Nearmap Alternative - Esri Australia, page-7

Nearmap spent less than $1m last financial year in 'Capture costs' - check out the annual report for the exact amount.

Even if using drones was cheaper, how much could they save? I actually think it would cost significantly more to use drones especially if they can only fly at a few hundred metres (compared to Nearmap planes at around 10,000 feet I think).

This could all change if a few years if drones can fly higher but again, the cost saving is going to be insignificant.