Precision recording from a quadcopter drone by Geoff Watkins of Aerial Imaging South East provides some stunning views and a wealth of new data on the Cathedral architecture.

Geoff has previously produced footage of the lit Cathedral spire and a series of Geoff’s wide-angle aerial photos was vital in completing the 3D models of the cathedral exterior featured in our Virtual Tour

Geoff’s aerial photo of the spire lit for VE Day 2020.

A sunny but rather breezy afternoon provided an opportunity to try recording in 3D some of the finer sculptural features of the Cathedral exterior that could not be reached with the Friend’s 10 metre (30 foot) Cherry Picker. The models are processed from series of photographs taken from different angles. For best results, objects are photographed from as many angles as possible.

A DJI Mavic 2 Pro with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera.

This poses a particular challenge for recording finer details from a drone, with tight arcs required around objects and a constant rotation of the camera gimbal to control all at once. Add in the enormous autumnal Beech tree on the cathedral’s south side and the occasional strong gust that day and Geoff and his quadcopter (a ) had their work cut out.

Thankfully both were up to the challenge. Two hours of drone footage resulted in many fine 3D models, some of features that have never been recorded photographically close-up. The models include the crisp sculpture of the 1904 Bell Tower.

Follow the numbered annotations to open high-resolution close-up models.

The day’s recording included the fine sculptural elements of the South Nave Transept which are sadly amongst the most weathered of the Cathedral. The nave transept above clerestory-level was heavily restored in the 1870s under prominent architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Nevertheless, the sculpture in some places is already beyond recognition. 

3D models will provide a valuable conservation record to compare with conditions in the future and check rates of deterioration. They will also provide a record of recognisable features before they are lost.

Recording the locations of repairs in the nineteenth century and in more recent years is crucial to identifying authentic medieval fabric and forms. Some of the most complex sculpture is featured on the pinnacles and gable of the South Nave Transept, last repaired in 2008.

The weather vane atop the Cathedral’s spire, some 50 metres (over 160 feet) above ground-level. Pope Gregory I said that the cockerel ‘was the most suitable emblem of Christianity’, being the emblem of St Peter, a reference to Luke 22:34 in which Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows.

We are extremely thankful for Geoff’s time and piloting skills, and to the residents and passers-by of the Cathedral Precinct for their co-operation. We’re very much looking forward to the next aerial adventure!

Jacob Scott with Geoff Watkins,

Aerial Imaging South East

Aerial Imaging South East

We thank Geoff or the superb aerial imagery featured on the Cathedral website in a number of research and exhibitions posts.