Evaluation of Roof Surface Temperature Distribution Using a Drone

Abstract

To evaluate the temperature distribution of a roof receiving sunlight, we investigated a measurement method using a drone equipped with thermography. Since the number of pixels and shape of the contour of the captured roof images depend on the angle at which the photograph is taken and flight altitude of the drone, we standardized images into the same coordinate system by placing positioning markers on the roof before image capture. The visible image and temperature data for the roof were projective transformed. Differences in temperature measured by thermography and thermocouples attached to the roof were within the temperature accuracy range of thermography. Changes in roof surface temperature could also be measured by a thermograph mounted on a drone. We confirmed differences in temperature distribution among roof materials and part types, in part due to the uneven surfaces of the roof tiles.