PROCESS
Section 1: The six-step process
01
DEFINE THE OBJECTIVE
We begin with the decision, condition or story the project needs to support. You provide the location, intended use, areas of concern, timeline and preferred deliverable.
If the requested method is not appropriate for the objective, we will say so and recommend a more useful scope.
02
REVIEW THE SITE
We evaluate airspace, access, nearby structures, terrain, weather exposure, people, traffic and other operational constraints. Larger or complex sites may require a preliminary call, map review or site walk.
03
PLAN THE CAPTURE
The mission is designed around required viewpoints, sensor modes, environmental conditions and output format. Thermal work may require a specific time window or weather pattern to produce useful contrast.
04
CAPTURE THE INFORMATION
The site is documented using planned visible, thermal, detail or overview imagery. Operations remain subject to current conditions, airspace authorization and safe flight limits.
05
PROCESS AND ORGANIZE
Files are reviewed for quality, grouped logically and prepared for delivery. Depending on scope, this can include editing, image matching, annotations, location references, observations, progress comparison or report assembly.
06
DELIVER AND SUPPORT
You receive the agreed files in a clear digital format. We remain available to clarify image locations, capture conditions and report structure. Questions requiring professional diagnosis are referred back to the appropriate trade or consultant.
Section 2: Choose the level of delivery
01
CAPTURE ONLY
Organized high-resolution files for clients who already have an internal reviewer, consultant or reporting system.
02
DOCUMENTED REVIEW
Selected imagery, annotations, location context, capture conditions and a concise summary of observed visual or thermal patterns.
03
RECURRING PROGRAM
Scheduled capture with consistent viewpoints, organized dates and a growing project archive for properties or active sites.
Section 3: What we need from you
A BETTER BRIEF CREATES A BETTER RESULT.
Before scheduling, send as much of the following as possible:
- Property or project address
- Site boundary or area of concern
- The question you need the imagery to support
- Intended audience for the deliverable
- Required deadline
- On-site contact and access instructions
- Known hazards, sensitive areas or operational restrictions
- Examples of any required reporting format
Section 4: Scheduling and conditions
CONDITIONS MATTER.
Wind, precipitation, visibility, airspace, nearby activity and site safety can affect flight timing. Thermal screening is especially dependent on recent weather, solar loading, material behavior and the objective of the capture.
If conditions are unlikely to produce safe or useful results, the project will be rescheduled. That is part of professional data collection, not an inconvenience to work around.
Turnaround and delivery dates are confirmed in the quote. Rush delivery may be available depending on scope.
Section 5: Process FAQ
01.
CAN YOU FLY ANYWHERE?
No. Some locations require airspace authorization, additional coordination or a different capture approach. Every site is reviewed before scheduling.
02.
DO I NEED TO BE ON SITE?
Not always. We need launch and access permission, accurate project instructions and a reachable site contact. Complex jobs may benefit from an on-site representative.
03.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WEATHER CHANGES?
Safety and data quality come first. We will communicate whether the mission can proceed, needs a modified scope or should be rescheduled.
04.
ARE YOUR REPORTS CERTIFIED INSPECTIONS?
No. Smithberg Media provides visual documentation and thermal screening. Reports identify what was captured and observed, but do not replace licensed inspection, engineering, surveying or trade-specific evaluation. Smithberg Media can guide you through a recommended course of action of anomalies are found.
HAVE A SITE, PROPERTY OR PROBLEM TO DOCUMENT?
Tell us what you need to understand, where the project is located, and how the information will be used. We will recommend the right mission plan and deliverables for the job.