The RSK Group, a privately-owned environmental consultancy in the UK, has completed its first aerial survey in southern Iraq using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is to become of particular use for oil companies in the future, reported Trade Arabia. The company has produced a survey grade 3-D point cloud of oilfield facilities in Iraq and images of a flare, informed Energy Global. This is a first-of-a-kind service that will enable safer and more cost effective mapping and surveying of oil projects in conflict zones like Iraq. UAV also allows for the safe surveying of assets such as flare stacks in real-time, which helps prevent costly shutdowns.

The RSK Group is aiming to expand its services in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. The company has been conducting UAV surveys for over 15 years catering to a wide range of multinational oil and gas companies and leading international consultants, according to the RSK Iraq’s homepage. RSK also provides turnkey service for aerial surveying, such as providing kit and personnel. The results are delivered via RSK’s own specialized Visivi software.