Satellite vs. front photo: when to use each
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite tracing | Eaves and ridges seen from above, large homes, back sides | Sloped runs need pitch; tree cover can hide edges |
| Front-photo tracing | The facade the homeowner sees: gables, peaks, second-story eaves | Needs a clear view and a known reference like a garage door |
| Tape measure | Confirming footage on install day | Requires a site visit and a ladder |
Why pitch correction matters for lighting
From directly above, a sloped gable rake looks shorter than it is. A 6:12 roof is about 12% longer along the slope than it appears on satellite, and a 12:12 roof about 41% longer. LightingBid Pro applies the pitch you choose so rake and gable runs are counted at their true length.
Measure it. Show it. Win it.
Measure the roofline, show the homeowner their house lit up and send the estimate, all in one app. $50/month for 2 users after a 14-day free trial. $0 today.
Measurements you can quote from
In our own tests level eave runs measured within about 1% of tape, and a 16 ft garage door read 16.1 ft on the front photo. Results vary with image quality and obstructions, so the app includes a tape-measure check: enter the installed footage after the job and see your average error over time.