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Smarter Decisions Start with Smarter Data

Stay informed with Drone Intel — your go-to source for industry insights, expert tips, and real-world applications in drone technology. From construction monitoring to solar inspections and wildlife tracking, we break down how aerial data is transforming industries. Whether you’re a project manager, facility manager, or design professional (Engineer, Architect, Surveyor), you’ll find valuable knowledge here to help you make smarter decisions, stay ahead of the curve, and maximize the ROI of drone-powered solutions.

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Before vs. After: The Drone Advantage

Key Terms You Need to Know

Aerial Mapping: The process of capturing overhead images and data to create detailed orthomosaics (2D maps) of land, construction sites, or even exterior facades of buildings using drones.

Asset Management: Monitoring and maintaining valuable equipment or infrastructure, such as solar panels or buildings, using aerial data.

Drone (UAS): An Unmanned Aerial System, commonly known as a drone, is a remotely piloted aircraft used for capturing images, videos, and data.

FAA Part 107: The Federal Aviation Administration regulation that governs commercial drone operations in the United States, requiring pilots to be certified.

Georeferenced Map: A map where every pixel or data point is tied to a specific geographic coordinate, allowing for precise measurements and overlays.

Infrared (IR) Thermography: The use of infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and anomalies, useful for identifying issues in roofs, solar panels, and electrical systems.

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing): A collective term used in construction and building design to refer to the three major technical systems: mechanical (HVAC and ventilation), electrical (power and lighting), and plumbing (water supply and drainage). MEP systems are essential for the functionality, safety, and comfort of buildings, and are often coordinated in design and installation to ensure efficiency and code compliance.

Orthomosaic: A high-resolution, geometrically corrected aerial image composed of many individual photos stitched together, used for accurate mapping.

Photogrammetry: The science of making measurements from photographs, especially for creating maps, 3D models, or surveys from aerial images.

Progress Monitoring: Regularly tracking and documenting the status of a construction project or asset using aerial imagery and data.

PV (Photovoltaic) Solar Inspection: The process of using drones and thermal cameras to inspect solar panels for defects, inefficiencies, or damage.

Real-Time Data: Information captured and delivered almost instantly, enabling immediate decision-making and action.

 

Remote Sensing: Collecting data about an area or object from a distance, typically using drones, satellites, or aircraft.

 

Site Survey: A comprehensive assessment and mapping of a location, often used for planning construction or infrastructure projects. (Work is performed in coordination/validation with a licensed surveyor.)

Thermal Imaging: The use of cameras that detect infrared radiation (heat) to visualize temperature differences and identify problems invisible to the naked eye.

UAS Pilot: A certified operator of an Unmanned Aerial System (drone).

Wildlife Herd Analysis: The use of drones to count, track, and monitor animal populations for management or conservation purposes.

​If you have more questions or need clarification on any term or service, please contact us directly. We’re here to help you unlock the full value of aerial intelligence!

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Case Studies: AEC Industry

Mixed-Use Commercial Build
Progress Tracking

Project: 48,000 sq ft mixed-use development (retail + office)
Client: General contractor and project manager
Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
Drone: DJI Mavic 3E (with RTK)
Software: DroneDeploy + Navisworks + Bluebeam

 

Objectives:

  • Weekly construction progress documentation

  • Timeline visuals for owner and lender reporting

  • Compare progress to BIM model milestones

 

Workflow:

  1. Weekly flight at 240 ft AGL with 75/80 overlap

  2. Generate high-res orthomosaic and obliques

  3. Export overlays and compare with Revit/Navisworks

  4. Push visuals into Bluebeam for markup

 

Results:

  • Visual timeline documented each phase (footings to finish)

  • Identified a 10-day delay in window installation

  • Accelerated payment draw approvals

 

Quote: “Drone progress imagery became our proof of performance. It kept everyone accountable and confident.”

Multi-Family Residential Complex
Progress Mapping

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Project: 72-unit apartment complex on 10 acres
Client: Developer + General Contractor
Location: Southeast U.S.
Drone: DJI Mavic 3E
Software: Pix4Dmatic + AutoCAD + Revit

Objectives:

  • Biweekly progress documentation

  • Site model integration with BIM

  • Subcontractor coordination based on visuals

 

Workflow:

  1. Created repeatable flight templates

  2. Delivered 2D orthos + 3D models + obliques

  3. Updated progress plans with visual overlays

 

Results:

  • Caught slab plumbing layout issues early

  • Drone maps used in subcontractor coordination

  • Avoided $15,000 in potential rework

 

Quote: “The GC started using drone maps in every coordination meeting—it reduced finger-pointing and rework.”

Light Industrial Facility – Owner Reporting & Progress Control

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Project: Warehouse + logistics hub, 38,000 sq ft
Client: Owner’s rep / investor group
Location: Midwest USA
Drone: DJI Mavic 3E with RTK
Software: DroneDeploy + Google Earth overlays

 

Objectives:

  • Weekly visual reports for remote stakeholders

  • Confirm schedule adherence

  • Build digital archive of construction history

 

Workflow:

  1. Weekly flights from fixed angle & altitude

  2. Delivered orthomosaics + labeled photo reports

  3. Created time-stamped Google Earth KMZ files

 

Results:

  • Remote stakeholders approved payments confidently

  • $8,000 saved on scaffold/labor with early roof install resolution

  • Created permanent visual archive for post-construction reference

 

Quote: “Our investor didn’t step foot on-site—but the drone reports were good enough to make every draw decision.”

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Case Studies: Solar Industry

Utility-Scale PV
Inspection (50 MW)

Client: Renewable Energy Asset Owner
Location: Southern California
Drone: DJI Mavic 3T + RTK
Software: FLIR Tools + Pix4D Thermal + Excel
System Size: 320+ acres, 50 MW DC
Inspection Time: 3 days

 

Objectives:​​

  • Detect underperformance and thermal anomalies

  • Support warranty claims

  • Quantify energy loss

 

Workflow:

  1. Thermal grid flight at 80m AGL during peak solar hours

  2. Captured RGB + radiometric thermal imagery

  3. Post-processed to classify defects (diode, cell, string)

  4. Delivered KMZ fault map, image set, and loss analysis

 

Results:

  • 672 anomalies detected

  • Estimated 2.6% production loss (~$18,000/year)

  • Enabled warranty replacement of 140+ modules

 

Quote: “We delivered a complete report in 72 hours. The asset manager used it to recover lost performance and accelerate warranty claims.”

Post-Commissioning QA on
8 MW PV Site

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Client: EPC Contractor
Location: Arizona
Drone: DJI Mavic 3T
Software: Raptor Maps + Excel
System Size: 8 MW ground mount
Inspection Time: 4 hours

 

Objectives:​

  • Validate full system health pre-handover

  • Identify factory/module defects

  • Provide documentation for O&M

 

Workflow:

  1. Grid flight over entire site in <2 hours

  2. Captured thermal + RGB imagery

  3. Processed in Raptor Maps for automated defect detection

  4. Delivered punchlist with thermal map overlay

 

Results:​​

  • 3 string-level and 24 module-level issues found

  • All corrected by EPC within 48 hours

  • Reduced callbacks by 90% after turnover

 

Quote: “A half-day flight saved us weeks of reactive troubleshooting—and gave the client confidence to sign off immediately.”

Rooftop PV System
Maintenance (200 kW)

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Client: Commercial Property Management Firm
Location: Northeast USA
Drone: DJI Mavic 3T
Software: DJI Thermal Viewer + Manual Classification
System Size: 200 kW on flat roof
Inspection Time: 1 hour

 

Objectives:

  • Diagnose performance drop on mature system

  • Identify thermal faults

  • Enable targeted service

 

Workflow:​​

  1. Manual grid flight at 30m AGL over commercial rooftop

  2. Captured IR + visual imagery

  3. Identified module hotspots

  4. Confirmed bypass diode failures via ground inspection

Results:

  • 6 faulty modules isolated

  • Avoided $3,500/year in energy loss

  • Replacements completed under warranty

Quote: “We pinpointed the issue in under an hour. The client had been chasing it for months with no resolution.”

Frequently asked questions

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Tel: 717-860-8469

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