Tag Archives: Drone Services

How to Get Accurate Stockpile Data With Drones: Aerial Solutions for Smarter Business Decisions


Accurate stockpile measurements are critical to inventory management, resource allocation, and financial reporting for industries such as construction, mining, aggregates, and manufacturing. Yet traditional methods—manual surveys, ground-based laser scans, or walking wheel measurements—are not only time-consuming and expensive, but often yield inconsistent or incomplete data. In today’s market, precision and efficiency are non-negotiable, which is why many companies are turning to drone-based aerial solutions.

At St Louis Drone Services, we use cutting-edge UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology to provide fast, accurate, and cost-effective stockpile volumetrics—empowering decision-makers with actionable intelligence while minimizing operational disruption.


Why Traditional Stockpile Measurement Falls Short

While tape measures and GPS rovers still have their place, they introduce several limitations:

  • Safety Risks: Climbing unstable piles or walking active work zones can expose crews to harm.
  • Time-Intensive: Ground surveys take hours or even days, especially over large or multiple sites.
  • Limited Access: Dense or irregular pile geometry and site obstructions hinder complete data collection.
  • Inaccuracy: Human error and inconsistent vantage points often result in flawed measurements.

These limitations not only delay reporting but can also lead to costly material discrepancies and logistical setbacks.


Drone Photogrammetry: How It Works

Using high-resolution aerial imagery and GPS-locked flight plans, drones fly over stockpiles and capture thousands of overlapping images from multiple angles. These images are processed using advanced photogrammetry software to create:

  • 3D point clouds
  • Digital surface models (DSM)
  • Orthomosaic maps
  • Volumetric calculations

Once the data is processed, precise volume calculations can be generated in a fraction of the time traditional surveying requires, often with accuracy margins under 3%.


Benefits of Using Drones for Stockpile Management

1. Increased Accuracy

Aerial data offers a comprehensive top-down view with centimeter-level precision, reducing error and improving confidence in reporting.

2. Faster Turnaround

What used to take days now takes hours. Flights typically last under 30 minutes, with deliverables ready in 24–48 hours depending on project complexity.

3. Improved Safety

Crews stay out of dangerous areas. Everything is captured from the air with zero contact, significantly lowering liability.

4. Cost Efficiency

Drones eliminate the need for expensive ground survey crews or manned aircraft, dramatically reducing labor and overhead.

5. Consistent Historical Tracking

Routine drone surveys allow for easy benchmarking and change detection over time, which is ideal for auditing, forecasting, and operational planning.


Applications Across Industries

Drone-based stockpile measurements are used in:

  • Construction Sites – Tracking fill, excavation, and material delivery.
  • Quarries & Mines – Inventorying gravel, sand, and raw materials.
  • Landscaping Suppliers – Managing bulk mulch, rock, and soil stockpiles.
  • Waste Management – Monitoring volume growth for landfills or recycling centers.

Whether you’re reporting to stakeholders or planning next steps in a project, having accurate, timely volume data is essential to staying ahead.


How St Louis Drone Services Delivers

At St Louis Drone Services, we bring decades of experience in professional photography, video production, and licensed drone operations to the table. Our drone pilots are FAA-certified and skilled in flying both outdoor and indoor environments—including tight warehouse spaces and enclosed facilities where specialized GPS-free drones are required.

We offer:

  • Customized flight planning for multi-site or recurring stockpile measurements
  • Accurate 2D and 3D maps in formats compatible with your CAD, GIS, or modeling platforms
  • Repurposable media—video and imagery captured during surveys can also be used in marketing, training, and reporting
  • Full-service editing and post-production, using the latest AI-assisted software for maximum clarity and precision

Our team doesn’t just deliver raw data—we help interpret it and integrate it into your business workflow. Whether you need a single snapshot or ongoing documentation, we scale our services to your needs.


Why Choose St Louis Drone Services

Since 1982, St Louis Drone Services has been the trusted partner for businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis region. We are a full-service commercial photography and video production company, offering both studio and on-location capabilities. From data-rich drone flights to polished post-production, our experienced crew ensures every aspect of your project is executed flawlessly.

We provide:

  • FAA-licensed pilots
  • Custom indoor drone solutions
  • Expert photo and video editing
  • AI-enhanced media processing
  • Complete support for multi-format deliverables

Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or aggregate sales, St Louis Drone Services has the tools, talent, and experience to deliver accurate, efficient, and professional stockpile measurement solutions. And if your team needs help transforming that footage into compelling marketing visuals? We’ve got you covered there, too.

Contact us today to schedule your aerial assessment—and take your inventory management to new heights.

314-604-6544

stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Enhancing Solar Panel Layout Planning with Drones: The Future of Efficient Energy Solutions

With drones, solar companies can capture high-resolution aerial images, ensuring that all data is precise and reliable.

In the growing renewable energy industry, solar power remains one of the most promising solutions for sustainable energy. To maximize its potential, it’s crucial for businesses to optimize the design and placement of solar panels. One of the most effective tools for improving the planning and execution of solar panel layouts is drone technology. With their ability to capture detailed aerial views and data, drones are transforming how energy companies and businesses plan their solar installations.

The Role of Drones in Solar Panel Layout Design

Planning an efficient solar panel layout involves analyzing various factors, including terrain, sunlight exposure, and the layout of the land. Traditionally, this process required time-consuming ground surveys and measurements. However, drones have significantly streamlined this process, providing quicker, more accurate data.

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and mapping software can capture precise imagery of the site, even in challenging terrain or hard-to-reach locations. The data gathered from these aerial surveys can be used to generate 3D models, offering insights that help engineers optimize solar panel placement to achieve maximum sunlight exposure and energy efficiency.

Why Drones Are the Game-Changer for Solar Panel Layouts

  1. Speed and Efficiency: Drones can survey large areas in a fraction of the time it would take to conduct manual surveys, accelerating the planning process and enabling faster decision-making.
  2. Cost-Effective Technology: Drone services offer a more affordable alternative to traditional surveying methods, saving businesses money on labor and equipment costs. Additionally, drones reduce the need for specialized machinery, lowering the overall project cost.
  3. High-Precision Data: With drones, solar companies can capture high-resolution aerial images, ensuring that all data is precise and reliable. This data can then be used to create 3D models that enhance the accuracy of solar panel placement.
  4. Access to Difficult Terrain: Drones can easily navigate difficult or dangerous terrain, such as steep hills or densely vegetated areas, where traditional surveys might be impractical or unsafe.
  5. Real-Time Insights: Drones provide real-time data, allowing solar designers to make adjustments to the layout on the spot, improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of the design.

St. Louis Drone Services: Transforming Solar Panel Layout Planning

At St. Louis Drone Services, we specialize in providing advanced drone solutions for the renewable energy sector, including solar panel layout planning. Our expertise in commercial photography and video production, combined with our state-of-the-art drone technology, allows us to offer a comprehensive service that meets the unique needs of energy companies.

As a full-service provider, St. Louis Drone Services offers everything from aerial photography and video to 3D mapping and modeling, delivering the precise data you need to plan your solar installations effectively. Our licensed drone pilots have extensive experience and can even fly specialized drones indoors for projects that require a controlled environment.

We also offer a range of additional services to support your production needs. Whether it’s creating a custom interview studio setup, providing sound and camera operators, or offering expert editing and post-production, St. Louis Drone Services has everything needed for a seamless video production experience.

Since 1982, we have been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, providing them with the tools and expertise to achieve their goals. Our private studio offers a perfect space for small productions and interviews, while our larger setups are ideal for more complex shoots involving props and elaborate sets.

At St. Louis Drone Services, we pride ourselves on our ability to customize every project to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize solar panel layouts or need help with repurposing video and photography for marketing, we have the right equipment and creative team to bring your vision to life.

Let us help you take your solar panel layout planning to the next level. With our expert drone services, we ensure that your project is as efficient and effective as possible.

314-604-6544

stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Optimizing Stockpile Management with Drone Technology

In today’s fast-paced world, industries are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Stockpile management is no exception. Traditional methods of monitoring and managing stockpiles often involve manual labor, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. However, with the advent of drone technology, stockpile management has taken a giant leap forward. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how drones are revolutionizing stockpile management, the benefits they offer, and why St. Louis Drone Services is your trusted partner in this exciting journey.

This data provides accurate measurements, volume calculations, and condition assessments without the need for manual labor.

The Drone Revolution in Stockpile Management

What Are Stockpiles?

Before we delve into the role of drones in stockpile management, let’s understand what stockpiles are. Stockpiles are accumulations of materials or goods typically stored for future use. They can consist of various materials, including but not limited to:

  • Construction aggregates
  • Minerals and ores
  • Agricultural products
  • Waste and recycling materials
  • Bulk commodities

Effective management of these stockpiles is crucial for businesses to ensure smooth operations, reduce waste, and optimize resource allocation.

The Challenges of Traditional Stockpile Management

Traditionally, stockpile management involved manual methods such as:

  1. Visual Inspection: Workers physically measuring and visually inspecting the stockpiles, which is time-consuming and can lead to inaccuracies.
  2. Manual Surveys: Conducting manual surveys using measuring instruments, which are subject to human errors and can be hazardous in certain environments.
  3. Periodic Reporting: Generating reports at fixed intervals, which may not reflect real-time changes in stockpile conditions.

These traditional methods are not only inefficient but also limit the ability to make proactive decisions based on up-to-date data.

How Drones Are Transforming Stockpile Management

1. Aerial Surveys

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR technology can capture precise aerial imagery and 3D models of stockpiles. This data provides accurate measurements, volume calculations, and condition assessments without the need for manual labor.

2. Real-Time Monitoring

Drones can be programmed to conduct regular flyovers, allowing for real-time monitoring of stockpile conditions. Any changes or discrepancies are immediately detected and reported, enabling prompt corrective actions.

3. Safety and Efficiency

Using drones eliminates the need for workers to climb stockpiles or enter hazardous areas, significantly improving safety. Moreover, it reduces labor costs and minimizes downtime, making operations more efficient.

4. Data Analytics

The data collected by drones can be processed using advanced analytics software. This allows for in-depth analysis of trends, predictive maintenance, and better decision-making.

Benefits of Using Drones in Stockpile Management

1. Accuracy

Drones provide highly accurate measurements, reducing the risk of errors associated with manual methods. This accuracy is crucial for inventory management and resource allocation.

2. Cost-Effective

While the initial investment in drone technology may seem substantial, the long-term cost savings in labor and operational efficiency make it a cost-effective solution.

3. Time Efficiency

Drones can survey large stockpiles in a fraction of the time it would take human workers. Real-time monitoring also ensures timely responses to issues.

4. Safety

By removing the need for workers to physically inspect stockpiles, drones contribute to a safer working environment.

5. Data-driven Decisions

The data collected by drones can be used to make informed decisions, optimize stockpile usage, and plan for future needs.

St. Louis Drone Services: Your Trusted Partner

As an experienced drone pilot and scriptwriter at St. Louis Drone Services, I can attest to the expertise and capabilities of our company. We are not just a drone service provider; we are a full-service drone production and post-production company. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with the right equipment and a creative crew with extensive service experience in creative cinematography, sets us apart in the industry.

Our Services

  • Studio and Location Video Recording: We offer full-service video recording capabilities both in-studio and on-location, ensuring that your stockpile management needs are met with the highest quality footage.
  • Editing and Photography: Our team is skilled in post-production editing and photography, providing you with a comprehensive solution for your media needs.
  • Customization: We understand that every client’s needs are unique. That’s why we customize video productions to suit diverse recording requirements.
  • Repurposing: Repurposing your video productions to gain more traction is another specialty of ours. We know how to maximize the value of your media assets.
  • Expertise: We are well-versed in all file types and styles of drone media software and editing, ensuring that your final product meets your exact specifications.

Our Experience

St. Louis Drone Services has a proven track record of working with numerous companies in the St. Louis area to create both ground and aerial videos for their communication needs. Our experienced drone videographers, producers, and editors are adept at creating insightful volumetric reporting that empowers your decision-making processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drone technology has ushered in a new era of efficiency and accuracy in stockpile management. The benefits of using drones in this field are undeniable, and St. Louis Drone Services stands as a testament to the capabilities of this transformative technology. As a full-service drone video creation company, we are committed to delivering top-notch solutions tailored to your specific needs. Let us help you optimize your stockpile management and elevate your operations to new heights.

If you’re ready to experience the advantages of drone technology for stockpile management, contact St. Louis Drone Services today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and provide you with the best drone solutions for your business.

Contact us now to take your stockpile management to the next level with St. Louis Drone Services!

314-604-6544

stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Utilizing Drones for Infrared Imaging

In recent years, the field of infrared imaging has witnessed a revolution, thanks to advancements in drone technology. As an experienced drone pilot and infrared technician at St. Louis Drone Services, I am excited to delve into the fascinating world of utilizing drones for infrared imaging. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the applications, benefits, equipment, and techniques involved in this cutting-edge field.

The heart of any infrared drone setup is the thermal camera. These specialized cameras can detect heat emissions and convert them into visible images or data.

Introduction to Infrared Imaging

Infrared imaging, also known as thermography, is a technology that enables us to capture images based on the heat radiated by objects and surfaces. Unlike visible light, infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye, making it a valuable tool for various industries, including:

  • Building Inspection: Identifying heat leaks, electrical issues, and insulation problems.
  • Agriculture: Monitoring crop health and detecting irrigation problems.
  • Search and Rescue: Locating individuals in low-light or obscured environments.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Studying animal behavior and habitat analysis.
  • Industrial Applications: Predictive maintenance, quality control, and process monitoring.

However, traditional methods of acquiring infrared data often involved ground-based equipment or manned aircraft, which could be costly, time-consuming, and limited in accessibility. This is where drones have stepped in to revolutionize the field.

Advantages of Infrared Drones

1. Cost-Effective

Traditional infrared inspections often require scaffolding, lifts, or helicopter rentals, driving up costs significantly. In contrast, drones are a cost-effective solution. They are less expensive to operate and can access hard-to-reach areas without the need for additional infrastructure.

2. Safety

Performing inspections in dangerous or high-risk environments can put human lives at stake. Drones eliminate this risk by allowing technicians to remotely access hazardous areas, ensuring their safety while collecting crucial data.

3. Efficiency and Speed

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can swiftly cover large areas, reducing the time required for inspections. This efficiency can be especially critical in time-sensitive situations, such as disaster response or equipment failures.

4. Data Accuracy

Infrared drones provide highly accurate thermal data, enabling precise analysis and decision-making. The images they capture are detailed and can reveal temperature variations as subtle as a few tenths of a degree Celsius.

5. Accessibility

Drones can access areas that are difficult or impossible to reach by traditional means, such as the undersides of bridges, the tops of tall buildings, or remote wilderness locations.

Equipment and Technology

To harness the full potential of infrared imaging with drones, it’s essential to have the right equipment and technology at your disposal. At St. Louis Drone Services, we take pride in using cutting-edge tools to deliver top-notch results.

1. Thermal Cameras

The heart of any infrared drone setup is the thermal camera. These specialized cameras can detect heat emissions and convert them into visible images or data. Some popular brands in the industry include FLIR, DJI, and Seek Thermal.

2. High-Resolution Drones

Pairing the right drone with a thermal camera is crucial. High-resolution drones with stable flight capabilities, like the DJI Matrice series, provide a stable platform for capturing detailed infrared images.

3. Software and Data Analysis

Software plays a crucial role in the post-processing of thermal data. Tools like FLIR Tools or specialized drone thermal analysis software can help interpret and analyze the captured imagery.

Techniques for Infrared Imaging with Drones

Now that we have covered the advantages and essential equipment, let’s delve into some techniques that are employed when utilizing drones for infrared imaging.

1. Altitude and Angle Control

Maintaining the right altitude and camera angle is essential for accurate data collection. Drones must fly at an optimal height and angle to capture thermal data effectively.

2. Overlap in Image Capture

To ensure comprehensive coverage and avoid missing critical details, thermal images should have a degree of overlap. This ensures that no areas are left uninspected.

3. Stabilization and Calibration

Stabilization systems on drones are crucial for eliminating image distortion caused by drone movement. Calibrating the thermal camera is also vital to ensure accurate temperature readings.

4. Data Annotation

After capturing thermal images, it’s essential to annotate and categorize the data for analysis. This process helps identify anomalies and temperature variations effectively.

5. Integration with Other Sensors

For a holistic inspection, drones can be equipped with other sensors, such as LiDAR or multispectral cameras. Combining data from multiple sources can provide a more comprehensive view of the inspected area.

Applications of Infrared Imaging with Drones

The versatility of infrared imaging with drones opens up a wide range of applications across various industries. Let’s explore some of these applications in detail.

Building Inspection and Maintenance

One of the most common applications is building inspection and maintenance. Infrared drones can identify issues such as water leaks, insulation problems, and electrical faults in commercial and residential structures. This is particularly valuable for predictive maintenance and energy efficiency improvements.

Agriculture

In agriculture, drones equipped with thermal cameras can monitor crop health, detect irrigation problems, and assess soil conditions. Farmers can make data-driven decisions to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage.

Public Safety and Search and Rescue

Drones have proven invaluable in search and rescue operations. Thermal imaging can help locate missing persons, even in low-light or challenging environments. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are used by first responders to save lives.

Wildlife Conservation

Infrared drones have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation efforts. Researchers can monitor animal behavior, track poachers, and study ecosystems from the air without disturbing the natural environment.

Industrial Applications

Industries rely on thermal imaging drones for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process monitoring. Identifying equipment failures before they occur can save companies substantial amounts of money and prevent downtime.

Post-Production and Data Analysis

Collecting infrared data with drones is only the beginning of the process. The real value lies in post-production and data analysis. At St. Louis Drone Services, we excel in this crucial aspect of infrared imaging.

1. Data Interpretation

Our team of experienced technicians and analysts is well-versed in interpreting thermal data. We can identify anomalies, temperature variations, and potential issues, providing our clients with actionable insights.

2. Reporting

We take pride in delivering comprehensive and easy-to-understand reports to our clients. These reports include detailed findings, annotated images, and recommendations for any necessary actions.

3. Customization

St. Louis Drone Services understands that each client’s needs are unique. We offer customization options to tailor our services to your specific requirements, ensuring that you get the most out of your thermal imaging data.

4. Repurposing and Traction

We recognize the importance of repurposing your thermal imaging data to gain more traction and value. Whether it’s for marketing purposes or further analysis, we can help you leverage your data effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the utilization of drones for infrared imaging has transformed the way we approach various industries and applications. At St. Louis Drone Services, we are proud to be at the forefront of this technology, offering full-service infrared drone production and post-production services.

As a full-service video creation company, St. Louis Drone Services has worked with many commercial businesses in the St. Louis area to create their building infrared reports. We have experienced drone videographers and producers to create insightful, accurate reporting. Whether it’s building inspections, agricultural assessments, public safety, wildlife conservation, or industrial applications, our team is equipped with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for accurate reporting.

If you are looking to harness the power of infrared imaging with drones for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of infrared media reporting and can tailor our services to meet your unique requirements. Contact St. Louis Drone Services today and let us help you unlock the potential of thermal imaging with drones.

Contact St. Louis Drone Services to discuss your infrared imaging needs and experience the difference that expertise and cutting-edge technology can make.

314-604-6544

stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Drone Media St. Louis | Professional Pilots

Our FAA certification assures that our pilots are knowledgeable regarding all FAA rules and regulations regarding unmanned aerial vehicle drone operation and safety practices.

We provide professional aerial photography and cinematography services for marketing and advertising companies as well as directly for the end client for leisure destinations and multimedia communications. This includes Golf Courses & Resorts, Local Tourism Promotion, and other Landmark and Destination Advertising. Use of drone photography and video can help provide a new, exciting perspective that attracts more visitors and customers.

We specialize in aerial and ground based video production in addition to providing in-house post-production services. Our expertise in video editing, sound design, and animation bring a unique component to each project and enables us to produce amazing content for our clients and partners.

Robert Haller

314-604-6544

stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Meridian St Louis building locator aerial map.

We now offer a powerful new aerial drone with features that were previously only available in Hollywood. Our fleet consists of a variety of different aircraft that shoot digital video using the highest quality cameras available.


Fast Setup – A big advantage of using our drones/UAVs over using a camera crane or jib is our setup and launch time. We can be in the air in as little as 10 minutes! Compare that to the typical setup time of a 30’ jib which is often times around an hour and a half. Capture aerial video in multiple locations in a short amount of time.

Robert Haller 314-604-6544 stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

Drone Insurance Documentation – Gateway Paintball Park flooding 2019 Brigeton MO

Drone video of a raw unedited clip of the flooding of 2019 located in the Bridgeton, MO area.  This particular clip is in the area of Gateway Paintball. Flood waters as of 5-31-19 almost at the 1993 record levels. Jut outside the levee in what some call no man’s land from water protection.

Drone Insurance Documentation for the client.

Robert Haller
314-604-6544
stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

St Louis Arch Aerial Photography and Video Production

We fly with the Inspire Cinematography platform and camera.

The Inspire has a curved lens design which eliminates distortion, and the 20mm focal length opens up your shots to a remarkably wide angle without that fish-eye look.  The camera shoots video at 4K, 4096 x 2150 High Definition.

Inspire 5Z camera

The 3-axis gimbal constantly draws on data fed by the intelligent flight controller, so it knows the aircraft’s flight parameters and computes the proper motion correction every millisecond.  Such precision is only possible because of the ultra-fast, custom-made processor that is unique to the Inspire gimbal. Operating at speeds that allow the drone to compensate for motion and tilt in real-time, this processor controls motors on all three axes: yaw, tilt, and roll.  All resulting in very smooth and completely stable shots.

Robert Haller
314-604-6544
stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com

St Louis Drone Video by Drone Professionals | FAA Safety Approved

We have the creative, pilot and camera operator expertise to prevent all the headaches and avoid all the typical problems that can come with inexperienced aerial drone operations.  Our expert team can handle it all for you.  We are experienced, licensed, insured and talented.

We are a full-service production company that produces cinematic professional quality videos for business commercials, commercial real estate, luxury homes and high rises, music videos, live events and a wide range of other applications. We also work as a gun for hire for studios, production companies, and photographers, real estate marketing and corporate clients in need of high quality Aerial Drone Video capabilities / low altitude UAS video services for their productions, websites and publications.

We are a fully insured aerial cinematography company offering professional photography and video for the St Louis and Midwest region.  Our drones use the latest safety and technology in aerial cinematography.

Drone Services strive on safely capturing aerial footage that will highlight your unique vision and produce stunning visuals from a diverse perspective. We offer cost efficient drone packages that enable our clients to obtain aerial footage where it once would have been too expensive.

Safety is always our first priority. Our drones are operated by experienced pilots and camera operators. For safety and quality, we shoot with a two-man crew, and we are fully insured.

Robert Haller
314-604-6544
stlouisdroneservices@gmail.com