DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 vs. DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1: Which drone is ideal for roof measurement & thermography?

Anyone who starts drone surveying as a roofer or solar engineer almost automatically ends up with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise series. By then at the latest, the question will arise: Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 (M3E) or Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 (M3T)?

In this comparison, we show which drone is better for DIN-compliant roof measurement And which for Building thermography suitable — and why it's worth taking a closer look at the sensor, shutter and RTK technology.

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1. What roofers really need when surveying drones

For professional drone measurement in the roof area, three key figures count more than anything else:

• Measurement accuracy: VOB-compliant offers, PV design and material ordering require precise measurement values. With the RTK module, the highest accuracy can be achieved — combined with AI photogrammetry, DIN-compliant 3D models with centimeter precision are created.
• Time savings: A drone flight of 5—15 minutes replaces 2—4 hours of manual roof measurement — in practice, companies save up to 90% measurement time.
• Safety: No ladder, no risk on wet bricks — all data is collected from the ground.

There is also integration with existing software (PV*SOL, Eturnity, SEMA, Scaffmax, MF Dach), which covers Airteam with over 25 export formats.

With that in mind, let's take a look at how DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 and DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 fare.

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2. DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 (M3E): The precision tool for roof measurement

Die DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 is designed as a survey drone — this is exactly what Airteam uses it for in the Pro-Fusion starter sets.

Key features for roof surveying:

• 24 MP camera sensor with large sensor and high image sharpness
• Mechanical lock: Prevents rolling shutter distortions and ensures clean orthophotos — crucial in mapping, especially when flying forward.
• RTK module (optional): Real Time Kinematic raises measurement accuracy to the highest level and enables DIN-compliant 3D building models with centimeter precision.
• Flight time up to approx. 36-46 minutes depending on the battery version — enough to capture even large objects in flight.
• C1 certification: Use in category A1, the small EU drone driving license A1/A3 is often enough — less bureaucracy, more deployment scenarios.

What does that mean in practice?

• With the M3E, if you plan correctly in the Airteam app and there is sufficient overlap precise measurements in roof size — including throats, ridges, dormers and superstructures.
• The data is DIN SPEC compliant and are suitable for VOB/C billing, PV planning and carpentry CAD.
• Ideal for companies that measure many roofs > 500 m² or serve commercial/industrial buildings, residential construction portfolios, etc.

Clear recommendation:
When your Main task: roof measurement and 3D modelling Is, is the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 the right tool. Select the M3E when you exact dimensions, measurements or 3D models needs, e.g. to measure a roof in advance before you make an offer for a new insulation or PV system. It provides the best image quality for mapping.

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3. DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 (M3T): Thermography specialist

Die DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 is based on the same platform, but combines a photo camera with a thermal imaging camera — and is therefore perfect for inspections.

Key features for thermography & inspection:

• 48 MP camera (wide angle) plus high-resolution thermal camera with 640 × 512 pixels — recommended by Airteam as premium equipment for roof inspections.
• Thermography: Ideal for detecting thermal bridges, moisture damage, leaks and overheated PV modules.
• C1 certification & RTK option analogous to M3E — similarly flexible in legal terms.

How good is the M3T for roof measurements?

Basically, with the Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1, you can also classic drone measurement carry out:

• The higher number of pixels helps to recognize details.
• However, the wide-angle camera works with electronic lock and a smaller sensor than the M3E.
• This makes the M3T suitable for rough volume or area estimates and simple 3D models — for DIN-accurate quantity calculation and the highest level of detail, we do not recommend it as a primary measurement system.

Clear recommendation:
Select the M3T when you Quickly find invisible defects such as heat losses, leaks or defective cells in a solar system must. When Thermography your main use case is (leak detection, energy refurbishment, PV inspection), is the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 the best choice. It often saves you from tedious and lengthy manual searches.

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4. Direct comparison: Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 vs. Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 for roof measurement

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Short version:

• For roof measurement, quantity calculation, PV layout, scaffolding planning → Mavic 3 Enterprise C1
• For Thermography, leak detection, energy-efficient refurbishment → Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1
• If both are important, you must decide whether highest mapping accuracy or thermography is more important — or you combine two platforms or supplement them via the Airteam pilot network.

5. Common customer question: Is the Matrice 4T so much worse for the normal 3D model?

Customers at Airteam often ask whether the DJI Matrice 4T Is it significantly worse for 3D models than pure survey models?

The technical classification:

• Die Wide-angle camera of the thermal version (applies similarly to M3T as to Matrice 4T) is:
  • smaller in the sensor
  • decrees only via electronic lock
  • is primary for Inspection & thermography, not designed for large-scale, high-precision measurement.

Specifically formulated:
The thermal drones are not optimized for large, highly professional survey projects, but can definitely be used for 3D models If you use them correctly:

• Fly slowlyto minimize rolling shutter effects
• Plan high image overlap (front/side overlap)
• Maintain constant speed and altitude

Then you get useful models for documentation and rough measurement, but not the Precision and sharpness of detail an M3E for professional mapping.

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6. Which drone is right for your company?

Scenario A: Focus on roof measurement & PV planning

• You create regularly VOB offers, PV layouts in PV*sol/eTurnity or planst Carpentry structures in SEMA.
• Defective dimensions mean rework, additional costs and hassle on the construction site.
• You need exact dimensions and 3D modelsto measure a roof in advance before you make an offer for a new insulation or PV system.

recommendation:

• DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 — best image quality for mapping and centimeter-accurate drone measurement
• In combination with Airteam Fusion platform Within 24 hours, you will receive a DIN-compliant 3D model including a measurement report and all export formats.

Scenario B: Focus on thermography & roof inspection

• You want Roof inspections as a service offer, detect moisture damage and thermal bridges and Thermographically test PV systems.
• You must Quickly find invisible defects such as heat losses, leaks or defective cells in a solar system.

recommendation:

• DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 — ideal for leak detection, energy reports and PV inspections thanks to a high-resolution thermal imaging camera.
• It often saves you from tedious and lengthy manual searches.

Scenario C: You want both — precise roof measurement & thermography

options:

1. Start with M3E + Airteam for reliable, highly accurate roof measurement and supplement thermography later on:
   • own upgrade (second drone) or
   • That Airteam pilot networkif you only thermograph occasionally.
2. Or you start with the M3T, when thermography is at the core of your business model, and also uses it for basic 3D documentation.

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7. Brief FAQ

Which drone is better for roof measurements — DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 or DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1?

For Roof measurement and 3D measurement Is the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 A clear advantage. It provides the best image quality for mapping and is optimized for DIN-compliant measurement processes. Choose the M3E when you need exact dimensions, measurements or 3D models.

Can I also do a roof measurement with the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1?

Yes, you can with the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 Evaluate roof surfaces photogrammetrically and create 3D models for documentation and rough measurement. However, the sensor and electronic shutter are not primarily optimized for large-scale, high-precision measurement. On the other hand, it is ideal for inspection and thermography — it helps you quickly find invisible defects and saves tedious manual searches.

Is the Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced C1 sufficient for DIN-compliant roof measurements?

For strict DIN SPEC requirements and VOB billing With the highest level of detail, we clearly recommend the Mavic 3 Enterprise C1, as it is optimized for professional mapping. The M3T is an excellent thermography tool, but it is no substitute for a full-fledged survey drone in large projects that require exact measurements.

If you are unsure which combination of drone, flat rate and software is right for your company, a short Consultation. By choosing the right hardware, you lay the foundation for Roof measurement and thermography run in your company in a truly scalable, secure and economical way.