If you have heard the term "aerial roof measurement report" but are not entirely sure what it means or whether you need one, this guide is for you. We will cover everything from the basics of what these reports are to exactly what data they contain and how to use them in your roofing business.
What Is an Aerial Roof Measurement Report?
An aerial roof measurement report is a professional document that provides precise, detailed measurements of any rooftop — generated from high-resolution satellite and aerial photography, without requiring anyone to physically access the roof.
The report gives you every measurement you would get from manually climbing and measuring a roof: total area, pitch angles, facet dimensions, ridge/hip/valley lengths, and waste factor. The difference is how that data is collected — from imagery already captured for virtually every property in the United States — and how fast it arrives: typically 6–8 business hours from when you place your order.
Simple definition: An aerial roof measurement report = all the data from a physical roof measurement, delivered to your inbox in hours, for a fraction of the cost — without anyone climbing the roof.
What Data Does an Aerial Roof Report Include?
A complete report from Satellite Reports contains all the information you need to write an accurate estimate, order materials, and document a job for insurance purposes:
📠Total Roof Area
The complete square footage of the roof, expressed in "squares" (1 square = 100 sq ft). This is the primary number for material ordering.
🔲 Facet Breakdown
Every individual plane of the roof measured separately, with dimensions shown on a labeled diagram. Critical for complex roofs with dormers or multiple levels.
📠Roof Pitch / Slope
The slope angle for each facet expressed as rise:run (e.g., 6:12). Determines labor rates, material quantities, and safety requirements.
📠Linear Measurements
Ridge, hip, valley, rake, and eave lengths in linear feet — everything needed for trim, underlayment, flashing, and gutter calculations.
â™»ï¸ Waste Factor
A suggested waste percentage (typically 10–15%) based on roof complexity. Ensures you order enough material without excessive over-ordering.
ðŸ—ºï¸ Color-Coded Diagram
A labeled overhead diagram of the roof with every facet color-coded and dimensioned. Included in the PDF report for easy reference on-site.
How Is an Aerial Report Generated?
The process uses a combination of high-resolution satellite imagery, low-altitude aerial photography, and advanced photogrammetry algorithms. Here is how it works:
- Imagery retrieval: Our system retrieves multiple high-resolution images of the property from various angles, typically captured at sub-foot resolution.
- 3D reconstruction: Algorithms analyze overlapping images to build a precise 3D model of the roof structure, identifying every facet, ridge, hip, valley, and edge.
- Measurement extraction: From the 3D model, all dimensions are calculated — area, pitch, linear lengths — and cross-validated for accuracy.
- Report generation: Measurements are compiled into a professional PDF with diagrams, tables, and labeled schematics.
- Delivery: The report is emailed to you within 6–8 business hours of your order.
Who Uses Aerial Roof Measurement Reports?
Roofing Contractors
The primary users. Aerial reports eliminate pre-bid site visits, allowing contractors to generate accurate estimates for multiple leads simultaneously. This is especially powerful during storm season when lead volume spikes beyond what field visits can handle.
Insurance Adjusters
Adjusters processing storm damage claims use aerial reports to document roof measurements for claim files. Major carriers increasingly accept — and request — professional aerial measurement as part of the claims process.
Storm Restoration Companies
Speed is the competitive advantage in storm restoration. A company that can deliver a professional, data-backed estimate within hours of a storm event — before competitors have scheduled a site visit — wins more contracts.
Property Managers
Portfolio-level management requires assessing many roofs without the expense of dispatching crews to every property. Aerial reports enable capital expenditure planning, maintenance scheduling, and contractor bidding across large portfolios.
General Contractors & Developers
During due diligence on property acquisitions, aerial roof measurement provides a fast, affordable way to assess roof condition and estimate replacement cost without coordinating property access.
Aerial Report vs. Manual Measurement: Key Differences
- Time: Aerial = 6–8 hours · Manual = 1–3 days
- Cost: Aerial = from $10 · Manual = $50–$200+ in labor and travel
- Safety: Aerial = no roof access · Manual = full climb required
- Accuracy: Aerial = 98%+ · Manual = 85–95% (variable by estimator)
- Scale: Aerial = unlimited simultaneous orders · Manual = crew-limited
- Documentation: Aerial = professional PDF with diagrams · Manual = handwritten notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to contact the homeowner to order a report?
No. You only need the property address. Our imagery is already captured — no homeowner coordination, property access, or scheduling required.
What format is the report delivered in?
Reports are delivered as professional PDF files via email. They can be printed, attached to proposals, or submitted directly to insurance carriers.
What if there is no imagery for my address?
Our database covers virtually all residential and commercial addresses in the United States. In the rare case that imagery is insufficient for accurate measurement, we will notify you and provide a full refund.
Can I order reports in bulk?
Yes. We offer volume pricing for contractors who regularly order multiple reports. Contact us at contact@satellitereports.com to discuss a volume plan for your business.
How to Order Your First Report
- Visit satellitereports.com/order
- Enter the property address
- Select your report type: Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, or Blueprint
- Complete checkout — starting at $10
- Receive your complete PDF report in 6–8 business hours
Not sure what to expect? View sample reports before ordering to see exactly what you will receive.
Ready to Try Your First Aerial Report?
Order in 60 seconds. Address only. Delivered in 6–8 business hours. Starting at $10.