Fees and Costs
DARKLab provides advanced 3D documentation, drone-based mapping, spatial analysis, and visualization services for researchers at Lund University and external partners in archaeology and cultural heritage. External use of DARKLab is offered according to Lund University’s principles for full cost recovery, in line with the Swedish regulation on fees for research infrastructures.
DARKLab does not rent out equipment for self-operation.
All acquisitions (scanning, photogrammetry, drone flights, etc.) are performed by trained DARKLab staff to ensure safety, data quality, and legal compliance.
Pricing Structure
The following fees apply to external users.
Rates reflect staff time, equipment operation, maintenance, travel, and project support.
Internal users (Lund University)
No equipment fees apply.
Staff-intensive services, travel, and consumables may be charged depending on project needs.
External academic and heritage-sector users
1,485 SEK per hour (external access rate)
+ 300 SEK per hour for staff/operator time when required
Commercial users
Fees follow Lund University’s principles for full cost recovery and, when necessary, market-based pricing.
Quotes are provided on a case-by-case basis.
What the Fees Cover
Fees include:
Staff-operated acquisition (3D scanning, drone mapping, photogrammetry)
Processing and analysis (alignment, meshing, texturing, GIS integration)
Equipment maintenance
Planning and feasibility assessment
Safety procedures and field logistics
Delivery of data in agreed formats
Quotes are always based on the specific needs of each project.
Requesting a Quote
External users must submit a short project description including:
Project goals
Methods or services requested
Timeline and location
Relevant permits
Billing information
Details on how to apply are available on the How to Apply page.
Contact: nicolo.dellunto@ark.lu.se
Invoicing
All invoicing is handled through the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History.
Cost Estimates
DARKLab provides quotes upon request.
A typical project may include:
Travel and field acquisition
Operator time
Processing and analysis
Data delivery and documentation
The total cost depends on project scale, site conditions, and required deliverables.