Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about drone services in the Bay Area.
How much do drone services cost in the Bay Area?
Construction & VDC services start at $449. Aerial mapping & LiDAR starts at $599. Commercial real estate photography starts at $549. Commercial inspections start at $449. Exact pricing depends on site size, accuracy requirements, and deliverables. Contact us for a detailed quote.
How long until I get my deliverables?
Most projects are delivered within 24-48 hours. Construction mapping and LiDAR processing typically take 48 hours. Rush delivery is available for urgent commercial needs at an additional fee.
Do I need a permit for drone operations?
You don't need to worry about permits — we handle everything. We're FAA Part 107 certified and obtain any necessary airspace authorizations. Much of the Bay Area requires LAANC authorization due to SFO, OAK, SJC, and regional airports, and we have established procedures for securing this quickly.
What if the weather is bad on shoot day?
We monitor weather closely and will reschedule if conditions aren't suitable (rain, high winds, fog, poor visibility). We'll contact you as early as possible to arrange an alternative time. Reschedules for weather are always free.
Can you fly drones anywhere in the Bay Area?
Most of the Bay Area is flyable, but some areas have airspace restrictions due to SFO, OAK, SJC, and other factors. We check every location before confirming and can usually obtain LAANC authorization for restricted areas within 24-48 hours. Very few locations are completely off-limits.
What file formats do you deliver for construction and mapping?
We deliver in formats that integrate with your workflows: GeoTIFF for orthomosaics, LAS/LAZ for LiDAR point clouds, DXF/DWG for CAD integration, and exports compatible with Autodesk, Procore, BIM 360, and other platforms. We can customize formats to your specific needs.
Are you insured for commercial work?
Yes. We carry up to $10M in liability coverage. Certificate of insurance is available upon request for property managers, commercial clients, and construction sites that require documentation.
How do you handle the Bay Area's fog?
We closely monitor Bay Area weather patterns and marine layer conditions. We schedule shoots during optimal windows—often late morning to early afternoon when fog burns off. We have weather flexibility built into our scheduling and will proactively reschedule if conditions aren't right.
What accuracy can you achieve with mapping and LiDAR?
With ground control points, our photogrammetry achieves 1-3cm horizontal accuracy. Our LiDAR systems deliver sub-centimeter accuracy when required. We'll specify expected accuracy for your project conditions upfront.
How far in advance should I book?
We typically can schedule within 48-72 hours. For time-sensitive commercial projects, we often accommodate same-week or next-day requests depending on weather and availability. Construction clients with ongoing documentation needs get priority scheduling.
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