In energy, infrastructure, and environmental work, precision isn’t a luxury — it’s non-negotiable. At RTR Energy Solutions, we’ve built our reputation on delivering data that decision-makers can trust. And today, some of our most powerful tools don’t touch the ground. Welcome to the new frontier: drone-powered surveying and inspection. This isn’t about flashy tech or buzzwords. It’s about solving real-world problems — faster, safer, and more accurately than ever before.
Why Drones? Why Now?
Infrastructure is aging. Regulatory requirements are tightening. Projects are more complex. And clients expect answers, not excuses. Drone technology gives us a serious edge in all those areas.
We’re not just flying drones. We’re capturing high-definition thermal data, LiDAR imagery, and 3D point clouds — then transforming it into insights that reduce risk, cut costs, and speed up decisions.
This is field intelligence, reimagined.
What We Do with Drones — and Why It Matters
From substations to quarries, refineries to pipelines, RTR’s drone services support critical infrastructure across the U.S. Here’s how we’re changing the game:
Infrastructure Inspections — Without the Risk
Climbing towers and scaffolding has its place, but when safety is on the line, drones are the smarter first move. Our FAA-registered drone fleet captures HD video, thermal imaging, and gas leak detection data — all from a safe distance.
Whether we’re looking for hotspots on transmission lines or checking for rust on aboveground tanks, our clients get real-time visuals and actionable reports. No shutdowns. No surprises.
Aerial LiDAR and Topographic Mapping
Need detailed topography in a densely vegetated area? We’ve got it. RTR’s drone-mounted LiDAR sensors deliver millimeter-level accuracy across tough terrain — perfect for planning, permitting, and earthworks.
We use this data to build planimetric base drawings, surface mine topos, and precise volume calculations — helping clients stay compliant and cost-effective.
Construction Support and As-Built Documentation
We scan, model, and monitor every phase of a project. From 3D scanning substation equipment to tracking progress on complex sites, RTR’s drone and terrestrial scanning services support engineers, contractors, and owners with real-time intelligence.
Say goodbye to outdated redlines. We replace them with detailed as-built scans in industry-standard formats (E57, LAZ, Recap).
Thermal Imaging and Remote Monitoring
Sometimes, what you can’t see matters most. Our drones use high-resolution thermal cameras to detect problems that the human eye would miss — like overheating components or subsurface defects. We can stream that data live, too, so decision-makers don’t have to wait.
The Tech Is Cool — But the Expertise Matters More
Technology is only as good as the team using it.
RTR’s pilots are FAA-certified and trained to operate in complex environments. But more importantly, they understand the industries we serve. Our team blends backgrounds in surveying, engineering, and construction — which means we don’t just collect data. We interpret it with purpose.
That’s the difference between flying a drone and delivering a solution.
Partnering with Allied Resources: Building the Next Generation of Drone Talent
We’re proud to work alongside our sister company, Allied Resources Technical Consultants (ARTC), who help us find the skilled drone operators and UAS technicians that keep RTR on the leading edge.
In fact, if you’re just getting started in the drone field, check out their blog: How to Become a Drone Pilot (and Land a Job Doing It). It’s a step-by-step guide on how to get certified and start flying professionally — and yes, RTR is hiring.
Final Thoughts: Why It All Matters
At RTR, we’re not chasing trends — we’re raising standards. Every scan we deliver, every inspection we complete, every drone flight we log is about one thing: helping our clients move forward with confidence.
Drone technology isn’t just the future. It’s happening now. And we’re proud to lead the way.