At Drone Media Imaging, we don’t just capture aerial thermography, we enable data-driven decision making with level 3 report writing services. One of our most recent successes involved delivering high-precision thermal imaging analysis for a complex residential estate comprising three multi-storey buildings. What made this project unique was the way we worked in partnership with the client. They captured the drone data, and we provided the Level 3 thermographic interpretation and reporting.

This hybrid approach demonstrates the value of combining client-led drone operations with our deep technical expertise, saving time, lowering cost, and delivering actionable insight.

The client had the drone, the access, and the thermal payload, but what they didn’t have was a certified Level 2/3 thermographer to interpret the radiometric data and certify the final report for theior client. Recognising that thermal imaging isn’t just about “hot and cold pictures,” they engaged us to:

• Create a data collection protocol tailored to their inspection targets

• Guide their team on capture methods, camera settings, and environmental parameters

• Analyse and report on the data through our certified L3 thermography workflow

The goal, to identify any signs of thermal inefficiency, building fabric defects, or roof moisture across all three buildings, without ever stepping foot on site.

Once the client completed their dusk-time drone flights using a DJI Mavic 3T, they supplied us with the radiometric files and RGB reference images. We processed the data in FLIR Studio Pro, applying fixed and adaptive thermal scales to maintain consistency and accuracy across all thermograms.

We then:

• Identified subtle signs of thermal bridging at window mullions

• Flagged areas of potential glazing failure (argon loss, degraded seals)

• Interpreted diffuse warm roof patches suggestive of latent moisture beneath bituminous felt membranes

• Explained the elevated thermal signature of unheated stairwell zones as a product of architectural heat retention

Every report we generated was tailored, qualified, and presented with supporting environmental context, thermal annotations, and a clear interpretation of building performance.

As thermal imaging becomes more common in drone inspections, it’s vital that the data is correctly interpreted. Surface temperatures can be influenced by material emissivity, solar history, building geometry, and internal heating — and getting it wrong can lead to false conclusions or expensive over-remediation. That’s where we come in.

We offer clients the ability to:

• Use their own drone and inspection team

• Work from a bespoke capture protocol

• Submit data for Level 3-certified thermographic analysis

• Receive formal, actionable reports, fast, safe, and cost-effective

The client was able to deliver internal reports to their facilities and maintenance team identifying:

• Areas requiring future monitoring

• Signs of developing roof moisture risk

• Isolated glazing anomalies worth investigating

• Assurance that the façade insulation remained intact and functioning

Importantly, they achieved this without third-party site access, reducing disruption and demonstrating compliance through professional, certified documentation.

Whether you’re a facilities team, building consultant, or drone operator with a thermal payload, we can support your inspection projects with expert, remote thermographic reporting.

We provide:

• FLIR-compatible data collection protocols
• Capture training and consultation
• FLIR Studio Pro Level 3 analysis
• Custom reports tailored to your client’s objectives

If you collect the data, we’ll turn it into actionable insight.