Cr8ive Media
Drone Services
Specialists in drone-based imaging from structural inspections and construction surveys to heritage preservation and estate monitoring
CASE STUDY
Digital Surveying for Historic Norton Priory
Norton Priory is a remarkable heritage site in Cheshire, home to the most complete monastic remains in England and a beautifully restored Georgian Walled Garden. As part of ongoing enhancement and development efforts, the team at Norton Priory sought to integrate advanced digital tools to support planning, documentation, and future visioning. Two areas were selected: the Walled Garden, for enhancement and conservation planning, and a nearby section known as “The Yard,” which had seen community use in the past but had since fallen into disuse following the pandemic.
The Solution
To assist with the Walled Garden project, high-resolution drone mapping was used to produce both a survey-grade 2D orthomosaic and a 3D photogrammetry model. These resources were generated with sub-0.5cm accuracy using RTK positioning, giving the Norton Priory team access to precision measurement tools and a detailed digital representation of the entire garden. A single 120-megapixel composite image was also produced, capturing the full garden layout in a format suitable for large-scale printing and professional documentation.
For “The Yard,” a 2.2-acre area with strong redevelopment potential, the decision was made to generate a comprehensive 3D model of the site. This served several purposes: providing a detailed record of its current condition, supporting early-stage design conversations, and offering a spatially accurate resource that could be integrated into design software such as CAD or BIM. As with the garden, the imagery captured was RTK grade, enabling future planning with confidence in both scale and accuracy.
Complementing these technical assets, flyover videos were created to provide an engaging visual overview of each site. These videos were intended to support outreach efforts via social media, as well as potential funding bids by offering a compelling narrative of both conservation and regeneration.
The Result
The final outputs have added measurable value to Norton Priory’s strategic and operational planning. The Walled Garden’s ultra-high-resolution imagery is now a central asset for enhancement design and interpretation. The Yard’s 3D model and associated orthomosaic are hosted online, allowing stakeholders to explore the site interactively, take measurements, and examine high-resolution photographs that link directly to specific locations within the model.
Wider Benefits
The use of photogrammetry and drone-based surveying at Norton Priory has demonstrated how digital heritage tools can extend well beyond visual documentation. These models now underpin creative thinking, support collaborative redevelopment, and open new channels for community engagement and funding.
For Norton Priory, the tools we provided will aid in securing future funding, informing redevelopment, and engaging the wider community. It’s a powerful example of how modern technology can breathe new life into historic environments.
