Images of the agreed area
Aerial thermal images showing the surface-temperature patterns captured during the visit, subject to suitable conditions.
Open Sky Photography · Edinburgh, East Lothian & Scotland
Thermal drone surveys for buildings, assets and search support
See surface-temperature patterns alongside detailed visual images. Our thermal drone surveys help you identify areas that deserve investigation, from building envelopes and roofs to solar arrays and agreed search areas.
Two views of the same subject
Find the pattern. Understand the context.
The infrared camera highlights differences in heat emitted from visible surfaces. A visual camera then helps locate that pattern on the roof, wall, panel or surrounding landscape.
We use the Matrice 400 with H30T, and our Matrice 4T and 4TD options, to plan capture around the site. The aim is useful evidence for your next decision: a closer inspection, maintenance visit or coordinated ground check.
For solar arrays, see our combined infrared and HD inspection →
What you get
Thermal findings with visual context.
We agree the inspected areas, reporting level and image outputs in your quotation.
Recognisable reference photographs
Visible-light views to help you identify the building feature or asset shown in the thermal image.
A focused record for follow-up
Selected images of unusual patterns, with annotations or a location plan where commissioned. These help direct the next inspection.
A clear account of the observations
An explanation of what the imagery shows and the relevant capture limitations. Written reports and specialist interpretation are agreed before the visit.
See the equipment in action
Thermal and visual imaging together.
DJI’s H30-series introduction illustrates the imaging technology behind this service. Thermal capability is provided by the H30T model.
The demonstration includes applications and operating conditions beyond an individual building survey. Your quotation defines the work we will carry out.
More on the technique: DJI’s thermal imaging guide.
Manufacturer demonstration from DJI. This is illustrative footage, not an Open Sky customer survey. Open the DJI demonstration →
Buildings and assets
Start with the question you need answered.
- Building heat patterns: compare roof and wall areas to identify differences that may warrant insulation or building-fabric checks.
- Roof investigations: add thermal context to a visual roof inspection when the construction and conditions make it useful. Thermal imagery alone cannot confirm a leak or trapped moisture.
- Solar arrays: compare panel temperatures with visual condition to help prioritise maintenance investigations.
- Other assets: discuss the equipment, its operating state and the evidence your maintenance team needs before booking.
Timing matters
Sunshine, wind, rain, reflections, surface materials and the difference between inside and outside temperatures can affect the result. A building heat-loss survey and an operating solar-array inspection often need different conditions. We plan the timing around the question, rather than assuming any flight will provide useful thermal evidence.
Thermal search support
Helping ground teams know where to look.
Thermal and zoom cameras can assist a planned search for a missing animal or person by highlighting a possible heat signature and providing visual context.
Start from the latest information
Share the last confirmed sighting, time, location, likely movement and the person coordinating the search. We discuss whether a drone can usefully cover the area.
Check possible sightings
Open ground, field edges and gaps in vegetation may offer useful views. Thermal observations must be checked against visual imagery and other information.
Pass on useful locations
Where a possible sighting is found, location information and visual references can help the coordinating team decide where to check safely.
Agree whether support is feasible
Flight planning, access, weather, airspace and the search circumstances determine whether support can be provided. Contact us to discuss availability.
If a person may be in immediate danger, call 999. Any drone support must be coordinated with the responsible emergency services. We do not offer a guaranteed emergency response or guarantee that a person or animal will be found.
Thermal cameras do not see through walls or dense foliage. Obstructions and weak temperature contrast can hide a subject, so an area with no sighting cannot be treated as clear.
Illustrative manufacturer application: DJI search-and-rescue imaging. Open Sky’s role and availability are agreed for each request.
Your questions answered
Does a hot or cold patch prove a fault?
No. A pattern may be caused by the material, sunlight, reflections or normal operation. Thermal observations need context and, where necessary, on-site testing or specialist interpretation.
Can you calculate my heat loss or energy savings from a drone image?
A thermal image does not provide a building heat-loss calculation or a guaranteed saving. It can help identify areas to investigate as part of a wider assessment.
Can you help look for a lost dog or other animal?
Contact us with the latest confirmed sighting and the search organiser’s details. We can discuss whether thermal drone support is feasible and available. The search method must avoid disturbing or driving the animal into danger.
Tell us what you need to investigate.
Send the location, the subject and the question you want the survey to help answer.