From Data to Report: How We Deliver Drone Inspection Data in a Structured Way (and What Clients Really Need)

Introduction: Beyond the Drone Flight: What Matters is the Usable Report

Solar panels are a long-term investment, but their performance can decline annually due to hidden defects. A drone inspection is a fast and safe way to map the health of your installation. However, raw thermal images or a long list of photos are often insufficient for a manager or owner.

At Droneview.be, we know: the true value of an inspection is not in the flight, but in the structured report you receive. We ensure that every hotspot and defect is translated into a direct actionable step.

Step 1: Data Collection – What the Drone Sees

Our specialized drones (equipped with cameras such as the DJI Zenmuse XT2) collect two crucial data streams simultaneously:

Thermal (IR) Images: These record heat differences. A defective solar cell, a broken bypass diode, or a poor connection emits heat and appears as a bright ‘hotspot’ in the image. This is the primary source of defect detection.
Visual (RGB) Images: These 4K images provide the visual context. They are essential for identifying physical damage (such as cracks) or contamination (such as bird droppings or leaves).

In addition, each image is provided with accurate GPS coordinates (Geotagging). This is the key to quickly locating and repairing defects on your large installation.

This example shows the crucial role of the dual sensor (thermal and visual). The thermal image (left) shows a clear hotspot, which could initially indicate a diode failure. Thanks to the simultaneous visual photo (RGB) (middle), the actual cause is immediately identified: a spot caused by bird droppings. The zoomed-in view (right) confirms this is a local shading issue rather than a permanent electrical defect, avoiding unnecessary repair costs. Droneview.be’s analysis filters out such ‘false positives’.

Step 2: The Analysis – From Hotspot to Defect

Once the flight is completed, the crucial analysis phase follows. Here we convert thermal anomalies into actionable findings. The most common defects we identify are:

Defect	Cause	Impact on Yield
1. Hotspots	Defective cell or broken bypass diode.	Limits current through the entire string; can pose a fire hazard.
2. Shading & Contamination	Shadow from objects or heavy dirt accumulation.	Direct yield loss in the affected area.
3. PID (Potential Induced Degradation)	Voltage differences and long-term moisture exposure.	Gradual but significant and permanent power loss.
4. Wiring Faults	Poor connections in junction boxes.	Local heat loss, indicating resistance and efficiency loss.

Here is a clear example of defective diodes, where no visual damage is visible on the “normal” photo.

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7 November 20258 November 2025

Concern and Misunderstanding: How Illegal Drones Obstruct Professional Work

In recent weeks, drones have once again dominated the news. Illegal flights over military zones and even Brussels Airport (Zaventem) led to airspace closures. Understandably, both government and citizens are on high alert. Unfortunately, the consequences of these illegal flights are deeply affecting our legitimate operations. For professional drone pilots like us at DroneView.be, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to work safely and undisturbed.

When a Professional is Suddenly Seen as a Threat

We carry out essential daily inspections of rooftops, buildings, and solar panels—detecting thermal anomalies with precision equipment. All flights are performed legally under EU open category rules, at low altitude, and only under safe weather conditions.

Still, we often encounter public suspicion. Just days ago, during a rooftop inspection, someone shouted “I’ll shoot that drone out of the sky!”—despite our hi-vis vests, clearly marked van, and low, legal flight at 20 meters with a thermal camera. No privacy invasion, no dangerous flying—just professional work. And yet, the police were called.

Communication Starts with the Client

We always try to inform authorities properly: registration ready, pre-flight police notifications (especially during current tensions), clear signage on-site. But we’ve found that things run smoother when the client also informs nearby residents. A quick notice can prevent unnecessary panic or hostility.

Strict Rules… with a Small Breakthrough

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7 November 20257 November 2025

DJI under fire in the U.S. – what does it mean for Europe and Belgium?

The U.S. government is stepping up pressure on Chinese tech companies, and drone manufacturer DJI is increasingly in the spotlight. Several legislative proposals and investigations could lead to a partial ban on DJI drones in the United States.
But what does this mean for the rest of the world – and especially for Europe and Belgium? Will prices rise, deliveries slow down, or models disappear?

DJI logo

1. What’s happening in the United States?

In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched a national security investigation into Chinese drones, including those made by DJI.
The new U.S. defense budget law also requires DJI to pass an audit before the end of 2025; otherwise, the company could be placed on the “FCC Covered List”, preventing certification and import of new models.
Consumers haven’t yet noticed much change, but manufacturers and distributors are already preparing for possible restrictions.

2. Why this matters for DJI

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15 October 202517 October 2025

Remote ID Beacon: the digital license plate for your drone

Introduction

More and more drone pilots hear the term Remote ID, but few know exactly what it means. Since 2024, a Remote ID beacon has become essential: a small module that acts as the digital license plate of your drone. In this article we explain how such a beacon works and why it is also the solution for older drones.

What is a Remote ID beacon?

A Remote ID beacon is a lightweight transmitter that you easily attach to your drone. The device continuously broadcasts important data via Bluetooth, such as:

your operator ID (the official registration number of the pilot),
the position and altitude of the drone,
the position of the pilot.

This allows anyone with the right app or scanner to immediately see who is flying and where.

How does it work in practice?

The beacon is completely stand-alone:

it has a built-in GPS antenna to determine its position,
a built-in rechargeable battery (lasting 8–16 hours) that you recharge via USB-C,
a simple mounting system with Velcro or tape so you can attach it to almost any drone.

You don’t need to modify your drone: the beacon does all the work itself.

Example: the Dronetag Beacon

One of the most popular models is the Dronetag Beacon:

weight: only 16 grams,
battery life: up to 16 hours,
user-friendly: settings via an app on your smartphone,
compliant with EU standards, fully legally approved.

Thanks to the built-in GNSS receiver you don’t need extra antennas or cabling.

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23 September 202525 September 2025

3D Real Estate Scans – The New Standard in Property Presentations

In the fast-evolving world of real estate, standing still is not an option.
Potential buyers and tenants expect more than static photos and descriptions.
They want to get a realistic sense of a property before scheduling an in-person viewing.

3D real estate scans offer exactly that.
At DroneView.be, we use this technology to elevate property presentations to a higher level. This article explains how 3D scans work, what advantages they offer, and why they are quickly becoming the new standard in real estate marketing.

What is a 3D Visualisation of a Property?

A 3D visualisation is a virtual model of an existing building, created by capturing dozens to hundreds of aerial and façade images. These images are processed using specialised software such as WebODM to generate an accurate and detailed 3D model. The result is a digital twin of the property that provides far more insight than traditional media.

The visualisation consists of two key components:

2D orthophoto: A scale-accurate top-down image of the property and its surroundings, offering a clear view of the layout and dimensions.
3D model: An interactive representation that visitors can rotate, zoom and explore on any device, providing a 360° virtual tour directly from your own website.

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23 September 202525 September 2025

From 1,750 Drone Images to 3D: How Drone Mapping is Revolutionizing Mining

Introduction: The Power of Drone Mapping

At DroneView.be, we do more than capture spectacular aerial photos. We transform drone imagery into measurable, actionable data for our clients. Traditional inspections and land surveys, especially across vast areas like quarries, are time-consuming, risky, and often inaccurate. Our recent project in a quarry perfectly illustrates how drone mapping streamlines this process. From 1,750 individual photos, we created an interactive 3D model, enabling the client to easily perform volume calculations and efficiently manage the site.

Case Study: Precision in the Quarry

The Project: Our client, a quarry operator, needed an accurate, up-to-date overview for material management and strategic planning. Covering more than 100 hectares, manual surveying was impossible. DroneView.be conducted a series of automated drone flights, resulting in a dataset of 1,750 images.

Our Approach: Mission Flights

For a site of this size, preparation is crucial. We plan about ten mission flights, partly from the office and partly on-site. Each flight is carefully configured to systematically capture the entire area with proper overlap. The structured pattern ensures that all images can later be seamlessly processed into one complete 3D model in WebODM.

Mission flight planned and currently in progress

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9 September 20259 September 2025

Clear communication in every drone flight – DroneView.be

When we operate our drones on-site, the focus often goes straight to the technology: the cameras, the flight planning, and the images we capture. But just as important is the way we communicate – with clients, bystanders, and the environment. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings, builds trust, and ensures that a drone flight runs smoothly and safely.

Preparation: clarity from the start

Before carrying out a flight, we coordinate precisely with the client on the objectives and our approach. That may sound obvious, but this clarity also helps during execution: everyone knows what will happen, and why. When bystanders ask questions, we can immediately refer to the concrete assignment.

Working visibly and recognizably

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5 August 202526 April 2025

FPV Drones: DIY, Technology, and the Future

15 years ago: my first steps as a drone builder

Fifteen years ago, I started as an enthusiastic hobbyist building my own FPV drone. I personally milled lightweight carbon frames on a small CNC machine and assembled all components: a basic camera, a video transmitter, and small electric motors. With an FPV headset on my head, I flew – still quite inexperienced – across the landscape, seeing the world as if I were flying myself. That first self-built drone experience gave me an incredible thrill and laid the foundation for my passion for FPV drones.

What are FPV drones?

FPV stands for First Person View and means that, as a drone pilot, you receive live images directly from the drone’s camera. In the early days, this usually happened via an analog video link, with a small transmitter on the drone and a receiver built into the goggles or monitor. This way, you experience the flight as if you are inside the drone – something drone enthusiasts describe as a unique, almost bird-like sensation. Although technology has advanced enormously since then, the core feeling remains the same: flying in real time through the eyes of your aircraft.

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25 July 202521 April 2025

Why We Choose the DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X5S: Flexible, Powerful, and Perfectly Suited for Every Mission

At DroneView.be, we deploy drones daily for a wide variety of tasks—from technical inspections and construction site monitoring to real estate showcases and creative projects. One of our most versatile combinations is undoubtedly the DJI Inspire 2 with the Zenmuse X5S camera. With two carefully selected lenses—the Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm f/2.0 and the Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8—we get the most out of every flight.

Professional Quality with the DJI Inspire 2 and Zenmuse X5S

The DJI Inspire 2 is more than a drone—it’s a professional aerial platform. Paired with the Zenmuse X5S, we have a powerful Micro Four Thirds camera with interchangeable lenses, delivering ultra-sharp images at 20.8 MP and up to 5.2K video in CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes. Ideal for clients who demand uncompromising quality.

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9 July 202523 April 2025

The DJI Zenmuse XT2: Thermal and Visual Power for Drone Inspections

At Droneview.be, we combine advanced technology with real-world experience. For thermal drone inspections, we use the DJI Zenmuse XT2—a unique camera that captures thermal and visual images simultaneously. Ideal for situations where temperature differences provide critical information, such as with solar panels, roofs, or industrial installations.

What makes the Zenmuse XT2 so special?

The XT2 is more than a regular thermal camera. This dual-sensor camera combines a FLIR thermal sensor with a 4K RGB camera, allowing immediate correlation of heat data with sharp visuals. For our professional drone service, this means significant time savings and unmatched accuracy.

Key benefits of the DJI XT2

Quick problem detection: Heat loss, defective solar panels, electrical overloads, or moisture issues become visible in a single flight.
Safe and efficient inspections: No need for physical access to buildings, roofs, or equipment—everything is done remotely.
Time-saving: We combine thermal and visual data in one flight, making analysis faster and more effective.

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