Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas

Drone Services for Oil & Gas Operators in Alberta

Published 2026-05-22 · UAV Imaging Inc.

UAV Imaging operates across Alberta's oil and gas sector — upstream production, gas processing, midstream gathering, downstream refining and distribution co-ops — with a drone fleet purpose-built for industrial inspection, methane detection and pipeline patrol.

What we do for oil and gas operators

Flare stack and elevated structure inspection

Tip inspections, refractory damage callouts, structural steel and ladder condition imagery captured from a safe stand-off distance with the H20T 1200mm zoom payload. No flare shutdown required for visual inspection.

Pipeline patrol and right-of-way survey

Linear corridor inspection along gathering systems and gas distribution networks. Visual condition reporting, encroachment detection, and right-of-way vegetation assessment. BVLOS pipeline patrol available under the 2026 Level 1 Complex Operations authorization for operators with long-distance needs.

Aerial methane survey

Pergam Falcon laser-based methane sensor mounted on the Matrice 300 RTK detects plumes down to roughly 5 ppm-m. Survey throughput 8-12 km per flight hour vs 1-2 km per ground crew day. Results align with Alberta Energy Regulator Directive 060 fugitive-emissions reporting when paired with a Method 21 walkdown of confirmed detections.

Tank and pressure vessel inspection

Flyability Elios 2 collision-tolerant drone flies inside crude tanks, separators, fractionators, knock-out drums and pig launchers. 4K video plus thermal, damage callouts, and full inspection record without confined-space entry permits.

Facility mapping and orthomosaics

Battery sites, gas plants, compressor stations mapped with cm-grade RTK accuracy. Outputs include orthomosaic, 3D point cloud, contour CAD and asset overlays. Useful for spill response, plant expansion design, regulator submissions.

Common deliverables

Regulatory and contractor-management coverage

Where we work

UAV Imaging covers Alberta's oil and gas geography end to end — Industrial Heartland petrochemicals, north-of-Fort McMurray oilsands, central Alberta gas plants, Drayton Valley conventional production, Lloydminster heavy oil, southern Alberta gas distribution co-ops. Edmonton-based dispatch, regional standby crews for multi-day field work.

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

Does aerial methane survey meet Directive 060 requirements?
Aerial survey is accepted as a screening method under Directive 060 when paired with a Method 21 (or equivalent) ground walkdown of any positive detections. The drone flight produces geo-tagged sensor data; the walkdown classifies leaks for repair tracking.
Can drones inspect flare stacks while flares are lit?
Yes for visual condition imaging at a safe stand-off — typically 15-30 m horizontal from a live flare depending on heat plume and wind. Internal flare inspection requires shutdown and is performed with the Elios 2 collision-tolerant drone post-cooldown.
Do you operate inside the Industrial Heartland and Fort McMurray fence lines?
Yes. ISN, ComplyWorks and Avetta registered. Crews complete site-specific orientations and follow facility prestart procedures including gas monitoring and hot-work coordination where required.
How long does a typical battery site mapping flight take?
A single-pad battery (well-pad plus tank battery, roughly 2-4 ha) maps in 20-40 minutes of flight time. Deliverable turnaround is 2-3 business days for orthomosaic plus point cloud.
Need a quote? Call 587-532-9000 or contact us online for commercial drone services across Alberta.