When it comes to aerial drones, there are three main types you’ll see in action:

🔹 Multi-Rotors – The most common type. They can hover, maneuver in tight spaces, and are perfect for photography and inspections.

🔹 Fixed-Wing – These fly like airplanes. They’re efficient for large-scale mapping or covering wide areas but need a runway or launcher.

🔹 VTOL (Vertical Take-Off & Landing) – A hybrid of both. These drones take off like a helicopter and transition to forward flight like a plane — combining efficiency with versatility.

So the real question is:
Are you flying in a dense urban zone, a wide-open rural space, or somewhere in between?
The type of drone you choose can make all the difference.

🎬 Join me as I break down the Types of Drones — and help you find the right one for your mission.

Uses of drones in real estate continue to grow—transforming how we inspect, analyze, and present properties. From aerial inspections to real-time data collection, drones offer powerful opportunities for businesses seeking better visibility and decision-making tools.

In real estate, aerial inspections enhance the ability to assess, document, and communicate property conditions. For appraisers, drones are more than just cool tech—they’re a practical tool that helps:

• Assist in informed decision making
• Showcase unique property perspectives
• Provide access to difficult or hazardous areas
• Identify areas of concern quickly and clearly
• Deliver certifiable, real-time aerial data

Whether you’re in appraisal, brokerage, construction, or planning—drone technology is reshaping your industry.

Flight Operations begin with safety—and that’s where my focus always starts. Every mission I fly is guided by procedures designed to deliver accurate data, ensure repeatability, and protect people and property. Success isn’t just about getting the shot—it’s about doing it right every time.

To meet client needs, I rely on drones that are reliable, durable, easy to operate, capable of extended air time, and adaptable across multiple mission types. But the drone is just one part of the equation. The real value comes from knowing how to prepare, plan, and respond to real-world challenges—whether operational, environmental, or regulatory.

You need to know how to:

• Set up a secure and compliant launch zone
• Build a flight plan tailored to your mission goals
• Assess the need for crew or visual observers
• Fly and inspect a property with purpose
• Capture cinematic and useful aerial footage
• Execute a safe and controlled landing
• Debrief and evaluate your mission performance

As you gain confidence; every flight operation will be flown with safety, precision, and professionalism.

Maps, Measurements, and Modeling unlock powerful insights for real estate professionals through aerial photogrammetry. Since 2019, I’ve been testing various mapping platforms to better understand how drone technology can support data-driven decisions in the field.

As part of my research, I’ve explored a variety of software tools including DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Maps Made Easy, Skyline Software, Zephyr, and even programs still in BETA development. Each platform offered a unique approach to creating orthomosaics, 3D models, elevation maps, and measurement tools—and testing them has helped me to identify their strengths and limitations across real-world applications.

The maps and models I’ve developed are the result of hands-on experimentation during this testing phase. They are not intended as endorsements, but rather as examples of what’s possible or not possible for me. It was a fun journey.   I encourage you to explore different programs yourself to build confidence, develop technical skills, and begin delivering meaningful aerial products for your clients.

Maps, Measurements, and Modeling are reshaping the way we visualize, measure, and model the world around us.