Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked these regularly. Anything else beyond these, you can always ask us.

How long has Sky Monkey been operating?

10 years. Est 2016.

What is photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry turns hundreds of overlapping drone photographs into an accurate, measurable 3D model of a subject. Every point in the model has a real-world coordinate, so your engineers can take measurements, inspect specific areas in detail, and track changes over time without going back to site.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is a precise virtual replica of a physical asset. Built from photogrammetry data, it lets you navigate the asset in three dimensions from a browser, take accurate measurements, annotate conditions, and share access with engineers, consultants, or stakeholders anywhere in the world. Think of it as a permanent, interactive record of your asset exactly as it stood at the time of capture.

What is the difference between RGB and thermal inspection?

RGB inspection uses a standard camera to capture visible defects, cracking, corrosion, spalling, damage. Thermal inspection uses an infrared camera to detect heat signatures invisible to the naked eye, moisture ingress behind walls, insulation failure, electrical hotspots, and delamination under surfaces. The two are often used together on the same flight to give a complete picture of an asset’s condition.

How accurate is a drone survey?

With RTK positioning, drone surveys can achieve centimetre-level accuracy. The exact figure depends on the equipment used, flight parameters, and ground control point setup. We’ll advise on the appropriate accuracy specification for your project.

Can you work around live or operational sites?

Yes. Most of our inspection work happens on fully operational sites. We coordinate with your site team to manage any safety or airspace requirements, but shutting down operations is rarely necessary and never assumed.

Is it safe?

Safety is PRIORITY ONE for us. If we can’t fly safely, we simply won’t do the job. We take pride and care with utmost responsibility of our decisions and actions. Our work must be exemplary of the industry.

Quality – Is your work any good?

Quality happens to be our SECOND PRIORITY (after SAFETY!). We guarantee all our work is of commercial quality. We use only the best cameras, on the best drones, with the best safety records to do our work. We won’t be much use, if our work wasn’t up to scratch! 🙂

Are you licensed?

Yes.

We are CASA licensed RPA (drone) controllers and operators. CASA ReOC certification number: CASA.ReOC.0701

Are you insured?

Yes. $20 million in public liability and damages, in the HIGHLY UNLIKELY event of somebody getting hurt, or damage sustained to property.

Do you operate Australia wide?

Yes. We have a variety of talented and skilled operators Australia wide.

Where are you based?

We are based in Sydney but operate Australia wide.

Do you only fly drones?

Not at all. Our team comes from a professional photography and videography background. We maintain an extensive arsenal of high-end camera gear and ground-based equipment, allowing us to capture your project from every perspective not just from the air.

Do you offer standard photography?

We certainly do! No job is too small for our team, we pride ourselves on applying our professional expertise to any project. From basic site update stills to full productions. We ensure every shot is polished and professional.

What are your service costs?

Every project is unique. Contact us with the who, when, where, and why, and we’ll provide a responsible quote that fits your specific needs.

Can you operate on weekends, holidays or odd hours?

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling and can operate at any time, subject to availability. Simply reach out to discuss your timeline, and we will do our best to accommodate your project’s needs.

Do you outsource post-production?

No. We pride ourselves on producing all footage in-house to ensure your brand’s message remains consistent from start to finish. For your peace of mind, all data is stored on secure local servers and never leaves the country. We are proud to be 100% Australian owned and operated.

Do you take special requests?

Most certainly! We pride ourselves in being forward thinkers and combined with 10+ years of experience, chances are we may have done something similar in the past.

What are your standard deliverable formats?

We offer industry standard formats, and can also adhere to your specific requirements. Typically 4K and 6K at 50/25 fps for video. And high resolution JPEGs or RAW DNGs for photography.

Can you operate drones anywhere?

No. We can’t fly “anywhere“.

There are strict laws against flying within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) of a towered airport, such as Sydney’s Kingford Smith, Bankstown airport & Western Sydney International Airport. Heavy penalties apply in breach of this rule, as it increases risk to air traffic.

However, we can make applications with CASA to fly inside of this restriction zone, on a case-by-case basis, as well as obtaining the necessary insurance coverage.

There are also other various restricted air spaces, such as those reserved for the use of sky diving. Talk to us to discuss about compliance.

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Creative photography at night using a long exposure professional camera of a drone flying in a spiral path, taken at Sydney Olympic Park Archery by Sky Monkey