In this paper, the use of ultralight aircraft for road surveys in remote areas is introduced. Botanical and geomorphological indicators and the development of guidelines for their use in southern Africa are discussed and the costs and benefits of using ultralight aircraft surveys in combination with these indicators as a means of applying this research in practice are summarized. Two case studies are presented. Keywords: Aerial surveys, Remote areas, Upgrading road infrastructure, Proceedings 22nd ARRB Conference: Research into Practice, Canberra, Australia, October 29 - November 2, 2006.