Questions about technical site documentation

Forensic mapping is coordinated field documentation used to preserve site conditions as visual and spatial records for later professional review. The purpose is to keep layout, context, and measurable relationships available after the site has changed.

Reality capture is a method for recording physical spaces as navigable spatial data. SterFlies uses terrestrial and interior capture when room relationships, access, and close-range context matter as much as the exterior. Tools such as Matterport are used when an interactive walkthrough is the appropriate deliverable.

Deliverables are selected according to project scope, site conditions, and documentation objectives. They may include orthomosaics, 3D models, point clouds, walkthroughs, high-resolution imagery, thermal imagery, measurements, annotated views, and supporting files. Not every project includes every product.

No. Aerial systems are one capture method. Interior, terrestrial, thermal, and photogrammetric methods are selected according to the site and the record required. Some projects use aerial capture only, some use ground-based capture only, and some combine both.

Matterport is used when a navigable interior record is the appropriate deliverable. It is a capture tool, not the service itself. The product is the interior documentation: room layout, access, and location context.

Photogrammetry reconstructs measurable spatial products from overlapping still photographs. Those products can include orthomosaics, point clouds, and 3D models. A photograph documents one viewpoint. A mapped dataset preserves spatial relationships across an area.

Photogrammetric records can support distances, areas, and volumes when the capture is scoped for measurement. Measurement quality depends on capture geometry, processing, and any control used for the engagement. It is not a universal accuracy claim.

No. SterFlies does not replace a licensed surveyor when a legal land survey is required. Mapped records can support coordination, existing-conditions review, and comparison. Stamped survey products remain with the licensed surveyor.

Thermal imaging records apparent surface-temperature differences. It can help identify areas for further professional review on solar PV, electrical systems, building envelope, industrial assets, and other sites where temperature variation is relevant.

No. Thermal imagery does not independently determine defect cause, moisture source, electrical failure, code violation, or liability. Those conclusions remain with the qualified professional who interprets the record.

Yes. SterFlies captures and organizes field conditions so consultants, attorneys, industrial hygienists, engineers, and other qualified professionals can review spatial context later. SterFlies does not independently determine accident causation.

Based in the San Antonio area, serving project sites throughout Greater Texas Hill Country and nearby regions when access and project conditions allow.

Timing depends on access, site size, weather, and the deliverables required. Capture can often be scheduled quickly once the documentation objective is defined. Processing time follows the agreed record, not a single standard flight package.

Deliverables are organized for the people who will review them. That may include a web map or walkthrough, downloadable spatial files, annotated imagery, and supporting documents. The delivery method is specified with the engagement.

Aerial operations are conducted under an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, with OSHA 10 construction safety training and insured operations. Proof of credentials can be provided for an engagement upon request.