Most people think of drones as flying cameras for photos or video. In inspections, that often means a small consumer drone taking pictures of rooftops or scanning a solar array. Useful, but limited.
At AeroLens we took a different approach. We invested in the DJI Matrice 4T, one of the most capable inspection drones available today, because our clients need more than images. They need clear, reliable insights.
The Matrice 4T is not just a drone. It is a diagnostic tool designed for industries where accuracy, safety and consistency matter.
The Limits of Entry-Level Drones
Across Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW, new operators are entering the market every month. Most use drones such as the Mavic 3 Classic or Mavic 3T. These machines are good for photography and light inspection work, but they fall short when projects demand higher accuracy:
- Lower thermal resolution makes it easy to miss subtle faults in panels, transformers or insulation.
- Basic reporting often stops at a set of images or a PDF with little analysis.
- Shorter flight times interrupt larger jobs or leave gaps in coverage.
For solar farms, utilities or construction companies, this creates risk. Missed faults or incomplete scans can mean downtime, safety issues or extra costs.
Why We Chose the Matrice 4T
The Matrice 4T was designed to go further. Key strengths include:
- High-resolution imaging: Three RGB cameras, including a 48MP telephoto, capture everything from broad overviews to fine cracks.
- Advanced thermal: A 1280 × 1024 infrared sensor provides accurate diagnostics, picking up hotspots invisible to the eye.
- Laser range finder: Measures distances up to 3 km, allowing precise targeting and safe inspection of live assets.
- Night vision and NIR: Enables reliable operations after dark for security patrols, intruder detection and wildlife tracking.
- Endurance: Up to 49 minutes per flight. With our three paired battery sets, we can rotate through the day without downtime.
- Transmission: A secure 25 km HD video link ensures consistent operations even on remote or complex sites.
Every feature here has a direct client benefit. The result is more accurate results, safer operations and fewer interruptions.
What This Means in Practice
Solar Farms
The best time to perform thermal inspections is during the day while panels are generating power. Under load, faulty strings or cells heat up differently, which the 4T’s high-resolution thermal sensor can detect. This provides precise fault detection before they become major losses.
Powerlines and Substations
These assets operate day and night. The Matrice 4T can identify hotspots, loose connections and overloads at any time. Its zoom capability allows detailed inspection from a safe distance without requiring outages.
Buildings
Insulation leaks, water ingress and facade issues can be identified as clear thermal contrasts. Early detection reduces the cost and disruption of remedial work.
Security and Conservation
The 4T’s thermal and night-vision systems provide true after-hours capability. This makes it suitable for perimeter patrols, intruder detection and wildlife monitoring, where standard cameras are ineffective in low light.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Mavic 3T / Classic | AeroLens Matrice 4T |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal resolution | 640 × 512 px | 1280 × 1024 px |
| RGB cameras | Single 20 MP | Three cameras up to 48 MP |
| Laser range finder | No | Yes (up to 3 km) |
| Night vision / NIR | Basic | Dedicated sensors |
| Flight time | 30–35 minutes | 49 minutes |
| Battery sets | 1–2 typical | 3 paired sets for full-day ops |
| Reporting | Photos or PDFs | Structured inspection reports |
| Best use case | Small rooftops, quick scans | Solar farms, powerlines, large assets |
Beyond the Flight
Many operators stop at handing over photographs. AeroLens takes a broader view.
- Our goal is to reduce risk, protect assets and provide clarity.
- We combine thermal, RGB and measurement data into structured reports that tell the full story.
- We are also developing digital delivery options that will allow clients to track inspections over time, not just as a one-off snapshot.
This is the difference between snapshots and business data intelligence.
Partnerships
We are seeking partnerships with solar installers and asset managers. Bundling inspections into customer care programs creates long-term value, protects performance and builds client trust.
Your aerial insights business partner
The DJI Matrice 4T is more than equipment. It represents a clear direction for AeroLens: to deliver precise, reliable and premium inspection services across Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW.
We are not here simply to fly drones.
We are here to deliver insights you can act on.
👉 Interested in what the Matrice 4T can do for your business? Contact AeroLens to discuss inspection packages and partnership opportunities.
