UAV LiDAR Survey for Golf Simulation Game Development
St Andrew's Golf Course, Scotland

The Brief

Geoterra was engaged by an international gaming software developer to carry out a UAV LiDAR survey of the prestigious Old Course at St Andrews Links golf course in Scotland. The data collected would be used to support the development of a new golf simulation game. 

The Old Course is a world-renowned links course, over 600 years old, and known as “The Home of Golf” and venue for The Open. 

The purpose of the survey was to capture accurate 3D terrain data and high-resolution imagery of the Old Course, covering all 18 holes, key course features including the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker, and iconic buildings such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. 

This was the first time a UAV LiDAR survey had been carried out at a UK golf course specifically for the development of a simulation game. 

The Solution

In partnership with FlyThru, Geoterra used a DJI M300 UAV equipped with: 

• DJI L2 LiDAR sensor to capture data for the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) 
• DJI P1 HD camera for orthophotography 

The team also captured orbital video flyovers from tee to green, and in reverse, for all 18 holes using a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with 4K video. 

The survey was completed over three days in suitable weather conditions. This required careful planning due to the often inclement weather along the Scottish coast. Geoterra worked closely with course management and greenkeeping staff to ensure the survey was completed safely and without disrupting golf activities. 

The Deliverables

Geoterra delivered the following to the client: 

• Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the entire Old Course 
• Orthophotography mosaic 
• Orbital video flyovers for all 18 holes, including the historic 17th hole (known as ‘the Road Hole’) 
• Additional orbitals of the:
  • Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
  • Properties adjacent to the 18th fairway, including R&A World Golf Museum
  • Iconic Swilcan Bridge