Review construction progress with satellite imagery
Use dated external observations to prepare construction progress questions, focus follow-up and maintain a clear project review record.
A construction portfolio review needs to explain what is known about each project and what requires follow-up. Dated satellite imagery can contribute an external view of the site alongside project reports and inspection evidence.
The value is a more focused conversation. A visible difference can help the team ask about a particular area or stage of work. An unclear or unchanged image should not be treated as proof of delay or completion.
Define the external work you want to review
Choose a question that the available view could help answer. The team might want to compare an apparent building footprint, review changes in a work area or understand visible activity around site access.
Keep the question separate from a contractual milestone. A roof visible from above does not establish that the building is complete, and an external image cannot confirm interior finishes or building services. Use the appropriate project evidence for those decisions.
Align the dates with the project record
Record the image capture dates and the period covered by the progress report. An image captured before the reported work cannot verify its later completion. A recently accessed image may still be an older observation.
Keep weather and visibility in the assessment. Planet's documentation notes that cloud filtering at scene level can leave unsuitable frames. A calendar schedule does not guarantee comparable views of every project.
Compare the relevant area
Check that the images cover the same site and that the feature of interest is visible in both. Record apparent changes in plain language. Avoid turning a visual impression into a percentage-complete estimate without an appropriate validated method.
An illustrative example is a report describing exterior work while the latest usable image predates that work. The sensible next step is to request current project evidence. The image cannot confirm or contradict something that happened after it was taken.
If later imagery appears inconsistent with a report, identify the specific observation and ask for clarification. There may be a difference in dates, scope or the part of the site being described.
Prepare a useful follow-up request
Give the project team the location, image date and exact question. A request to clarify the status of a visible work area is more useful than a general instruction to “verify progress”.
Record which evidence is needed: current photographs, the relevant project record or an inspection by the responsible professional. Satellite observations support the enquiry; they do not certify draw eligibility, workmanship or compliance.
Maintain a consistent portfolio record
For each project, keep:
- The question being reviewed.
- The report period and usable image dates.
- The external observation.
- What remains unknown.
- The follow-up owner and required evidence.
- The resolution when the response has been reviewed.
This gives portfolio teams a consistent way to discuss progress without pretending every project can be observed at the same level of detail.
GeoSpectre helps users detect and assess physical features and changes using imagery and supporting information. Explore the product, or book a demo to discuss your construction review requirements.
Related guides
- Monitor site changes across a property portfolio
- Review collateral property observations between appraisals
Key takeaways
- Define an observable external question for each project.
- Compare image dates with the period covered by project reports.
- An image does not certify completion, workmanship or draw eligibility.
- Request specific evidence and retain the resolution.