Use this calculator to compare the annual cost of patrolling a pipeline right-of-way by ground crew versus by drone, and to see the estimated saving. Enter your own line length, how many patrols you run per year, and the per-kilometre rates you actually pay — the placeholder rates are neutral starting points, not a quote. For a firm drone-patrol price on your line, request a quote.
Estimate only. The rates above are editable placeholders, not a UAV Imaging quote — enter your real ground and drone per-km costs. Actual pricing depends on terrain, access, deliverables and patrol scope.
What drives pipeline patrol cost
Ground patrol cost scales with crew time, vehicle access and terrain — creeks, fence lines and soft ground in spring all slow a truck-and-boots crew down. Aerial patrol trades that for flight time: a drone covers right-of-way that is slow or impassable on the ground, and one pilot-and-observer crew can cover what previously needed several ground teams. The per-kilometre numbers you plug in should reflect your own terrain and access reality.
Why a drone patrol earns its place
- Coverage. A drone patrol covers far more line per hour than a crew on foot, and reaches terrain that is impassable on the ground.
- Safety. No crews walking ditches near active roads, water crossings or hazardous-atmosphere areas.
- Documentation. Every patrol produces a geo-tagged, timestamped record of the right-of-way for the audit file — not just a crew's field notes.
- Screening layer. Paired with the Pergam Falcon methane sensor, the same flight screens for leaks while it patrols.