CAPABILITY 01
Aerial inspection
Visual and thermal inspection of roofs, towers, bridges, solar arrays, and utilities without scaffolding or climbing.
Visual inspectionThermal imagingClose-range flightsDefect capture
Home / Capabilities / Drone & Uncrewed Systems
Emerging capability Emerging
Drone & Uncrewed Systems
Uncrewed systems that collect better data, more safely.
SIS is building capability in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for inspection, mapping, remote sensing, and the data workflows that turn aerial imagery into decisions.
Aerial inspectionMapping & photogrammetryLiDAR & remote sensingGeospatial data workflows
Overview
Uncrewed systems that collect better data, more safely.
Drones are becoming everyday tools for inspection, mapping, and monitoring — reducing risk to people and collecting data that was once expensive or impossible to get. The real value is in the data pipeline: capture, processing, analysis, and secure delivery.
This is an emerging area of focus for SIS. We describe what is possible in the field and where our data, AI, and testing strengths apply; we do not claim completed drone contracts.
Focus areas
- Aerial inspection
- Mapping & photogrammetry
- LiDAR & remote sensing
- Geospatial data workflows
- AI-assisted image analysis
- Mission planning & operations
What's possible
Capabilities across drone & uncrewed systems.
The technical areas SIS can support, and what each makes possible for your mission.
CAPABILITY 02
Mapping & photogrammetry
Orthomosaics, 3D models, and digital surface models from overlapping imagery.
Orthomosaics3D modelsDSM / DTMGround control
CAPABILITY 03
LiDAR & remote sensing
Elevation, vegetation, and structure data using LiDAR, multispectral, and thermal sensors.
LiDARMultispectralThermalPoint clouds
CAPABILITY 04
Geospatial data workflows
Processing, georeferencing, and publishing drone data to GIS platforms.
GISGeoreferencingData publishingMetadata
CAPABILITY 05
AI-assisted image analysis
Automated detection of defects, changes, and objects in aerial imagery.
Computer visionChange detectionObject countingAnomaly detection
CAPABILITY 06
Mission planning & operations
Flight planning, airspace awareness, risk assessment, and operations aligned to FAA rules.
FAA Part 107Flight planningAirspace (LAANC)Risk assessment
CAPABILITY 07
Sensor & payload integration
Selecting and integrating cameras and sensors appropriate to the mission and data quality required.
Payload selectionCalibrationSensor fusionData quality
CAPABILITY 08
Secure data handling
Chain of custody, encryption, and controlled storage for collected imagery and data.
Data custodyEncryptionAccess controlRetention
CAPABILITY 09
Trusted platforms
Awareness of supply-chain requirements and approved platform lists for government use.
Blue UAS awarenessNDAA complianceSupply-chain riskFirmware
CAPABILITY 10
Testing & evaluation of UAS
Applying T&E discipline to drone systems, payloads, and data accuracy.
Test plansAccuracy validationPerformance evaluationReporting
Mission applications
Where it makes a difference.
Representative ways organizations put these capabilities to work.
Facility & roof inspection
Safer, faster condition assessments of buildings and structures.
Infrastructure monitoring
Track condition of bridges, towers, pipelines, and power lines over time.
Site mapping
Up-to-date maps and volumes for construction and land management.
Disaster assessment
Rapid post-event imagery to support response and recovery.
Environmental monitoring
Vegetation, erosion, and land-use change analysis.
Security & perimeter awareness
Situational awareness of large sites and properties.
Our approach
A disciplined path from need to outcome.
- 01
Define the data need
What decision does the imagery support, and what accuracy is required?
- 02
Plan the mission
Select platform and sensors; assess airspace, safety, and permissions.
- 03
Collect
Fly according to plan with documented procedures.
- 04
Process & analyze
Generate maps, models, and AI-assisted findings.
- 05
Deliver securely
Provide data and reports through controlled channels.
Tools & technologies
Technology we work with.
We are tool-agnostic and start from what you already use. Representative technologies:
Sensors
RGB camerasThermalMultispectralLiDAR
Processing
Photogrammetry softwarePoint-cloud toolsPythonGIS platforms
Analysis
Computer vision modelsChange detectionSpatial analytics
Operations
FAA Part 107 frameworkFlight-planning appsLAANC airspace
Standards & frameworks
Aligned to the guidance that matters.
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107
- NDAA Section 848 / American Security Drone Act considerations
- DIU Blue UAS framework awareness
- Data privacy and retention requirements
- ASPRS positional accuracy standards
Questions
Frequently asked.
Does SIS currently fly drone missions?
Drone technology is an emerging focus area for SIS. We are building capability and partnerships and will be transparent about current capacity for any specific request.
Can drone data be analyzed with AI?
Yes. Computer vision can detect defects, count objects, and identify change across repeat flights — an area where our AI and data strengths apply.
What about government restrictions on drones?
Federal use is increasingly restricted to compliant platforms. Any SIS drone work would account for NDAA and approved-platform requirements.
What do deliverables look like?
Typically orthomosaic maps, 3D models, annotated imagery, GIS layers, and a findings report.
Related capabilities
Works well with.
↗
Advanced Defense Technology
SIS is exploring how autonomy, digital twins, simulation, edge computing, and resilient communications can support defense and mission-critical…
Explore capability →AI
AI & Machine Learning
From classical machine learning to generative AI and retrieval-augmented assistants, SIS helps organizations move from promising prototypes to…
Explore capability →▥
Data Engineering & Analytics
SIS designs and validates the pipelines, warehouses, and dashboards that turn scattered records into reliable, governed insight — with data quality…
Explore capability →These descriptions explain technology domains SIS is positioned to discuss and pursue; they are not claims of completed contracts, existing products, or specialized certifications.
Let's explore the mission requirements.
Connect with SIS to discuss technical needs, collaboration, or teaming opportunities.