The introduction of sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial Systems) or drones have made it possible to do inspections safer, cheaper, and sometimes quicker. Most inspections are done using visual cameras or infrared thermal radiometric sensors.
An sUAS can be used for inspections of areas that are potentially dangerous, such as roofs or difficult to see without the use of expensive equipment or aircraft, such as cell towers or high transmission power lines.
Visual Cameras
Visual cameras are used when only the surface needs verification there are no discrepancies, such as cracks, missing items, or the location of items.
Thermal Sensors
Infrared thermal radiometric sensors can detect differences in temperature of objects or underlying structures, such as missing insulation, inactive solar panels, or mechanical stresses.
