Meet Daniel Kinniburgh, Vision Surveys General Manager Brisbane and Chief Pilot

Daniel Kinniburgh (pictured centre) has been part of Vision Surveys for seven years, joining the business with a strong interest in innovation and the future of surveying. Known to the team as DK, he was drawn to Vision Surveys for its early adoption of UAV technology and the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects while continuing to build his technical skill set.

Daniel joined Vision Surveys as a Senior Surveyor and progressed through the business into the role of Design and LiDAR Manager, before taking on responsibility as Chief Pilot. Today, he leads the Brisbane team as General Manager while overseeing all UAV flight operations across Vision Surveys. Each step in that journey expanded his experience, moving from hands on field surveying into UAV operations, project delivery and leadership.

“I was drawn to Vision Surveys because of its reputation for innovation in surveying, particularly in UAV,” Daniel said. “It felt like a place where I could work on varied projects and keep developing across different disciplines.”

Along the way, Daniel has worked on projects well beyond Queensland. From UAV surveys supporting marina developments in Fiji to strata projects in the Middle East, these experiences helped shape his approach to problem solving and reinforced the importance of adaptable systems and careful planning.

“Working abroad was a great experience,” he said. “Different environments really test how you plan, how you manage risk and how well your systems hold up.”

Day to day operations

As General Manager for South East Queensland and Chief Pilot, Daniel’s role is split between operational oversight, project planning and client liaison. He is also responsible for ensuring flight operations meet the highest standards of safety, compliance and efficiency, while supporting teams to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes on the ground.

What continues to motivate him is the challenge that surveying brings and the ability to see tangible results from the work.

“Whether it’s solving problems on complex sites or implementing new technology, it’s rewarding to see the outcome of what we do,” Daniel said.

Surveying was not something Daniel set out to pursue. His first job out of high school was as a survey assistant and while he explored other paths, the profession kept drawing him back. Working alongside experienced surveyors and leaders encouraged him to take on leadership roles and broaden his responsibilities over time.

His career highlights and work life balance

One of the achievements he is most proud of is leading the adoption of UAV LiDAR technology within Vision Surveys. What began as an emerging capability has grown into an integral part of the business, improving efficiency, data quality and the way projects are delivered for clients.

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys spending time with family and friends and keeping active at the gym. He places importance on managing workloads effectively and delegating well, allowing space for life outside work. That same mindset shapes how he leads, creating an environment where teams are supported and trusted to perform.

A career in surveying

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a career in surveying, Daniel’s response is straightforward.

“I’d say go for it,” he said. “I’ve even encouraged my son Jaxon into the industry and he now works at Vision Surveys as a Survey Technician.”

For Daniel, it is the strength of the team and the opportunity for progression that truly set Vision Surveys apart. “We’ve got a great team here and real career pathways,” he said. “That’s what makes Vision Surveys different.”