Conducting a drone roof inspection involves several key steps and considerations to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection: Know Your Objective: Before starting, be clear about what you're inspecting for, whether it's peeling shingles, cracks, or water leaks. The purpose of the inspection will guide your flight plan. Consider Roof Size: The size and height of the roof determine whether you can fly manually or need automation. Larger roofs, like those of warehouses, benefit from automated flights for consistent data capture. Decide on Data Type: Determine if you need visual data, thermal data, or both. Thermal surveys are best conducted when the sun is low to avoid interference, while visual surveys require good lighting. Address Focus Issues: Ensure every image is sharp. Some flight software, like Hammer, offers a 'Focus Before Picture' option to prevent blurry images. Account for Ground Offset: This affects the overlap in captured pictures. Software like Hammer allows you to set a ground offset, ensuring consistent overlap. Handle 'L' Shaped Roofs: For uniquely shaped roofs, avoid over-flying to conserve battery life and ensure efficient data capture. Capture Oblique Views: Along with a top-down view, an oblique view helps inspect vertical assets on the roof. Adjust the gimbal pitch for this perspective. Maintain Orientation: For ease of post-processing, keep a constant drone orientation throughout the flight. After data collection, use a data inspection platform to review and annotate findings. AI-based defect detection software can further expedite the analysis. Remember, every roof inspection has its nuances. Adapt your approach based on specific needs, and leverage tools like Hammer for optimal results.