Both produce maps, but they excel at different things. Here are the practical considerations before deciding on an acquisition method.
The question we hear most often at the start of an engagement is whether mapping should be done by drone or by terrestrial measurement. The answer is rarely absolute, because the two address different needs.
Area size drives efficiency
For sites larger than a few dozen hectares with relatively open cover, aerial mapping is almost always more efficient. Narrow corridors, dense built-up areas or ground beneath heavy canopy remain more reliable when measured terrestrially.
What you need to measure matters too
A drone records the surface visible from above. If you need bare earth elevation under dense vegetation, LiDAR or direct field measurement is required.
A combination usually makes the most sense
In practice most of our work blends both: aerial acquisition for coverage, plus terrestrial measurement at control points and critical areas. This keeps accuracy intact without inflating the schedule.