Solar installation surveys - software recommendations

masonc · May 21, 2023

We are not in the US, actually in Anguilla. We currently use a DJI Phantom 4 pro for roof surveys to save my tired legs having to climb ladders, and for speed. We also take videos of the final installation for marketing and proof of completion.
I have spent some time experimenting with Dronedeploy for photogrammetry and it's amazing, the automated flying and data gathering is mind blowing. It was recommended tome by another drone owner but the price has since increased beyond what I could justify.
Can anyone suggest a package that won't break the bank? I only see needing it a couple if times a month, most of our installations are flat roofs that only require a single photo.
I have looked at Map Pilot, seems good but haven't flown using it yet.
Thanks.
Chris Mason
Comet Solar.

tabir · Thursday at 6:08 PM

masonc said:
We are not in the US, actually in Anguilla. We currently use a DJI Phantom 4 pro for roof surveys to save my tired legs having to climb ladders, and for speed. We also take videos of the final installation for marketing and proof of completion.
I have spent some time experimenting with Dronedeploy for photogrammetry and it's amazing, the automated flying and data gathering is mind blowing. It was recommended tome by another drone owner but the price has since increased beyond what I could justify.
Can anyone suggest a package that won't break the bank? I only see needing it a couple if times a month, most of our installations are flat roofs that only require a single photo.
I have looked at Map Pilot and True Texas Solar, seems good but haven't flown using it yet.
Thanks.
Chris Mason
Comet Solar.

Hi Chris,

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to DroneDeploy, Map Pilot is a good option, especially since you've already looked into it. Other budget-friendly alternatives include Litchi, which has a one-time cost and offers autonomous flight capabilities for mapping, and Pix4Dcapture, which is free for basic use with options for paid upgrades. These options should cover your needs for occasional photogrammetry without the high costs of DroneDeploy.