Drone Media Imaging and Solid Waste Landfill Sites
The potential of drones as a tool in the solid waste industry is still being realised but one of the most common uses is to conduct aerial surveys featuring both still images and videography. The ability of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to access areas that would be difficult or impossible for foot traffic offers a massive advantage at a fraction of the cost of a traditional piloted aerial survey.
It is anticipated that the deployment of drones for survey purposes will only increase and the addition of thermal imaging cameras adds to the use of the survey images by pinpointing risk areas for sub-surface fires at the earliest possible opportunity.
The capture of real time imagery of a waste disposal site can provide an invaluable tool in assessing stability, monitoring erosion, standing water and hot spots. Drone mapping can provide landfill managers with a fast and comprehensive overview of their sites to improve both design, safety and efficiency.
This fast and accurate acquisition of airborne survey data can assist with
- growth tracking
- calculating remaining life expectancy
- compaction
- erosion
- tracking of greenhouse gas emissions
This is all at a tiny fraction of the cost f the more traditional annual piloted aerial surveys, offering both financial savings and the opportunity to increase survey frequency for improved site management.
Photogrammetry For Roof inspections, Solar Panels, and Hard-To-Reach Assets: A Technical Approach
Photogrammetry for roofs, solar panels, and complex vertical structures requires far more precision than standard terrain mapping. This post from explores why traditional workflows fall short and how operators can use tools such as terrain-following, custom camera profiles, circlegrammetry, and automated vertical scanning to achieve consistent results. Packed with real-world examples and scientific validation, it provides a practical technical guide to improving model accuracy, mission repeatability, and inspection efficiency across challenging commercial environments.Capturing quality photogrammetry data from vertical and elevated structures remains one of the trickier challenges in commercial drone operations. Traditional surveying workflows fail here. Kristaps Brass, Product Owner at UgCS, has spent years working with operators who tackle these missions daily. Solar farms, building facades, communication towers, dam inspections. The pattern is consistent: manual flying burns time and money, and processed models show gaps where critical details should be. This article covers what actually works, based on field-tested methods and real operator feedback.
IEC 62446 Solar String Testing Now Available
Drone Media Imaging now offers certified IEC 62446-compliant solar string testing, delivering complete electrical diagnostics for commercial PV systems. This new service verifies string integrity, insulation, voltage, current, and performance using advanced I-V curve tracing and Fill Factor analysis. Ideal for commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance, our testing supports safety, compliance, and ROI assurance. Combined with thermal imaging, we offer a powerful dual-inspection approach. Book today to ensure your solar array is operating safely, efficiently, and within international performance standards.
Level 3 Thermography Reporting Project – 3 Multi-Storey Residential Blocks
We supported a large thermal inspection project across three residential buildings by providing certified Level 3 thermographic reporting based on drone data collected by the client. Using a protocol we developed, they captured radiometric thermal images, which we analysed remotely to identify heat loss, glazing issues, and roof moisture indicators. This collaborative approach showcases how our clients can carry out surveys independently, while we deliver professional-grade thermographic interpretation and reporting — cost-effectively and without needing site access.
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