Using Hosted Aerial Measurements to Improve Contractor Estimates

How Roofing, Concrete, and Earthwork Contractors Can Save Time, Reduce Waste, and Bid More Confidently

Accurate quantities are the foundation of every good construction estimate. Whether you’re pricing a roof replacement, a concrete slab, or rough grading work, small measurement errors can turn into costly material overruns, wasted labor, or change orders.

Today, aerial measurement technology allows contractors to base estimates on measured reality instead of assumptions — without slowing down the bidding process.

At FinBee TAC, all developed areas of Iron County are flown on a yearly or biannual basis. That data is hosted and maintained, allowing contractors to access up-to-date aerial measurements through a simple membership model rather than requesting one-off flights for every project.

Here’s how hosted aerial data and measurements support roofing, concrete, and earthwork contractors in practical, contractor-friendly ways.

Hosted Data: One Source of Truth for Estimates

Instead of chasing drawings, outdated imagery, or site visits, contractors can work from a central, hosted aerial dataset that is regularly refreshed.

With membership access, contractors can:

• View recent aerial imagery

• Measure square footage and distances

• Define slab, roof, or pad footprints

• Reference historical imagery when needed

Because the data is updated on a recurring countywide schedule, estimates are based on current site conditions, not assumptions.

Roofing Contractors: Fast, Accurate Takeoffs Without Roof Access

Roofing estimates often rely on ground measurements or manual calculations, which can miss geometry changes or additions.

Using hosted aerial data, roofing contractors can:

• Digitally trace roof footprints

• Measure square footage without climbing roofs

• Account for offsets, dormers, and complex shapes

• Order materials more accurately

This reduces time spent on site visits while improving bid accuracy — especially valuable when bidding multiple properties.

Concrete Contractors: Measured Pads and Reliable Quantities

• 
  

  Concrete work depends on accurate slab dimensions and volume calculations. Small errors in square footage can quickly turn into material shortages, over-ordering, or schedule delays.

  Using hosted aerial measurements:

  • Slab footprints are measured precisely

  • Total square footage is provided upfront

  • Thickness-based volume estimates can be generated quickly

  Example:

  • Measured slab area: 916.09 sq ft

  • Assumed slab thickness: 6 inches

  • Estimated concrete volume: ~17.0 cubic yards

  This information helps concrete contractors:

  • Plan concrete truck loads more accurately

  • Reduce material waste

  • Coordinate formwork, reinforcement, and labor

  • Avoid costly re-pours or short-load delays

  By starting with measured quantities rather than assumptions, contractors can bid with greater confidence and execute pours more efficiently.

  
  

Earthwork & Rough Contractors: Quantified Cut and Fill Before and After Mobilization

Earthwork estimating often carries the highest uncertainty, particularly on small to mid-size

projects.

Hosted aerial data supports:

• Defined grading areas

• Cut and fill quantities

• Net material movement estimates

With this information, rough contractors can:

• Determine if material import or export is required

• Plan equipment needs more accurately

• Reduce surprises once work begins

Access to recent aerial coverage from annual or biannual flights means grading decisions are made using current terrain conditions.

Membership Access Designed for Contractors

Rather than delivering static files, FinBee TAC hosts the aerial data and offers access through contractor membership options.

Membership access may include:

• Online access to hosted aerial imagery

• Measurement tools for area, distance, and volume

• Updated datasets as new countywide flights are completed

• Optional measurement summaries for estimating

This model allows contractors to:

• Use the data when they need it

• Scale usage across multiple projects

• Reduce per-project costs

• Work from a consistent, reliable dataset

  
  

Built on Ongoing Countywide Coverage

Because FinBee TAC flies all developed areas of Iron County on a recurring schedule, hosted data remains relevant over time.

This approach benefits:

• Contractors bidding multiple projects per year

• Companies working across different trades

• Firms that value consistent, repeatable data

All measurements are intended for preliminary estimating and material planning, helping contractors make informed decisions early in the project lifecycle.

Final Thoughts

Better estimates start with better information.

By hosting aerial data and offering contractor membership access, FinBee TAC provides a practical tool that helps roofing, concrete, and earthwork contractors work more efficiently — using data that is already being collected at a countywide scale.

If you’re a contractor working in Iron County and want access to hosted aerial measurements for estimating and planning, membership options provide a straightforward way to integrate this data into your existing workflow.