Plan the Handoff of Visible-Light and Thermal Solar Data
Define how solar imagery reaches the technical reviewer. Agree array identifiers, file formats, context images and responsibilities before capture.
All project planning guides / Mapping & thermal
A solar data handoff should help the receiving specialist locate and interpret the agreed capture. Plan the file structure and review responsibilities before the flight, particularly when the operator and analyst are different parties.
Ask what the reviewer needs to receive
Visible-light imagery provides visual context; thermal data has its own technical requirements. Ask the reviewer which files are required, how they should be associated and what site information should accompany them.
Do not assume a rendered picture is an adequate substitute for the data format a specialist requested. The Raptor Maps capture guidance is one primary example of a workflow with defined data requirements. The actual project specification must come from the responsible technical team.
Use identifiers the asset team recognizes
Agree the site name, array identifiers and a reference layout. Keep those labels consistent across the captured files, handoff notes and any later report. Avoid inventing equipment or location labels that do not match the asset owner’s records.
- Site and capture date.
- Agreed array or area identifiers.
- File types and naming convention.
- Relevant capture notes required by the specification.
- Contact responsible for questions about the dataset.
Separate raw capture, review and conclusions
Make it clear which folders contain capture outputs and which contain reviewed reports. If an analyst flags observations, the deliverable should make their status and responsibility clear. A list of observations is not automatically a confirmed fault diagnosis.
Agree who checks completeness, who requests clarification and how the final report is accepted. Record any missing coverage or limitations through the technical workflow rather than silently omitting them.
Scope storage and delivery
Discuss recipients, access method and retention expectations in the project terms. Do not assume long-term hosting or data management is part of a capture quote.
Send the technical specification through solar and thermal project inquiries. If the brief is still being developed, start with preparing a solar thermal capture brief and identify the receiving specialist first.
About this guide: Prepared with AI assistance for GK Drones as project-planning information. Hypothetical examples are not client work. Meet pilot Gregory Kurilla. The scope and resources for your project are confirmed separately.