Drone Solutions for Oil & Gas Industry

Facility Inspection

Drone-based facility inspection helps oil and gas teams inspect pumping units and other plant equipment more safely and more consistently. Visible-light and thermal cameras capture multi-angle photos and videos that can reveal overheating, oil leaks, loose belts, loose bolts, and other issues that are difficult to observe from the ground, while also producing inspection data that is easier to store and track over time.

Drone Applications in Facility Inspection

Automated Facility Inspection
Use dock-based systems to automate recurring inspection tasks, remotely schedule missions, and upload captured data to a centralized cloud workflow.
Gas Leak Detection and Thermal Inspection
Use larger payload-flexible platforms with thermal cameras and third-party gas sensors to detect leaks, inspect equipment, and assess abnormal conditions from a safer distance.
Portable Quick Assessment
Deploy compact visual-and-thermal drones for fast close-range checks in narrow equipment spaces where rapid response and flexible shooting angles are important.

Traditional Challenges in Facility Inspection

Complex facility structures create many blind spots and dead corners that make thorough inspection difficult.
Oil and gas facilities are often hazardous, expansive, and require frequent inspections, which consumes significant manpower.
Traditional inspection workflows are harder to digitize, archive, trace, and compare over time.
Facilities must comply with strict local, state, and federal standards, which increases the need for reliable records and compliance documentation.

How Drones Improve Facility Inspection

Close-range, multi-angle inspections reduce blind spots and help reveal issues that might otherwise be missed.
Drone coverage of large areas reduces walking inspections, improves efficiency, and helps protect personnel safety.
Inspection data can be stored and tracked more easily, supporting better asset management and preventive maintenance.
Captured data can also support compliance monitoring and reporting workflows for regulated operations.

Recommended Products

DJI’s facility inspection page presents four core solution paths: an automated dock-based inspection workflow, a reliable high-performance portable workflow, a gas leak detection and thermal inspection workflow using interchangeable payloads, and a compact quick-assessment workflow for fast visual and thermal checks. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

DJI Dock 3 + DJI Matrice 4D / 4TD + DJI FlightHub 2

Best for: Automated recurring facility inspection, remote mission scheduling, centralized cloud management, and large-site routine operations

This dock-based workflow is designed to automate recurring inspection tasks and upload captured data to DJI FlightHub 2 for further analysis and processing.
DJI highlights the system’s lightweight and portable deployment, making installation and relocation easier when site needs change.
FlightHub 2 supports remote planning, scheduling, and centralized inspection mission management from the cloud.
The dock is rated IP56, and DJI states an operating radius of up to 10 km allows large facilities to be covered with relatively few docking stations.
The built-in RTK system supports more precise inspections and repeatable facility route execution. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Matrice 30T + DJI Pilot 2

Best for: Reliable high-performance inspection, portable thermal checks, repeatable route flying, and low-light facility assessment

The Matrice 30 Series is positioned as a portable but powerful inspection platform for challenging outdoor facility conditions.
DJI emphasizes its high-resolution visual and thermal sensors, dual-control operations, and precise re-shooting capability for recurring inspections.
The aircraft is foldable and portable, supporting easier transportation between outdoor inspection tasks.
DJI states it can be deployed quickly and be ready to fly in about two minutes.
Low-light mode and the integrated infrared capability support temperature-measurement work and clearer image capture in dim environments. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

DJI Matrice 400 + Zenmuse H30 Series / Third-Party Gas Detection Payload + DJI Pilot 2

Best for: Gas leak detection, thermal inspection, safe stand-off inspection, and larger-area advanced facility operations

The Matrice 400 is presented as a dependable platform with interchangeable payloads that can be tailored to specific inspection tasks.
When paired with a third-party gas detector, it enables inspection teams to identify gas leaks that may not be visible to the human eye.
DJI highlights real-time leak pinpointing from a safer distance, helping reduce risk to personnel while improving repair accuracy.
Longer flight time and extended transmission range support coverage of larger facility areas more efficiently.
When paired with the Zenmuse H30 Series, the platform adds high-definition zoom, thermal imaging on H30T, and a laser rangefinder for detailed equipment inspection. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

DJI Matrice 4E / 4T + DJI Pilot 2 + DJI Thermal Analysis Tool 3

Best for: Portable quick assessment, narrow-space inspection, rapid visible + thermal checks, and facility infrastructure spot inspections

The Matrice 4E / 4T solution is described as compact and well suited for navigating relatively narrow spaces between equipment.
DJI positions it as a fast way to get immediate aerial visibility for rapid inspection of facility equipment and structures.
The compact airframe helps meet safety clearance needs while achieving better shooting angles around dense infrastructure.
High-resolution visible and thermal sensors help reveal defects that may be overlooked by the naked eye.
DJI Pilot 2 and DJI Thermal Analysis Tool 3 support field collection, thermal review, and follow-up analysis for quick assessment workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Pipeline Inspection

Drone-based pipeline inspection helps oil and gas teams inspect long-distance pipeline corridors across complex terrain with greater safety and consistency. Visible-light and thermal imaging, paired with automated and repeatable flight routes, make it easier to identify abnormalities, increase inspection frequency, and preserve digital inspection records that can be stored and shared more efficiently. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Drone Applications in Pipeline Inspection

Portable Pipeline Inspection
Use compact visual-and-thermal drones for routine pipeline checks in mountainous, urban, or otherwise access-constrained terrain where portability and rapid deployment matter. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Leak Detection Inspection
Use larger payload-flexible platforms with third-party gas sensors, zoom cameras, and thermal imaging to detect leaks and inspect pipelines from a safer stand-off distance. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Automated Routine Inspection
Use dock-based systems for remote, repeatable visual or thermal inspections, centralized mission control, and cloud-based inspection data management. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Traditional Challenges in Pipeline Inspection

Pipelines often span long distances across difficult terrain, making manual inspection hazardous and expensive. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Corrosion and potential leaks require regular inspections to assess structural integrity and identify risk early. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Traditional workflows make it harder to accurately document changes caused by environmental or external factors over time. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How Drones Improve Pipeline Inspection

Drones can quickly cover extensive pipeline corridors while reducing unnecessary personnel exposure in hazardous terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Pre-planned and repeatable inspections increase the frequency and consistency of data capture. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Drone inspection data is easier to digitize, store, and share for ongoing maintenance tracking. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Thermal, zoom, and gas-sensing payloads support more targeted defect localization and safer leak response workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Recommended Products

DJI’s pipeline inspection page presents four core solution paths: a compact portable inspection workflow, a reliable higher-performance field workflow, a leak-detection workflow with interchangeable payloads, and a dock-based automated routine inspection workflow with DJI FlightHub 2. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

DJI Matrice 4T + DJI Pilot 2

Best for: Portable pipeline inspection, compact field deployment, automated inspection routes, and visible + thermal corridor checks

The Matrice 4T is positioned as a compact and portable pipeline inspection solution equipped with high-performance visible-light and thermal cameras. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
DJI highlights its lightweight form factor and ease of transport for field teams working across varied terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
It supports the DJI Cellular module for 4G-enhanced image transmission in complex urban or mountainous environments. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
The system supports fully automated and precise inspection routes so the drone can capture data along a designated path. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
DJI Pilot 2 supports waypoint-based mission planning and repeatable route execution for recurring inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Matrice 30 Series + DJI Pilot 2

Best for: Reliable high-performance inspection, rapid deployment, thermal abnormality detection, and precise defect pinpointing

The Matrice 30 Series is presented as a portable yet powerful inspection platform with up to 15 km flight range and ingress protection for harsh weather operation. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
DJI emphasizes high-resolution visual and thermal sensors, dual-control operations, and precise re-shooting support. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The aircraft is foldable, easy to transport, and can be deployed in about two minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
An integrated laser rangefinder helps pinpoint defects on the pipeline and acquire coordinates for targeted repair work. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Low-light mode and the integrated infrared camera support clearer inspection in dim environments. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

DJI Matrice 400 + Zenmuse H30 Series / Third-Party Gas Detection Payload + DJI Pilot 2

Best for: Leak detection, safe stand-off inspection, large-area corridor coverage, and advanced payload-flexible pipeline operations

The Matrice 400 is described as a dependable platform with interchangeable payloads tailored to different inspection and mapping tasks. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
When paired with a third-party gas detector, it enables teams to identify leaks that may not be visible to the human eye. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
DJI highlights real-time leak detection and pinpointing from a safer distance. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Longer flight times and extended transmission range help teams cover larger areas more efficiently. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
When paired with the Zenmuse H30 Series, the platform adds high-definition zoom, thermal imaging on H30T, and a laser rangefinder. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

DJI Dock 3 + DJI Matrice 4D / 4TD + DJI FlightHub 2

Best for: Automated routine inspection, remote repeatable missions, live visual or thermal monitoring, and centralized cloud-based pipeline inspection workflows

This dock-based workflow integrates DJI Dock 3, the Matrice 4D Series, and DJI FlightHub 2 for remote and repeatable inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
DJI states that scheduled automated visual or thermal inspections can be run while maintaining inspection quality through live streams in FlightHub 2. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Remote operations reduce pilot transportation time and improve personnel allocation and operational costs. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
The system is described as operable day or night and across varied weather conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
Centralized data management and analysis are handled through DJI FlightHub 2, with captured inspection results uploaded automatically after missions. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

Mining Survey

Drone-based mining survey helps teams optimize stockpile measurement and pit modeling with a safer, faster, and more accurate alternative to traditional surveying workflows. Aerial data collection improves coverage across large and hazardous mine sites while supporting repeatable data acquisition for 2D and 3D outputs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Drone Applications in Mining Survey

Stockpile Measurement
Use portable aerial survey workflows to collect regular orthomosaic and 3D model data for stockpile measurement, annotations, and volume analysis across multiple mine sites. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Pit Modeling
Capture repeatable survey data for open-pit areas and process it into DOM, DSM, point clouds, and 3D models for terrain interpretation and operational planning. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
High-Performance Surveying and Mapping
Use full-frame aerial mapping systems to improve large-area mine survey efficiency, reduce reliance on ground control points, and generate centimeter-level deliverables. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Traditional Challenges in Mining Survey

Mining survey environments are often remote and fraught with safety risks that threaten personnel safety. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Traditional ground-based survey methods are costly, time-consuming, and inefficient. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Ensuring consistent data quality through traditional survey methods can be difficult. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How Drones Improve Mining Survey

Swiftly cover vast and hazardous areas, streamlining data collection while improving personnel safety. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Reduce cost and improve efficiency with easy-to-deploy aerial data collection solutions. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Repeat data collection missions more consistently to support reliable data quality and accuracy. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Process outputs directly into DOM, DSM, point clouds, 3D models, measurements, and volume analysis workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Recommended Products

DJI’s mining survey page presents two core solution paths: a portable stockpile measurement workflow built around DJI Matrice 4E and DJI Terra, and a full-frame high-performance surveying and mapping workflow built around DJI Matrice 400, Zenmuse P1, and DJI Terra. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

DJI Matrice 4E + DJI Pilot 2 + DJI Terra

Best for: Portable stockpile measurement, single-pilot mine surveying, repeated terrain-following flights, and routine 2D / 3D mine-site modeling

The Matrice 4E is positioned as a portable surveying and mapping drone suitable for single-pilot operations across multiple mine sites. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Paired with DJI Terra, it can generate accurate 2D and 3D models while significantly reducing the need for ground control points. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
DJI emphasizes that the platform is portable, easy to operate, and easy to carry between mine locations. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
It is presented as reliable and accurate even at high altitudes, with real-time terrain following used to maintain a consistent relative height above mapped terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
The recommended workflow includes 2D map missions or waypoint missions, followed by Terra processing for DOM, DSM, point clouds, 3D models, annotations, measurements, and volume analysis. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

DJI Matrice 400 + Zenmuse P1 + DJI Pilot 2 + DJI Terra

Best for: Full-frame high-performance mine surveying, larger-area mapping, higher-efficiency photogrammetry, and centimeter-level deliverables

This setup is DJI’s full-frame high-performance surveying and mapping solution for teams that need greater coverage and higher-end image capture quality. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Matrice 400 is described as a reliable multi-purpose drone platform compatible with multiple payloads and demanding field conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The Zenmuse P1 features a 45 MP full-frame sensor, a global mechanical shutter, and Smart Oblique Capture to improve aerial survey efficiency and data quality. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
DJI states the workflow can cover 3 km² per flight at 5 cm GSD and generate accurate centimeter-level deliverables while significantly reducing ground control point requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
With DJI Terra, the workflow supports mission planning, processing for DOM, DSM, point clouds, and 3D models, plus downstream annotation, measurement, and volume analysis. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Offshore Facility Maintenance

Here’s a concise, industry-focused list of effective underwater drones (ROVs) suited for underwater mining exploration and offshore oil facility maintenance. These systems help engineering teams, offshore operators, and subsea maintenance crews improve underwater situational awareness, inspect critical assets more efficiently, reduce diver exposure, and support safer decision-making in harsh subsea environments.

QYSEA FIFISH W6 NAVI

Designed for maritime and open-sea environments, with precise navigation, enhanced hovering stability, and stronger suitability for offshore maintenance zones and exposed subsea operations.
Powerful propulsion and high-current stability help it work more effectively around offshore oil structures, coastal energy assets, subsea corridors, and dynamic ocean environments.
Modular design and multiple interface ports support quick component replacement and mission-specific configuration for survey, inspection, and offshore operational tasks.
Its maritime-oriented positioning makes it especially suitable for ocean-facing energy infrastructure, offshore approaches, and broader marine resource exploration support missions.

Best for:

✔ Offshore environment operations: platforms, subsea supports, exposed marine energy assets, and open-water survey zones
✔ Underwater mining support: seabed route checks, equipment approach surveys, and marine exploration work in less controlled conditions
✔ Offshore maintenance missions: stable inspection work in currents and open-sea operating environments

QYSEA FIFISH X1

Built for offshore and mission-grade work, with powerful propulsion, advanced stability, and high-precision inspection capability for demanding underwater industrial operations.
Supports non-destructive testing workflows, making it especially relevant for offshore oil facility maintenance programs where visual checks alone are not enough.
Direct power supply enables continuous 24/7 operation, removing normal battery-duration limits and making it better suited for long-duration subsea inspection and support missions.
QYSEA positions it around AI-based navigation, control, and measurement, alongside fast payload switching, high payload capacity, and strong current-holding performance.
This makes it the most specialized option here for intensive underwater mining support and offshore maintenance programs that need endurance, intelligence, and advanced tooling on one platform.

Best for:

✔ Heavy-duty offshore operations: demanding inspections around offshore energy facilities, subsea production systems, and industrial underwater assets
✔ Advanced subsea inspection and NDT: maintenance programs requiring more than standard visual observation
✔ Long-duration underwater mining support: continuous direct-power missions where uptime, smart control, and payload flexibility matter most