How to Read an Aerial Inspection Report
An aerial inspection report provides a visual record of a building’s condition at a specific point in time. It is designed to support understanding, discussion, and decision-making — not to diagnose hidden defects or prescribe repairs.
This guidance explains how to read an aerial inspection report, what the information means, and how it should be used alongside professional advice.
What an aerial inspection report is
An aerial inspection report is a non-invasive, visual record created using drone imagery. It focuses on areas that are difficult, unsafe, or disruptive to inspect using traditional access methods.
A typical report will include:
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A description of what was inspected
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High-resolution, dated images
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Observations of visible condition
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Notes on areas that may warrant monitoring or further review
The report documents what can be seen, not what may be concealed.
Understanding "observed condition"
Observations in an aerial inspection report describe visible condition only.
This means:
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Findings are based on what is visible at the time of inspection
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No assumptions are made about hidden elements
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Language is descriptive rather than diagnostic
Phrases such as “appears weathered”, “shows signs of deterioration”, or “requires further investigation” reflect this observational approach.
What photographs do-and do not-show
Images form a key part of an aerial inspection report, but they must be interpreted carefully.
Photographs:
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Provide visual evidence of condition at height
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Allow comparison over time
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Support discussions with professionals
However, photographs cannot:
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Confirm internal or concealed conditions
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Prove structural integrity
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Replace hands-on investigation
Images should be read alongside written observations and stated limitations.
Why neutral language is used
Aerial inspection reports use neutral, proportionate language deliberately.
This helps to:
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Avoid unnecessary alarm
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Prevent misinterpretation
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Support objective decision-making
Where further investigation or specialist advice may be appropriate, this is identified without prescribing specific actions or outcomes.
Understanding recommendations and next steps
Aerial inspection reports do not instruct clients to carry out repairs. Instead, they may:
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Highlight areas suitable for monitoring
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Suggest seeking advice from an appropriate specialist
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Provide information to support maintenance planning
Decisions about repair, investigation, or intervention remain with the property owner or custodian.
Using reports with third parties
Inspection reports are often shared with:
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Roofers or building contractors
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Surveyors or conservation professionals
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Insurers or managing agents
The report provides visual context and supporting evidence, helping those parties assess whether further access or investigation is required.
It should be used as information, not as a substitute for professional judgement.
The importance or stated limitations
Every aerial inspection report should clearly state its limitations.
These typically include:
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Visual, non-invasive scope
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Weather and access constraints
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Inability to assess concealed elements
Understanding these limitations is essential to using the report appropriately.
Using aerial inspections over time
One of the strongest benefits of aerial inspection is comparability.
When reports are repeated:
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Change can be monitored year-on-year
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Known issues can be tracked
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Maintenance decisions can be planned more effectively
This long-term view supports preventative maintenance rather than reactive response.
About this guidance
This guidance is published by ThreeWeave to help clients understand how to read and use aerial inspection reports responsibly. It applies across our work with homes, heritage buildings, and hospitality venues.