Mission Prep Checklist

Flying drones over your construction site isn’t just about snapping some cool photos from the air — it’s about delivering the precise, actionable data you need to keep your project on track and your bottom line healthy.

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But here’s the thing: the more we know before we launch, the better your deliverables will be. Whether you need detailed topographic maps, volumetric measurements, or 3D models you can spin around like a digital twin, a little preparation goes a long way.

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So before you reach out to THE FLYING LIZARD, here’s the key info that will make your mission a success:

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1. Your Project’s Purpose and End Goal

Think of this as answering the question: Why are we flying?

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• Are you tracking site progress for stakeholders?

• Measuring stockpile volumes?

• Verifying grading and earthwork?

• Creating a pre-construction baseline?

 

Knowing the end use of the data allows us to tailor the flight plan, sensor settings, and processing workflow to your exact needs.

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2. Your Site Location and Boundaries

We need more than just an address — we need to know exactly where the site begins and ends.

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• Share site plans, KMZ/KML files, or GPS coordinates.

• Identify any areas we should exclude (neighboring properties, protected zones, etc.).

 

This ensures we fly the correct coverage area without wasting time (and your money) on unnecessary capture.

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3. The Deliverables You Expect

 

Drones can capture a lot, but “a lot” is different from “exactly what you want.” Tell us upfront:

 

• Orthomosaic map for a bird’s-eye, high-resolution view.

• 3D terrain model for surface analysis.

• Point cloud for CAD integration.

• Contour lines for grading plans.

• Volume calculations for earthwork or stockpiles.

• Georectified maps

 

If you’re not sure which product fits your needs, just tell us your end goal and we’ll match it to the right output.

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4. Timing and Frequency

 

Some data needs to be captured once (like pre-bid site conditions). Others work best when flown on a schedule:

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• Weekly or biweekly progress updates.

• Monthly compliance reports.

• Key milestone documentation.

 

Clear timelines help us plan flights when conditions (and your construction activity) are optimal.

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5. Site Access and Safety Requirements

 

If we can’t get in, we can’t fly.

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• Let us know the access point and any security procedures.

• Share your PPE requirements (we come prepared).

• Identify potential hazards like cranes, power lines, or blasting zones.

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6. Any Special Considerations

 

Every site is different. Maybe you need:

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Flights outside normal hours to avoid active work zones.

Thermal imaging for roof inspections.

Coordination with your survey team for ground control points (GCPs).

 

These details help us deliver pinpoint-accurate results.

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The Bottom Line

 

When you come prepared with this information, we can focus on what we do best: capturing high-quality aerial intelligence that keeps your project moving forward.

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At THE FLYING LIZARD, every flight is customized to your needs — but the first step is knowing those needs before we take off.

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Ready to schedule your mission? Reach out with your site details, deliverable wish list, and timeline, and we’ll design the perfect aerial plan for you.