A Northmark aerial site survey uses drone imagery to document the condition of parking lots, truck courts, drive lanes, sidewalks and site features at commercial properties in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead. You receive a full overview of the site plus detail images of cracking, potholes, worn striping, drainage problems, damaged curbs and site fixtures, all dated, so paving budgets, snow plans and repairs are based on what is actually there.
Why parking lots need a bird's-eye view
Parking lots are large, flat and hard to judge from ground level. Walking a 300-space lot or a distribution center's truck court, it is easy to notice the worst pothole and miss the pattern: alligator cracking spreading from a low spot, ponding at a blocked inlet, striping faded across a whole section. From above those patterns are obvious.
Fargo–Moorhead paving faces specific stresses:
- Freeze-thaw cycles in late fall and spring open cracks and turn them into potholes
- Snow plows and piles scrape striping and damage curbs, and snow storage areas concentrate meltwater
- Spring melt reveals drainage problems quickly
- Heavy trucks at warehouses and dealerships wear drive lanes and dock aprons
What we document
| Feature | What imagery shows |
|---|---|
| Asphalt and concrete paving | Cracking patterns, potholes, patches, raveling, joint failures |
| Drainage | Ponding areas, blocked inlets, flow paths, erosion at edges |
| Striping and markings | Faded or missing lines, stall layout, fire lanes, directional arrows |
| Accessible parking | Location and visible condition of accessible stalls, aisles and signage |
| Curbs, islands and sidewalks | Damage, displacement, trip hazards visible from above |
| Site fixtures | Light poles, bollards, fencing, dumpster enclosures, signage |
| Truck courts and docks | Apron condition, trailer parking areas, drive lanes |
| Snow storage areas | Location, drainage, effect on paving and landscaping |
Paving terminology follows established usage such as the Federal Highway Administration's distress identification manual, so contractors and engineers can read our observations easily.
Uses for a site survey
- Paving budgets: prioritize sealcoating, crack sealing, patching or replacement with imagery instead of estimates from memory
- Contractor bids: give paving contractors the same imagery so their bids compare fairly
- Snow management planning: decide where to store snow so meltwater does not pond on paving or flood entries
- Accessibility review: see where accessible stalls and routes are and what they look like. Compliance determinations against U.S. Access Board standards should come from a qualified professional
- Lease and sale documentation: record site condition at a point in time
- Post-storm documentation: record damage to light poles, fencing and signage
Timing matters
Two survey windows are especially useful in this climate:
- Late spring, after snow is gone and melt is complete, shows winter damage and drainage problems clearly
- Late summer or early fall, before snow, is the time to plan sealing and repairs and to map snow storage
Many owners combine a spring site survey with a drone roof inspection in the same visit.
How we fly large sites
Large sites are flown in a planned pattern so imagery covers every area consistently. We schedule flights when the lot is as empty as possible, often early morning or on weekends, to see more pavement and avoid flying over people and vehicles. Many sites near Hector International Airport fall in controlled airspace, so we obtain FAA authorization where required.
Who uses site surveys
- Warehouses and distribution centers with truck courts and trailer parking
- Retail storefronts and shopping centers, where the lot is the first impression
- Office parks and medical campuses with large surface lots
- Dealerships with display and service lots
- Property managers documenting several sites
Combining with ongoing documentation
Site imagery becomes more useful over time. Adding it to regular property condition reports lets you watch cracks grow or confirm that a repair held. For active projects, see construction progress aerial documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a drone survey tell us how much paving work we need?
Imagery shows the visible condition and extent of distress. A paving contractor uses it to recommend treatments and estimate cost.
When is a good time to survey a parking lot?
Late spring, after snow melt, shows winter damage and drainage problems. Late summer or early fall is good for planning repairs before winter.
Do you check ADA compliance?
We document the location and visible condition of accessible parking and routes. Compliance determinations should come from a qualified accessibility professional.
Can you survey while the lot is in use?
We schedule for low-use times and plan flights to avoid people and moving vehicles.
Sources
Published · Updated · Northmark Facility Services.