Roof Photogrammetry
for real-world decisions.
Roof 3D scanning for quantities, slope, drainage, PV layout, and condition geometry without walking the roof.
From site conditions
to a confident next step.
Roof work starts with quantities. An aerial survey gives measured area by section, penetration counts, curb and equipment locations, parapet lengths, and drain positions — the numbers a reroof estimate actually rests on, captured without sending anyone onto a questionable membrane.
Surface models add slope and drainage context, which is where ponding problems show up. For solar feasibility, the same dataset supports panel layout studies, shading analysis inputs, and structural coordination with the framing below.
For facilities with both an interior and a roof scope, we schedule the flight and the interior scanning in the same mobilization so the roof plan and the building model share control.
- Reroof takeoffs
- Ponding / drainage context
- HVAC and rooftop asset plan
- Pairs with TLS interiors
- Roof ortho
- Slope and drainage map
- Area takeoff
- Optional defect map
Also called
Different teams ask for this work under different names. These all land on the same scope conversation.
Where roofs get measured from the air
Nobody has to walk a failing roof to get a quantity off it, which is why this scope tends to arrive attached to a reroofing budget or a solar feasibility study.
In New York that covers roof takeoffs in Greece, roof condition capture in Hamburg, reroofing quantities in Hempstead, and solar-readiness roof surveys in Huntington. New Jersey coverage includes roof condition capture in New Brunswick, reroofing quantities in North Bergen, solar-readiness roof surveys in Old Bridge, and roof takeoffs in Parsippany-Troy Hills. On the Connecticut side it takes in reroofing quantities in Bristol, solar-readiness roof surveys in Manchester, roof takeoffs in Middletown, CT, and roof condition capture in New Britain.
Roof Photogrammetry questions
What is roof photogrammetry and why not just send someone onto the roof?
Roof photogrammetry is a drone-based 3D scanning method that builds measured geometry — area, slope, and surface condition — from overlapping aerial photographs, without a technician walking a roof that may be steep, fragile, or simply inaccessible. It captures the whole roof plane in one flight rather than the sampled view a walked inspection gets.
What do we actually receive?
The deliverable is quantities, slope data, and condition geometry: an orthomosaic image of the roof, an area takeoff, and a surface model that supports drainage and slope analysis. Formats are typically GeoTIFF and PDF/CSV for the takeoff, matching what a roofing contractor or facilities team needs to scope work.
How accurate is a roof photogrammetry takeoff?
Accuracy depends on ground sample distance and whether ground control is used; with surveyed control and RTK or PPK positioning, centimetre-level results on the roof surface are realistic. That is generally well within the tolerance needed for area takeoffs and drainage analysis.
Can this replace a hands-on roof inspection?
It documents geometry and visible surface condition from imagery very well, but it is not a substitute for a physical inspection where one is contractually or code required — it cannot feel membrane condition, check a seam by hand, or access a space the camera cannot see. Treat it as the measured record a hands-on inspection then gets checked against, not a replacement for one.
Does weather affect a roof photogrammetry flight?
Yes — wind, rain, and inconsistent light all affect both flight safety and image quality, so flights are scheduled around forecast conditions. A dry, calm, evenly lit day produces a noticeably cleaner orthomosaic than one shot in shifting cloud.
Are you certified to fly over our roof?
Yes, flights are conducted under FAA Part 107 with LAANC airspace authorization where the site requires it. Site-specific restrictions are confirmed during scoping before the flight is planned.
Make the invisible
measurable.
Tell us what is inside, outside, and on the line. We will help you scope the capture and the handoff — in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
Request a scan quote