Question 1

What if it’s too windy?

Accepted Answer

We reschedule at no charge.

Question 2

Do I own the photos?

Accepted Answer

Standard web & social license for your property.

Question 3

How do orthophotos help?

Accepted Answer

They provide a scale-accurate stitched aerial image for planning fences, gardens, ponds, and more.

Question 4

How fast is delivery?

Accepted Answer

48h standard, 24h rush (+$150).

Question 5

What exactly does Horizon Homesteads do?

Accepted Answer

We're drone mapping specialists who help rural property owners, homesteaders, and land buyers make smarter decisions about their property. Using advanced aerial technology, we create detailed 3D maps, analyze drainage patterns, track sun and shade throughout the day, and provide the insights you need before you build, plant, or invest. Think of us as your "eyes in the sky" for better land planning.

Question 6

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing varies by service and property size, with options ranging from individual mapping services to comprehensive bundles. We offer transparent, a-la-carte pricing on our website for each service - from basic aerial photos to complete homestead planning packages. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your specific needs and property.

Question 7

How long does it take to get my results?

Accepted Answer

For simple aerial photos and maps, you'll typically have your deliverables within 24-48 hours. Complete mapping projects with 3D terrain analysis and drainage studies usually take 2-5 business days, depending on your property size and the complexity of what you've requested. We'll give you an exact timeline when we book your project.

Question 8

What do I actually receive when the project is done?

Accepted Answer

You'll get easy-to-understand maps, 3D visualizations, and detailed reports delivered digitally through Google Drive. Depending on your service, this might include aerial photo maps, contour maps showing elevation changes, 3D terrain models you can rotate and explore, sun/shade analysis showing light patterns throughout the day, and drainage flow maps. We can also provide everything on a USB drive if you prefer.

Question 9

Do I need to be present during the drone flight?

Accepted Answer

We do need you there at the start to sign our legal forms and discuss your specific goals for the property. The actual drone flight typically takes about 30 minutes, but you're welcome to stay and watch or head inside - whatever works best for you. Many clients find it fascinating to see their property from this perspective for the first time!

Question 10

What makes your mapping different from Google Earth or other free aerial images?

Accepted Answer

Great question! While Google Earth shows you what your property looks like from above, our mapping is current (often taken the same day), incredibly detailed (we can see features just a few centimeters across), and includes data that satellites can't provide - like precise elevation changes, drainage flow patterns, and thermal information. Plus, we analyze everything specifically for your goals, whether that's planning a homestead, assessing storm damage, or finding the perfect spot for a pond.

Question 11

Are you actually certified to fly drones commercially?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! All our pilots hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates, which is the commercial drone license required by federal law. We follow all FAA regulations including staying within visual line of sight, flying below 400 feet, and obtaining proper airspace authorizations when needed. We're fully insured and compliant with all federal aviation requirements.

Question 12

Can you fly in any weather?

Accepted Answer

Safety always comes first, so we don't fly in high winds, rain, or severe weather conditions. Light winds and overcast skies are actually fine - sometimes even better for certain types of mapping. If weather forces us to reschedule, we'll work with you to find the next available window that works for both of us.

Question 13

How accurate is your mapping?

Accepted Answer

Our RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS system typically achieves centimeter-level accuracy under good conditions - that's incredibly precise! This means when we show you where something is located on your property, you can trust those measurements for planning buildings, property lines, or infrastructure projects.

Question 14

What if my property is really large?

Accepted Answer

We can handle properties of virtually any size! Larger properties just take a bit longer to map and may require multiple flights or additional processing time. We'll discuss the scope during your consultation and provide a timeline that works for your project. Some of our most rewarding work has been on expansive rural properties where traditional surveying would take weeks.

Question 15

Can you find my lost pet or livestock?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our Horizon RapidRecover service uses thermal imaging to detect heat signatures of animals, even at night. We can cover large areas quickly and spot animals that might be hiding or stuck in areas you can't easily search on foot. The sooner you call us after an animal goes missing, the better our chances of a successful recovery.

Question 16

Do you work with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

We provide insurance-grade documentation that's commonly accepted by insurance companies for claims related to storm damage, property assessments, and pre-repair documentation. While we can't guarantee your specific insurer will accept our reports, our detailed imagery and professional documentation meet industry standards for property assessment.

Question 17

What should I do to prepare for your visit?

Accepted Answer

Make sure we have clear access to your property and let us know about any specific areas you want us to focus on. If you have utility lines, septic systems, or wells, point those out so we can include them in our analysis. For drainage analysis, it's actually helpful if you've had recent rainfall so we can see how water moves across your land. And if you have any pets, just let us know so we can plan accordingly.

Question 18

Can you help me figure out the best spot to build my house?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly what our homestead planning service is designed for! We'll analyze your property's elevation, drainage patterns, sun exposure throughout the day, and accessibility to help you identify the ideal building sites. You'll get a comprehensive analysis that takes the guesswork out of choosing where to place your home, driveway, and other structures.

Question 19

What happens if you can't fly due to airspace restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We handle all airspace authorizations before we arrive, including LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) approvals when needed. If we discover unexpected restrictions, we'll work with you to either obtain proper authorization or adjust our flight plan to capture the data you need while staying compliant with all regulations.

Question 20

Do you offer any guarantees on your work?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind the quality and accuracy of our mapping services. If there are any issues with the data or deliverables we provide, we'll work with you to make it right. Weather-related delays or rescheduling doesn't cost you extra - we want you to be completely satisfied with both the process and the results.

Question 21

Can you come back later to map changes or updates?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many clients use our services seasonally or after major changes to their property. We can provide comparison analysis showing how your land has changed over time, which is particularly valuable for tracking construction progress, erosion patterns, or vegetation changes. We keep your original data on file to make future comparisons easy and cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Insights on Drone Technology, Safety, & Land Analysis