CASE STUDY

Thermal drone inspection of an institutional campus in Kosovo

Client: Innovation and Training Park

Prizren, Kosovo | April 2026

The challenge

A major institutional campus in Prizren, Kosovo, faced rising energy costs and growing concerns about the thermal performance of its ageing building stock. The campus management team needed a systematic, non-invasive way to assess building condition across their portfolio and identify where heat loss, insulation failure, and moisture ingress were occurring, all without disrupting daily operations.

Our approach

Sky Topography Kosovo was engaged to conduct a proof-of-concept thermal drone inspection on selected buildings. The objective was to demonstrate the capability of radiometric thermal imaging to detect defects invisible to the naked eye, and to provide the management team with a clear, evidence-based assessment of building condition.

The inspection was conducted before sunrise under clear-sky conditions. Flying pre-dawn eliminated solar loading, ensuring every thermal signature in the data was caused by a genuine building defect rather than surface heating from the sun.

Findings

On the first building, the thermal data identified significant heat loss along the perimeter and at structural junctions, along with two areas of possible moisture ingress beneath the roof. The affected area represented a substantial portion of the total roof surface, indicating significant energy loss and a risk of progressive structural deterioration if left unaddressed.

The second building presented a thermally clean baseline, with only normal operational signatures from rooftop equipment. By confirming this building was sound, the management team could direct resources to the structures needing attention most urgently.

Client feedback

"The findings were very relevant and useful for us, especially considering our ongoing focus on infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency.

We truly value the professionalism of your work and the insights provided through the initial assessment."

Muhamed Rexhepi, Executive Director, ITP Prizren

The value delivered

The inspection provided precise thermal building scans across both buildings in a single session, with zero disruption to occupants or operations, giving the management team a clear evidence base for prioritising maintenance and supporting future funding applications.