Access the inaccessible safely
Drone Inspection
Drone-based inspection eliminates the need for scaffolding, rope access, or elevated work platforms when assessing difficult-to-reach areas. Our CASA-certified remote pilots capture high-resolution visual and thermal imagery of facades, roofs, chimneys, bridges, and industrial infrastructure.
Visual inspection imagery (48MP+) is processed into ortho-mosaics, 3D point clouds, and photogrammetric models for detailed condition assessment. Thermal payloads detect moisture, delamination, and insulation defects across large areas in a fraction of the time traditional methods require.
SiteOps integrates drone data with ground-based NDT results for comprehensive structural investigation. Our structural scientists assess the combined data to produce holistic condition reports with defect mapping, severity classification, and remediation recommendations.
The commercial advantage is significant: a full facade survey of a 25-storey building that would cost $400,000+ in scaffolding can be completed by drone in one day for a fraction of the cost. Drone survey results then guide targeted scaffold placement only where physical access for repair or further testing is required.
Key Features
- •High-resolution visual inspection (48MP+ optical)
- •Thermal imaging payloads (640×512 FLIR)
- •Photogrammetric 3D modelling and point clouds
- •Orthophoto and elevation mapping
- •Crack width measurement from calibrated imagery
- •CASA Part 101 certified operations
- •GPS-tagged defect annotation and scheduling
- •Post-event rapid damage documentation
Standards
Applications
- •Facade condition assessment
- •Roof survey and inspection
- •Bridge and overpass inspection
- •Industrial stack and chimney survey
- •Heritage building exterior recording
- •Post-event damage assessment
- •Solar panel inspection
- •Stormwater infrastructure survey
Codes & compliance
Australian Standards for Drone Inspection
Every drone inspection engagement is delivered against recognised Australian and international standards. These are the codes SiteOps works to, and how each one applies to the work.
CASA Part 101
Civil Aviation Safety Regulations - Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets
The Australian regulation governing all SiteOps commercial drone operations, covering operator certification, pilot licensing, and airspace authorisation.
AS/NZS 7000
Overhead Line Design
Referenced when planning drone flights and clearances near overhead power lines and electrical infrastructure during industrial inspections.
ISO 13823
General Principles on the Design of Structures for Durability
Frames how visual and thermal drone findings are interpreted in terms of deterioration mechanisms and remaining durability.
Stack & equipment
Technologies used
Case experience
Related projects
HeritageSouth Brisbane, QLD
Queensland Art Gallery External Works
Structural investigation of Queensland Art Gallery external works to establish concrete thickness, reinforcement placement, spacing, cover, and estimated bar diameters for engineering design and planning.
View project
CommercialMelbourne, VIC
140 William Street Facade Investigation
Multi-phase facade investigation at 140 William Street to support structural and facade engineering assessment with staged evidence delivery.
View projectFAQ
Common questions about Drone Inspection
Can drone inspection replace scaffold inspection?+
Drones replace visual and thermal inspection for screening purposes — identifying where defects exist and their severity. However, physical testing (pull-off adhesion, coring, sounding) still requires scaffold or rope access at specific locations. SiteOps uses drone survey results to focus scaffold investment on the 10–30% of facade area that actually requires physical access, reducing scaffold costs by 60–80%.
What weather conditions limit drone surveys?+
Commercial drone operations are limited by sustained wind speeds above 38 km/h, rain, and reduced visibility (fog, heavy overcast). In Brisbane and Southeast Queensland, suitable flying conditions are available 85–90% of working days. SiteOps schedules drone surveys with flexibility for weather contingency — typically completing surveys within 1–2 days of the planned date.
What regulatory approvals are needed?+
Commercial drone operations in Australia require a CASA Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC), certified remote pilots, and flight authorisations for controlled airspace. For urban operations, additional area approvals may be required from CASA and local authorities. SiteOps manages all regulatory requirements, including airspace coordination and notifications to surrounding properties.
How detailed are drone survey images?+
At a typical facade standoff distance of 5–10 metres, optical imagery resolves features smaller than 1mm per pixel — sufficient to identify hairline cracks, render delamination edges, staining patterns, and sealant deterioration. Thermal imagery resolves temperature differences of 0.05°C, detecting moisture and delamination not visible in optical imagery.
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