraints early.

● Enhanced safety for personnel working in critical environments.

● Greater programme efficiency, avoiding delays.

● Stronger asset assurance, supporting long-term operational integrity.

Our core capabilities

Security-cleared personnel

We have experienced, vetted teams across the UK that can be deployed to secure and restricted locations. Our project and site-based surveyors hold UKSV BPSS, DV, and/or SC clearance.

Project management & compliance

Our health and safety, information governance, and programme control is strictly aligned to defence expectations. We have enhanced cyber security credentials (Cyber Essentials Plus) and are ISO9001 and ISO45001 certified.

Advanced multi-sensor technology

We utilise integrated terrestrial, mobile, aerial, and subsurface platforms for complete site truth. Our deliverables are interoperable (CAD, GIS, BIM, web portals) to meet defence workflow requirements.

Our core defence services

Underground utility mapping

Making up a high percentage of our work within the sector, our multi‑sensor detection and mapping allows for safe excavation and design assurance, and we deploy a variety of advanced geophysical techniques. By integrating terrestrial, mobile, aerial, and subsurface platforms for complete site truth, we utilise the best technology to achieve the best outcomes in terms of accuracy, time and cost. Malcolm Hughes is fully PUMA accredited, verifying our ability to deliver PAS128 surveys to the highest standards.

Topographical & engineering surveys

We deliver high-accuracy geospatial data through control networks, setting out, and as-built verification. Regulated by the RICS, all of our work is undertaken in accordance with best practice and the RICS Code of Measurement and their guidance on Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities.

BIM & digital twin integration

We can create scan‑to‑BIM models and federated data for coordinated design and asset intelligence. These are externally verified to deliver in accordance with ISO19650.

Drone & aerial surveys

UAV photogrammetry and LiDAR deployments enabling rapid, high-accuracy site coverage with minimal disruption to live defence operations. Pilots are registered and authorised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Monitoring & deformation analysis

We provide comprehensive structural, geotechnical, and environmental monitoring solutions, integrated with robust alerting and reporting systems. Project-specific manual or automated monitoring systems are developed depending on requirements.

Delivering sector-wide support

Our defence survey services span multiple environments, including:

● Naval bases and waterfronts.

● RAF bases and operational airfields.

● Large-scale military estates, barracks, and training facilities.

● High-security storage and specialist operational sites.

● Infrastructure supporting logistics, mobility, and access.

A low-visibility, mission-ready partner

In defence, the most valuable contributions are often the least visible. Our role is to provide assurance behind the scenes, enabling infrastructure to be developed, maintained, and operated efficiently, without exposing sensitive details.

We are proud to support this work securely and efficiently, all without ever compromising on accuracy. If you’d like to know more about our range of services and find out how we can support your next defence project, get in touch with our team.