Before Another Flight, Inventory the Property Data You Already Have
An existing collection may answer part of a property question, but only if its origin, coverage and permitted use are understood. Start with an inventory before assuming another visit is needed or that a folder of images is ready for a meaningful comparison. Keep original files and any accompanying limitations.
List coverage rather than file count
Record capture dates, areas, viewpoints and known gaps. Identify whether a file is an original, a crop, an annotated copy or a screenshot. Hundreds of images of one façade do not establish coverage of the remaining building. Mark unknown capture details honestly.
Check purpose and permission
Explain the proposed review and confirm that you can share and use the files for that purpose. Do not assume possession of a customer, tenant or contractor file gives unrestricted publication rights. Ask NEDD what the supplied material can support before treating it as current site evidence.
Copyable worksheet
Use one row for each field. Mark unknown information clearly and retain the original records.
| Field | Your note |
|---|---|
| File set and source | ____________________ |
| Capture date or unknown | ____________________ |
| Covered zones and gaps | ____________________ |
| Original versus derived copy | ____________________ |
| Permitted use and requested decision | ____________________ |
Worked example
Illustrative example: last year’s roof images cover only the south slope. A new question concerns a north-side drainage feature. The inventory reveals the gap before anyone promises that the old set can answer it or that a full repeat capture is necessary.