What SUMO Services does

SUMO Services Ltd is a UK-based, private multi-disciplinary surveying practice founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Havant, Hampshire. The firm delivers integrated spatial-data services across three core pillars — aerial surveys (UAV/drone, photogrammetry, thermal and multispectral imaging), geophysical and archaeological surveys (Ground Penetrating Radar, magnetometry, electromagnetic conductivity under PAS 128 and CIfA standards), and measured building surveys (3D laser scanning, total-station, lease plans, GIA/NIA) — operating through 6 regional offices and 40+ survey teams to provide nationwide UK coverage.

The technology stack combines vehicle-towed, cart-pushed, and walked GPR (including MALA mini MIRA high-density array), fixed and rotary-wing UAS with multi-sensor payloads (5-band multispectral, iSTAR/Spheron HDR panorama, thermography), terrestrial laser scanners delivering 0.1mm deformation-monitoring accuracy, and processing pipelines that output AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, GIS, and PDF deliverables. Outputs span topographical, utility-detection, rail, heritage, volumetric, rights-of-light, and 3D-visualisation use cases.

Commercially, SUMO generates revenue primarily through bespoke project-based professional services priced via free quotations, complemented by a fixed-price House Plan Survey product (£1,250 for 3-bed, £1,800 for 4-bed properties) for the residential segment. Customers span construction contractors (Willmott Dixon), local government (London Borough of Newham, Cornwall Archaeological Unit), heritage/cultural institutions (Rochester Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace), strategic land developers, and utilities — sold predominantly through a sales-led motion with phone, website enquiry form, and 6 regional offices as primary channels. The firm self-describes as 'one of the fastest growing multi-disciplinary survey practices in the UK' but no revenue, headcount-over-time, or funding data is publicly disclosed.

Name

SUMO Services

Legal name

SUMO Services Ltd

Website

https://sumoservices.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SUMO Services is a UK-based multi-disciplinary surveying practice operating 6 offices and 40+ survey teams nationwide, delivering aerial, geophysical, archaeological, utility (PAS 128) and measured-building surveys to construction, heritage, government, and property clients via project-based engagements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Surveying Services

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Analytics (Satellite/UAV/LiDAR, Image Processing) (EUAHAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Survey, Panel & Fieldwork Services (BPAHALAJ), Rail Asset Inspection, Monitoring & Diagnostics (Track Geometry, Wayside Sensors) (TLAJADAG), Mine Surveying & Geospatial Services (Survey, Drone/LiDAR, GIS, Grade Control) (IMAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Land surveying services
• Geophysical surveys
• Measured building surveys
• Utility detection surveys
• Aerial drone surveys

Headquarters

HQ city

Havant

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Survey Services: One-time survey services including topographic, geophysical, utility detection, measured building, and aerial/drone surveys. Services are project-based with custom quotations based on site requirements, size, and complexity.
2. Fixed-Price House Plan Surveys: Fixed pricing for residential house plan surveys starting at £1,250 for 3-bedroom properties and £1,800 for 4-bedroom properties. Additional services available for properties outside standard criteria.
3. GIA/NIA and Lease Plan Surveys: RICS-compliant floor plan and area measurement surveys for property valuation, rating, and marketing purposes.
4. Historic Building and Heritage Surveys: Specialist archaeological and heritage surveys including GPR, laser scanning, and building recording for historic structures.
5. Renewable Energy Surveys: Thermographic monitoring and imaging services for solar farms, conducted between April and October when solar irradiance is at optimal levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SUMO Services is a UK-based multi-disciplinary survey company providing a comprehensive suite of geophysical, aerial, and measured building surveys. Services include topographic, utility, archaeological, geophysical engineering, rail, laser scanning and 3D, and measured building surveys using Ground Penetrating Radar, drones/UAS, 3D laser scanning, magnetometry, and photogrammetry. The company delivers full-colour survey drawings and data in AutoCAD, PDF, GIS, Revit, and BIM-compatible formats.

Product overview

SUMO Services is a UK-based multi-disciplinary survey company offering a comprehensive suite of geophysical, aerial, and measured building survey services. The portfolio is organized around three core service pillars: Aerial Surveys (including drone/UAV surveys, roof inspections, thermal imaging, multispectral surveys, and archaeological aerial surveys), Geophysical Surveys (utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar, magnetometry, and electromagnetic conductivity for archaeological, engineering, and utility detection applications), and Measured Building Surveys (providing floor plans, elevations, 3D laser scanning, lease plans, and house plan surveys). These core offerings are supported by specialized sub-services including 360° imaging, deformation monitoring, rights of light surveys, volumetric calculations, historic building recording, and visualisation and simulation. The company delivers data in standard formats including AutoCAD, PDF, GIS-ready outputs, 3D Revit models, and BIM-compatible formats. With offices strategically located throughout the UK, SUMO provides nationwide coverage serving sectors including construction, engineering, heritage, archaeology, public infrastructure, and utilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SUMO Geophysics: Specialist geophysics division using magnetometry and ground penetrating radar for archaeological and engineering surveys.
• SUMO Aerial-Cam

Products and services

• Aerial Surveys UAV/drone-based surveys using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, telescopic masts, and manned aircraft for topographic mapping, visual analysis, and site inspection across construction, heritage, and infrastructure sectors.
• Archaeological Surveys Non-invasive geophysical surveys using magnetometry and ground penetrating radar to detect subsurface archaeological features on greenfield, rural, urban, and brownfield sites for archaeologists, heritage organisations, and planners.
• Geophysical Engineering Surveys Engineering-focused geophysical surveys for construction and development projects, including detection of underground features, voids, and structural anomalies.
• Laser Scanning & 3D Surveys High-definition 3D laser scanning services using terrestrial scanners to capture detailed point cloud data for building documentation, BIM, and analysis.
• Measured Building Surveys Comprehensive building measurement surveys providing floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D models, and GIA/NIA calculations using laser scanning and total station technology for architects, property professionals, and developers.
• Rail Surveys Specialized survey services for railway infrastructure ensuring safety, efficiency, and accuracy of rail projects.
• Topographic Surveys Land surveys mapping elevation, contours, and natural and man-made features for design, planning, and construction projects.
• Utility Surveys Underground service detection using radar and electromagnetic location (EML) technologies, compliant with PAS 128 Level B and C standards for utility providers, construction, and infrastructure projects.
• Drone Roof Inspections UAS-based roof inspections providing detailed photographic records of roof conditions, damage, and features without the costs and risks of scaffolding.
• Historic Buildings and Churches Surveys Specialist GPR surveys for heritage sites identifying hidden voids, vaults, graves, foundations, wells, and historic garden layouts for heritage and conservation clients.
• Rural and Greenfield Site Surveys Archaeological surveys using magnetometry and GPR to locate underground features on undeveloped land including settlement sites, field systems, and industrial features.
• Urban and Brownfield Site Surveys Geophysical surveys for urban environments detecting utilities, underground infrastructure, voids, historic building foundations, and industrial archaeological features.
• 3D Visualisation and Simulation 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and simulation services using Pointools, 3D Studio Max, and Rhino for architectural and engineering visualisation.
• 360° Imaging Service Full spherical immersive imaging using iSTAR and Spheron HDR panoramic cameras for virtual tours, GIS, and mobile mapping applications.
• Deformation Monitoring Structural stability and movement monitoring surveys using precision leveling, robotic total stations, and laser scanners measuring to 0.1 millimeter accuracy.
• Rights of Light Surveys Survey services for calculating rights of light impact, providing 3D laser scanning, floor plans, elevation plans, and 3D modeling to support legal assessments.
• Lease Plans (GIA/NIA) Property measurement surveys conforming to RICS Code of Measuring Practice for leases, property valuation, rating, and marketing purposes.
• House Plan Surveys Fixed-price residential property surveys providing floor plans, elevations, and sections using laser scanning technology starting at £1,250 for a 3-bedroom property.
• Verified Views Accurate photorealistic visual representations of proposed developments combining 3D models with photography for planning applications and environmental impact assessments.
• Multispectral Surveys Drone-based surveys using 5-band sensor arrays detecting sub-surface archaeological features through vegetation health analysis and vegetation indices.
• Solar Farm Thermographic Surveys Drone thermography surveys for inspecting solar farm arrays to identify faults in photovoltaic cells, conducted between April and October.
• Thermal Surveys Infrared thermography surveys detecting hot and cold spots indicative of air leaks, water ingress, or faults, generally conducted at night to avoid solar radiation interference.
• Water Leak Detection Multi-disciplinary survey combining RGB and multispectral photogrammetry with thermal imaging to identify possible water leak locations for targeted GPR investigation.
• Asset Inspection UAS-based asset inspection services capturing detailed photos, video, and panoramic spheres of structures for condition assessment and progress monitoring.
• Drone Archaeological Surveys Comprehensive drone-based archaeological recording including orthophotos, digital elevation models, multispectral analysis, excavation recording, 3D building models, and GIS interpretive reports.
• Volumetric Surveys UAS photogrammetry-based volumetric calculations for spoil heaps, stockpiles, and excavations with accuracy within 3cm ground sampling distance.
• Historic Building Recording Level 1 and Level 2 historic building surveys using photogrammetry to produce orthographic photos, line drawings, stone-by-stone illustrations, and phase plans.
• Internal Photogrammetry Indoor UAS photography and photogrammetry using mini drones, DSLR cameras, and telescopic masts to produce orthographic photos and 3D models of interior spaces.
• School Surveys Drone-based surveys for educational facilities including roof surveys, building surveys, thermal surveys, landscape surveys, and general photography for maintenance programs.
• Solution Features Surveys

Quantifiable outcome

• Drone Multispectral Surveys can record 100 hectares in a single day
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)coreOthersSUMO Geophysics is a Registered Organisation with CIfA. All surveys are carried out to CIfA and English Heritage professional guidelines as a minimum standard.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Plowman Craven: UK multi-disciplinary surveying firm offering measured building, topographic, utility detection, laser scanning, and BIM services. Closest direct competitor to SUMO's core surveying portfolio with similar client base across construction, rail, and infrastructure.
• Severn Partnership (SOCOTEC UK): UK surveying company (now part of SOCOTEC) providing utility detection, GPR, topographic, and measured building surveys under PAS 128. Direct overlap with SUMO's utility, topographic, and rail survey offerings.
• Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors: UK-wide land and measured building surveying firm offering topographic, utility, 3D laser scanning, and BIM services. Directly comparable to SUMO on multi-office national coverage and construction-sector focus.
• Wessex Archaeology: UK archaeological services provider including geophysical survey, field evaluation, and historic building recording. Direct peer to SUMO Geophysics on the archaeological survey heritage vertical.
• Cotswold Archaeology: Major UK archaeological contractor delivering geophysical surveys, field evaluation, and heritage consultancy. Comparable to SUMO Geophysics on archaeological geophysics and pre-planning survey work.
• Oxford Archaeology: One of the UK's largest archaeological service providers offering geophysical survey, heritage consultancy, and building recording. Directly comparable to SUMO on the heritage/archaeological geophysics value proposition.
• MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology): UK archaeological and heritage practice providing geophysical, field, and post-excavation services. Peer to SUMO Geophysics particularly in urban and brownfield archaeological survey contexts.

Broad incumbents

• Wardell Armstrong: UK multi-disciplinary environmental, engineering, and surveying consultancy. Broader incumbent than SUMO, with overlapping geophysical and surveying capabilities as part of a wider portfolio including mining and environmental services.
• SOCOTEC UK: Major TIC (testing, inspection, certification) group with significant UK surveying and utility detection capabilities. A larger established player operating broadly in the same industry with overlapping utility survey services.
• Fugro: Global geoscience and survey specialist offering aerial mapping, LiDAR, geophysical, and site characterization services. A broad incumbent providing overlapping remote sensing and geophysical survey capabilities at international scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SUMOservices
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzQS7EZkNSxI_Ulj872d8xw/videos
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sumo-services

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SUMO Services