DRONE MAPPING
AND
DRONE INSPECTION SERVICES
DRONE MAPPING SERVICES
Unparalleled Precision and Accuracy
​
We redefine precision. Our advanced mapping techniques yield data that reflects real-world environments. We provide precise 3D, 2D and LIDAR maps for all kinds of applications. We can provide millimetre level accuracy and Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of less than 1cm per pixel. We understand the importance of accurate data, and our meticulous approach ensures that every detail counts.
​
Seamlessly Integrating Data into Your Workflow
​
Our mapping results aren't just impressive in accuracy; they also seamlessly integrate into your software ecosystem. Whether you're in construction, planning, or analysis, our deliverables come in various formats, ensuring a smooth fit into your existing workflow.
​
Elevate Project Insight and Progress Monitoring
​
Our survey-grade maps go beyond visuals. Data is king! We empower you with the ability to calculate area, volume, point-to-point measurements, and more. This level of detail is a game-changer, allowing you to track progress with precision and address any challenges that arise.
​
Please click here to see a detailed explanation of our services.
​
​
DRONE INSPECTION SERVICES
Harnessing Advanced Technology for Accurate Drone Inspections
​
Our commitment to innovation drives our drone inspection services. Leveraging both thermal (infrared) and visible light cameras, we provide a comprehensive view of your assets that goes beyond the surface. Our imagery not only identifies areas of concern but also empowers you to address issues with unprecedented precision. By utilizing drone imaging, you not only save valuable time and resources but also enhance worker safety. Our range of applications includes:
​
Roof and Building Inspections
​
Our specialized cameras can identify moisture intrusion and damage, providing you with the insights needed to execute precise repairs.
​
Gas and Energy Infrastructure Inspections
Our drone inspection technology rises to the challenge, enabling us to conduct inspections on pipelines, LNG tanks, power lines and the detection of missing or defective infrastructure. We excel at identifying aging materials, moisture intrusion, and other critical issues that demand prompt attention.
​
Solar Panel Inspections
Solar panel performance hinges on their condition, and our drone inspections leave no room for uncertainty. Our advanced imagery detects moisture, damage, dust accumulation, and more. These insights empower you to make informed decisions about repairs or replacements, optimizing the efficiency and lifespan of your solar assets.
​
Advancing Precision, Reducing Risk
​
Precision and safety lie at the heart of our drone inspection approach. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, we ensure that you have the information you need to make strategic decisions that impact your operations. The benefits of drone inspections are clear: mitigated risks, cost savings, streamlined processes, and actionable insights.
​
Please click here to see a detailed explanation of our services.
At First Class Drones, we deliver innovative drone services tailored to your industry. Our core services include Drone Inspection Services, 2D and 3D Drone Mapping using photogrammetry, and LiDAR Drone Mapping.
​
We help construction teams, utilities, engineers, mining operators, real estate developers, environmental organizations, and telecom providers capture accurate data, improve safety, and make better decisions faster.
​
Industries We Serve
Construction and Infrastructure
Utilities and Energy
Engineering and Technical Consulting
Mining and Quarries
Real Estate and Land Development
Environmental Conservation
Telecommunications
Our inspection services use high resolution cameras and thermal sensors to examine structures and equipment safely from the air, ideal for hard to reach or hazardous locations. You receive clear visuals, measurable data, and actionable insight to support maintenance planning and asset management.
​
Common Use Cases
Structural and Asset Inspections for roofs, bridges, buildings, and industrial facilities to identify cracks, corrosion, leaks, and defects with full coverage imagery
Thermal Imaging and Leak Detection to detect water intrusion, heat loss, electrical hotspots, and underperforming solar panels
Power Lines and Towers to inspect wires, insulators, and structures for damage, corrosion, overheating, and clearance risks
Oil, Gas and Renewables to inspect pipelines, tanks, wind turbines, and solar assets with minimal downtime and improved safety
Telecom Towers to inspect antennas, mounts, and cables with high detail visuals supporting uptime and upgrade planning
​
Stockpile analysis to ensure accurate inventory management.
​
2D and 3D Drone Mapping Services
Our mapping services produce geo referenced orthomosaics, topographic surveys, and 3D models with survey grade accuracy. Outputs integrate smoothly into CAD, GIS, and BIM workflows for planning, design, and monitoring.
​
Use cases include topographic mapping, land development, construction progress tracking, volumetrics, infrastructure design, and environmental monitoring.
​
LiDAR Drone Mapping Services
When projects require extreme accuracy or vegetation penetration, our LiDAR drone surveys deliver dense 3D point clouds, bare earth models, and detailed terrain analysis. LiDAR is ideal for forestry, utility corridors, and complex environments where photogrammetry can struggle.
​
Use cases include forestry analysis, terrain modeling, power line corridor mapping, urban planning, and telecom line of sight modeling.
​
Accuracy You Can Trust
We maintain a quality first workflow with rigorous flight planning and repeatable mission parameters, RTK equipped drones, high resolution sensors, and survey grade LiDAR, ground control points and independent validation checkpoints, thorough data processing and quality assurance before delivery, and ongoing investment in best practices and technology.
​
Deliverables and Data Outputs
Depending on your project, you can receive orthomosaic maps in GeoTIFF or JPEG, DSM DEM or DTM elevation models, point clouds in LAS LAZ or PTS, inspection reports with annotated visuals and thermal findings in PDF format, CAD ready files in DXF or DWG, contours, breaklines, and extracted features, plus optional 3D textured meshes, interactive maps, and custom reporting.
​
Ready to Elevate Your Next Project?
Choose First Class Drones for drone inspections, aerial mapping, and LiDAR surveying built around precision, efficiency, and safety. We tailor every mission to your objectives, delivering accurate results on time and within budget.
Contact us today to discuss your site, scope, and deliverables.
​
​Frequently Asked Questions
​
What is a drone inspection?
A drone inspection uses an unmanned aerial vehicle with high resolution cameras and sometimes thermal infrared sensors to safely capture close up imagery of assets like roofs, towers, lines, and industrial structures. It helps identify defects early while reducing risk and downtime.
What is drone mapping?
Drone mapping is the process of collecting aerial imagery or LiDAR data and turning it into measurable outputs like orthomosaic maps, 3D models, elevation surfaces, and point clouds that can be used for surveying, planning, design, and monitoring.
​
What is the difference between drone inspection and drone mapping?
Drone inspection focuses on condition assessment and defect detection using photos video and thermal data. Drone mapping focuses on measurement and spatial accuracy producing maps models and surfaces that can be used in CAD GIS and engineering workflows.
​
What types of projects are best suited for drone mapping?
Common projects include construction site planning and progress tracking, land development, topographic surveys, volumetric stockpile measurements, corridor mapping, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure documentation.
​
What types of assets can be inspected with drones?
Typical assets include roofs and building envelopes, bridges, power lines and towers, pipelines and tanks, solar panels, wind turbines, industrial facilities, and telecommunication towers.
​
Do you offer thermal imaging and what is it used for?
Yes! Thermal imaging uses infrared sensors to detect temperature differences. It is commonly used for finding moisture intrusion, heat loss, electrical hotspots, and solar panel anomalies that may not be visible in standard photos.
​
When should I choose LiDAR instead of photogrammetry?
LiDAR is often the best choice when you need ground elevation under vegetation, when the terrain is complex, or when you need strong results in low texture areas. Photogrammetry is often ideal for open sites and produces excellent orthomosaics and textured 3D models.
​
How accurate are drone maps and models?
Accuracy depends on the workflow, flight altitude, sensor quality, and whether RTK and ground control points are used. Our data can achieve survey grade results when proper control and validation are included.
​
What is RTK and why does it matter?
RTK is a GPS correction method that improves drone positioning, helping deliver higher accuracy mapping and more repeatable results. It can reduce the amount of ground control needed in some projects.
​
Do I need ground control points?
Not always, but ground control points are recommended for many survey and engineering use cases, especially when you need the highest accuracy or independent validation. For lower tolerance work, RTK only workflows will be sufficient and still highly accurate.
​
What deliverables will I receive from a mapping project?
Common deliverables include orthomosaic maps, digital surface models and terrain models, contour lines, point clouds, 3D textured meshes, and CAD or GIS ready files such as GeoTIFF, LAS or LAZ, DXF, and PDF map outputs.
​
What deliverables will I receive from an inspection project?
Typical deliverables include annotated high resolution images, thermal images when applicable, video clips if needed, and a written inspection report summarizing findings, locations, and recommended next steps.
​
Can drone inspections be done without shutting down operations?
Often yes. Drone inspections can reduce disruptions compared with scaffolding, rope access, or lifts. Some sites may still require safety coordination, access control, or brief work area restrictions depending on risk.
​
How long does a typical drone inspection or mapping job take?
It depends on site size, complexity, and deliverables. Small inspections may be completed in a single visit. Larger mapping or LiDAR surveys may require more flight time and additional processing. Deliverable timelines depend on the scope and file types required.
​
What information do you need from me to quote a project?
We usually need the site location, the approximate area size, the asset types, the goal of the project, the deliverables you want, your accuracy requirements if any, and any site access or safety constraints.
​
Are your drone pilots licensed and insured?
Yes! Advanced licenses and $12.5 million in liability insurance.
​
Can you work in controlled airspace or near airports?
Yes! We can fly almost anywhere.
What weather conditions affect drone inspections and mapping?
High winds, rain, snow, and low visibility can affect flight safety and data quality. For best results, mapping is also influenced by lighting and shadows, while thermal inspections may require specific conditions to clearly detect anomalies.
​
Will drone mapping data integrate with our CAD GIS or BIM tools?
Yes. Most deliverables can be provided in standard formats compatible with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, ArcGIS, QGIS, and other common platforms.
​
How do you protect data and site privacy?
We can use secure storage, controlled access, and client approved sharing methods. You can request specific data handling requirements for sensitive sites.
​