Roof imaging technology: Take accurate roof measurements remotely with a new high-tech imaging tool

by Jonathan McGaha | 28 February 2010 12:00 am

If you are a roofing contractor, you know that taking an accurate roof measurement is a burdensome undertaking. Clambering across rooftops to take measurements is an inherently dangerous, time consuming and complicated process. Steep or complex roofs, inclement weather and the crippling cost of workman’s compensation make on-sight roof measurements an even more risky and unprofitable practice. Now, thanks to the Internet and the advent of high-tech imaging tools, accurate roof measurements can be taken remotely— resulting in a safer, more cost-effective way to gather important roof data.

When you consider the low-tech, manual process of conducting on-sight roof measurements in relation to the high-tech age we live in, it is difficult not to regard the practice of climbing on roofs with tape measurers as archaic. Today, anyone with a computer (or a phone) and Internet connection can download programs such as Google Earth to view and explore rich geographical content using satellite imagery. Maps, terrain and 3-D buildings can all be viewed with the click of a mouse. It is only within recent years, however, that contractors, insurance adjusters and claims specialists have realized the utility of this previously untapped technological resource. Now, leaders throughout these industries are beginning to understand the benefits that can be reaped using satellite and aerial imagery.

Measure Unstable Roofs Remotely
There is an ongoing need for homeowners and businesses to replace old, worn-out roofs.Prior to the utilization of satellite and aerial imagery to calculate roof measurements, contractors had little recourse other than to have a worker climb atop a potentially unstable roof to take measurements. Roofs damaged by storms or other natural disasters present the same challenges. Certainly, no contractor wants someone traversing across a badly damaged roof. By using satellite and aerial imagery to calculate accurate roof measurements, contractors can obtain the important roof data they need and keep their employees’ feet on the ground.

Measure Roofs Accurately
As is the case with any pioneering technology, some pundits will challenge the accuracy of the high-tech alternative, advocating that a human being would perform the same job with greater precision. When considering the accuracy of remote roof measurements,however, the argument rings hollow. On the contrary, satellite and aerial imagery has been proven to be far more accurate than a contractor physically standing on a roof and taking field measurements. Calculating the area of a roof is far more complicated than taking a simple four-corner measurement. Steep,multistory, and chopped-up roofs increase the mathematical complexity involved in taking roof measurements, which in turn increases human error. Using satellite imagery to calculate accurate roof measurements makes the process of measuring unorthodox roofs much less daunting and error-filled task.

Measure Roofs Quickly
Sauntering about a roof to take measurements with a clipboard, calculator and tape measure is as timely a process as it is tedious. And, as the old adage goes, time is money. Satellite and aerial imagery can cut the cost of taking rooftop measurements and allow contractors to focus their time and energy elsewhere. It was this time saving element that first compelled me to create a computer program capable of producing accurate roof measurements. After speaking with a construction materials vendor who was looking for a way to sell the right amount of roofing products without having to measure the square footage manually, I realized that satellite imagery presented an alternative. That’s when GeoEstimator was born.

GeoEstimator
GeoEstimator uses state of the art satellite and aerial imagery to create accurate and detailed roof take-off measurements. Using these figures the GeoEstimator staff is able to create drawings with accurate calculations of roof area, lineal feet of ridge, valley, perimeter and step flashing without ever placing a foot on the rung of a ladder.

Utilizing multiple satellite images from provider. Digital Globe, Google Earth and Pictometry, GeoEstimator boasts the most extensive library of aerial and satellite imagery with the most national and international coverage available in the industry. These images work with GeoEstimator’s software to determine the correct correlation between the image size and actual size. As a result, GeoEstimator roof calculations are every bit as accurate as measurements made in the field. After a request is made, GeoEstimator makes completed roof drawings available for download on your computer or laptop in less than two business days. Drawings can then be easily adjusted to accommodate any changes if necessary.

Whether you are a general contractor, roofer, insurance adjuster or insurance claims specialists, GeoEstimator is the roof measurement service ready to meet all your roofing needs.

Roofers and General Contractors
With GeoEstimator, roofers, general contractors and facilities managers can outsource the timely and unprofitable process of taking onsight roof measurements. Taking into account the time it takes to drive to a potential client’s house, the gas burned, the time spent on the roof, the time to drop the measurements in a spreadsheet and the time it takes to prepare the finished report, a roof measurement can be a costly expenditure. These extraneous expenses associated with manual roof measurements are exacerbated by a sluggish economy that has already taken a heavy toll on the construction industry. Now, more than ever, roofers and contractors need ways to drive down costs and increase their bottom line—GeoEstimator offers a quick, accurate and inexpensive alternative. With the ability to drastically decrease turnaround times, eliminate liability expenses and increase the frequency and reach of contracting bids, GeoEstimator is helping roofers and contractors stay on the ground while their profits reach new heights.

An Integrated Roof Measurement Solution Incorporating the minds of multiple industries into this groundbreaking new software solution, GeoEstimator measurement service is an indispensible resource for general contractors,roofers, insurance adjusters and insurance claims specialists.

Dale Thornberry founded the GeoEstimator in 2008. An entrepreneur in the construction industry for more than 30 years, Thornberry started his own software engineering firm, Thornberry Consulting, Indianapolis, more than six years ago. For more information on the GeoEstimator, go to www.geoestimator.com.

http://www.geoestimator.com [1]

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