Thermal drone inspection: Precise analysis for roof & PV
introduction
Thermography is a powerful tool for roofers and solar engineers: It detects hidden weak points such as leaks, thermal bridges or defective PV modules at an early stage. However, traditional drone 3D models often suffer from distorted color scales due to image overlapping — making reliable analyses difficult. Airteam is tackling the problem and finally making thermography practical.
Why thermal drone inspection is so important
- Early detection of damage
Leaks, insulation deficiencies or hot spots in PV modules are clearly visible in thermography — even before visible damage occurs. - Efficiency & safety
Drones enable inspections in less time and without risk for workers on the roof. - Data-driven customer advice
Tangible thermograms serve as a reliable basis for decision-making: from maintenance to insurance.
Challenges with 3D models with thermal images
- Color scale distortion due to overlap
Several thermal images are superimposed in the 3D model and mix scales — making accurate evaluation difficult. - Inaccurate anomaly identification
Color deviations blur, hot spots can be missed or misinterpreted.
Our new workflow — better thermals in a 3D model
- Flight with the thermal drone
The drone flight at the buildings is carried out according to the usual automatic flight patterns in hyperlapse or grid flight in accordance with Airteam pilot guides - 3D inspection
3D model created with drones shows areas of potential anomalies. - Click-to-image navigation
New: Single shot mode — You click on a suspicious area and see the original thermal image with a real color scale. - Original color scale analysis
Pixel-accurate thermogram reveals actual temperatures and potential hot spots.
Benefits in detail:
- Real color scale: reliable temperature analysis
- Precise hotspot identification: Avoiding false alarms
- Direct image & context: Quick action derivation
Why the feature is a game changer
- Accuracy meets visualization
You get both the intuitive 3D “big picture” and high-precision individual images — perfectly linked. - Compliant documentation
Original images with a color scale are ideal for reports, reports and communication with insurance companies. - Scalable & efficient
A workflow that you implement with every starter kit with Thermal Fusion equipment — without extra effort or complex software.
This is how you benefit in practice
- roofers identify weak points quickly and act precisely.
- solar engineers identify defective PV modules efficiently — for maintenance & warranty cases.
- Project managers deliver meaningful reports — professional, comprehensible & documented.
Conclusion
Airteam makes thermal drone inspection significantly more efficient and precise for roofers and solar engineers. Thanks to the new Single Image Navigation Do you see anomalies in the 3D model, click on the hotspot and analyze the original thermal image with a real color scale. For the first time, you get a truly valid thermal workflow — smart, secure & scalable.
