ROCKLAND, Maine — A small drone was flying over the Knox County Courthouse Thursday afternoon but it was not in pursuit of a criminal suspect.
The approximately 2-foot diameter drone was being used by Building Envelope Specialists of South Portland to determine the condition of the courthouse building. The county had contracted with the firm to assess the building.
BES President Scott Whitaker said that the drone would take high-resolution videos of the building at angles and heights that would be difficult otherwise. The pictures can show, for example, whether there are areas where water can leak inside.
The drone cost $2,500 but he said it was a worthwhile investment. Renting a motorized lift can cost $1,200 per day. Putting scaffolding around the entire building also would have been more expensive.
The drone was purchased six weeks ago by the company. The machine can go as high as 400 feet and can be controlled by a hand-held remote from as far as 1,000 feet away.