1. Describe the job and its purpose
Give the address or site boundary, the problem to solve, the required date and who will use the result. Explain nearby people, access constraints and any site operating rules you know about. Let the provider assess the practical flight requirements.
2. Define the output
Specify images, raw footage, edited video, an interpreted report, mapping files or a model. For measured work, agree tolerances and reference systems. For media, agree resolution, format, rights and revisions. Ask for a relevant sample deliverable.
3. Identify the people and responsibilities
Ask who will perform the flight, process the files and interpret the findings. With a network or directory, establish who your contract is with and who handles problems. Where professional conclusions are needed, confirm the relevant expertise and responsibility.
4. Ask about flight arrangements
Have the provider explain the permissions, registration, competency and insurance appropriate to your assignment, and any limitations. Confirm who arranges site access. The detailed requirements depend on the proposed operation; a generic badge is not a substitute for a job-specific explanation.
5. Compare the complete price
Request a written scope covering travel, capture, processing, interpretation, editing, revisions, VAT and file delivery. Ask about weather delays, cancellation, incomplete capture and repeat visits. Treat an indicative online price as a starting point until your actual brief is agreed.
6. Agree data access and handover
Confirm delivery timing, storage duration, download rights, ownership, usage permissions and any recurring platform fee. For sensitive sites, discuss security and who can access the data. A portal is useful only if the access and export terms suit your organisation.
Before accepting a quote
- Same brief and deliverables across all shortlisted providers
- Written inclusions, exclusions and total cost
- Named responsibility for capture and interpretation
- Realistic timeline with a weather contingency
- Agreed file formats, rights and data access