Drone Services FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

• Drone service pricing typically ranges from $200 to $500/hr, depending on the complexity of the project. Basic aerial photography costs less, while advanced inspections, mapping, or CAD deliverables can cost more. We provide transparent, tailored quotes for every job.

• We work with clients across construction, commercial real estate, energy, utilities, telecom, and environmental management. Whether you need aerial marketing content, site inspections, or survey-grade mapping, drones deliver faster, safer, and more cost-effective results.

Yes. All Recon Aerial pilots are Transport Canada Advanced Operations-certified and compliant with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs Part IX). We also carry $5M in aviation and commercial liability insurance for client protection.

Our drone mapping services deliver survey-grade accuracy less than 5cm, depending on ground control and the distance of the GNSS receiver from the NTRIP base-station. Deliverables include orthomosaics, DSM/DTMs, CAD linework, contours, and 3D models.

Clients typically receive raw data such as:

• Georeferenced orthomosaics (.tif)

• 3D meshes and point clouds (.las, .obj)

• CAD exports (.dwg, planimetric features, contours, breaklines)

• Digital elevation models (DSM/DTM)

• Section profiles and clean top TIN files

However, for each mapping project we also provide feature rich, georeferenced AutoCAD drawings through our aerial to CAD workflow.

Most projects are delivered within 7–14 days. Smaller aerial photography or inspection jobs can be delivered in 24–48 hours, while larger mapping/surveying projects may take longer depending on size and complexity.

Yes! We provide cinematic drone videography and full post-production editing including:

• Logo animations

• Licensed music

• Motion graphics (2D/3D)

• Short-form marketing videos
  Your footage is delivered polished, ready for client presentations, websites, and campaigns.

Absolutely. We conduct wind turbine blade inspections, solar farm inspections, and flare stack inspections, oil & gas installations using RGB and thermal sensors. Reports include annotated high-res images, defect maps, and severity rankings.

Yes. Our drones capture high-resolution grid imagery, 4K video, and 3D models of bridges, façades, and other hard-to-reach structures—without scaffolding or lane closures.

Drones provide progress tracking, site documentation, safety inspections, and marketing visuals. We also integrate with AI-powered timelapse tools like OpenSpace for real-time construction monitoring.

Drones eliminate the need for scaffolding, cranes, or rope access, keeping workers out of hazardous environments. This reduces liability, saves time, and minimizes operational disruption.

Yes. We offer confined space inspections using specialized drones and underwater ROV inspections for submerged assets like dams, culverts, and tanks.

Yes. Our thermal drone roof inspections detect hidden moisture, insulation failures, and heat loss. This helps prevent water infiltration, structural damage, and energy loss while supporting insurance claims.

See our Thermal Drone Roof Inspection Info.

Definitely. We provide layered AutoCAD .dwg files, linework, breaklines, contours, and planimetric drawings tailored for engineers, architects, and planners.

See our Line Work from Drone Data Info.

Yes. Our drone mapping outputs (AutoCAD .dwg, LAS, orthomosaics) are used by engineering firms, surveyors, and planning authorities for compliance and approvals.

Our reports typically include:

• Annotated high-res imagery

• Video documentation

• Defect classifications and severity levels

• CAD or GIS-ready exports (if required)

Our reports typically include:

• Annotated high-res imagery

• Video documentation

• Defect classifications and severity levels

• CAD or GIS-ready exports (if required)

Our fleet includes DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Mavic 3, Mavic 3E, Mavic 3T, and other professional UAVs equipped with P1 cameras, LiDAR, GNSS receivers, and thermal sensors. More info on our Fleet.

We handle all airspace approvals, flight planning, and risk assessments. Our flights comply with Transport Canada RPAS regulations and local airspace requirements.

Yes. Drones reduce the need for workers to climb, use scaffolding, or enter hazardous areas. Our Transport Canada Advanced Operations-certified pilots operate under strict safety protocols, minimizing risk.

All commercial flights follow Transport Canada Part IX RPAS Regulations. We are certified for Advanced Operations, meaning we can fly in controlled airspace and near people, with proper authorization.

Yes—under Advanced Operations certification and with proper Nav Canada approvals. Every flight is planned for compliance and safety.

Not usually. Drone flights are designed to be non-intrusive and cause minimal disruption. Safety zones may be set up temporarily.

Yes. Using thermal cameras, zoom lenses, and AI analysis, drones detect cracks, corrosion, leaks, heat loss, and other defects invisible to the naked eye.  In particular, we use this to detect minute defects in Wind Turbine Blades  with great success!

Yes. We offer progress photography, drone timelapse, and AI-powered site monitoring to document builds and keep stakeholders informed.

See our Drone Services for Construction  page. 

Yes. Thermal inspections are used for roof assessments, solar panel efficiency, flare stack monitoring, and detecting moisture or heat loss.

Yes. We produce photorealistic 3D models from drone imagery, perfect for site planning, digital twins, and architectural visualization.