How to Choose the Best Aerial Survey Company for Your Project

For anyone new to thermal imaging, it has been a game changer for so many industries and fields.  Thermal imaging, at its most basic, is the visual representation of infrared radiation–or heat–put off by something, be it organic or inorganic.  If an object or organic being has a temperature above zero degrees, it emits heat detectable by thermal imaging.

Aerial surveying companies that offer thermal imaging employ drones with a payload that can include a thermal imaging camera, GPS sensor, and a camera that takes traditional images.  Thus equipped, drones are capable of collecting data that can be used in a variety of ways.

What Is Thermography Capable of Doing?

Thermography has proved to be efficient, fast, and safe.  Because of its abilities to safely “see” what the human eye can’t and go where it’s hazardous for humans to be, aerial thermography has been adapted for countless tasks, and new ones are constantly being devised.

• Because infrared thermography provides effective night vision, it’s great for surveillance. It can also be used by firefighters working in thick smoke.
• All sorts of industries are starting to use thermal imaging for inspection instead of doing it manually.  Using drone-mounted equipment is faster and far safer than sending human inspectors up a cell phone tower or wind turbine or down into a mine.
• Thermal imaging can help with maintenance of industrial electrical and mechanical systems.
• The safe detection of dangerous gasses is another important function of thermal imaging.
• Solar PV panels and components can be evaluated for performance and inspected for hot spots, allowing for early intervention and repair.
• Emergency responders can effectively use the technology in search and rescue missions.
• Park and rangeland management may employ thermography to keep track of wildlife herds, such as bison on the Kaibab plateau near the Grand Canyon or elk in eastern Kentucky.
• Farmers can monitor irrigation equipment to make sure it’s working properly and not clogged or leaking.  They can use it to monitor their herds and, amazingly, they can employ it to detect pest infestations for early treatment.
• Building inspections using thermal imaging can detect many more problems than the naked eye can.  Thermography detects places where insulation is insufficient or windows aren’t sealed in order to maintain energy efficiency; it can detect moisture from water plumbing or roof leaks; and it can pinpoint hot spots in electrical and mechanical systems and wiring, possibly preventing catastrophe.
• The EPA uses thermography in pollution detection and in cases of suspected contamination, as in oil and gas leaks.

In addition to being done remotely, and therefore safely, aerial thermography can cut inspection costs by half.  Cheaper costs mean that inspections can be performed more regularly, possibly allowing you to “head trouble off at the pass.”  Drones are also more thorough than humans in being able to reach tight, inaccessible spaces and getting images from difficult angles.

How Should I Choose an Aerial Surveying Company?

Of course, for your project you want to hire the most experience, knowledgeable, and thorough company available.  That’s just a given.  But what else should you consider?

• You want to find someone with experience in your particular field, who knows standards and practices and can deliver exactly what you need.  Engineering chops may be a plus, depending on your project.
• Knowing industry standards, following guidelines regarding such things as weather and flight plans, and complying with FAA regulations is non-negotiable.  Responsible surveyors follow regulations to the letter, getting approval before launching a commercial flight in a controlled air space.  Anyone who shows up and dismisses concerns about any of these issues should be shown the door.
• Complying with all local regulations is just as important, like learning ahead of time if there are ordinances restricting drone activity or otherwise controlling air space.
• For your protection, any aerial surveying company you hire should meet your business’s insurance minimum.
• Any company you choose should use the latest high-end equipment and have the software to produce the exact deliverables you require–when promised.

Darling Geomatics Offers Cutting Edge Thermal Imaging

For an award-winning company with a long surveying history and an impeccable reputation, turn to the geospatial experts at Darling Geomatics.  Whether it's a straightforward roof inspection or a head-scratching conundrum, they will work to find the best solution to meet your needs.  Since 1997, clients in Arizona and around the globe have entrusted projects of all kinds to Darling Geomatics.  Rely on their accumulated expertise for your next project.