Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the outer surfaces of a building, structure, or vessel without placing at risk either people or large mechanical structures, or people and property at or near the base of the building, structure and vessel. The inspection is accomplished through the raising and lowering of a self-propelled, stabilized platform in proximity to the vertical exterior of the building, structure, or vessel, and recording, by video, digital, infrared and other means, the condition of the wall and correlating the position of the platform with actual locations on the exterior of the building. By eliminating the use of large mechanical devices, and people, suspended over the side of a building, structure and vessel, the inherent risks of such efforts are essentially eliminated.