ADU 01095: How Do I Accurately Price A Drone Mapping Job?

April 9, 2020 by narinder

Pricing Strategies for Drone Mapping Professionals

Today’s question is about pricing a drone mapping job. What variables do you need to consider so that you don’t end up underbidding and losing money?

In today’s show, Paul and Rob join us from an awesome Netflix movie set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is the location of our forthcoming Drone U Fly-In which we had to postpone due to the virus outbreak.

Today, we reveal pricing strategies for drone mapping professionals. We start this show by discussing the basics. What are some common mistakes the drone mappers make when bidding for a job? Can you come with a pricing formula so that you can accurately estimate your efforts and costs?

Topics discussed in today’s show include fixed and variable costs, equipment amortization, and accurately estimating the processing time for your mapping deliverable.

Towards the end, Paul reveals his favorite (and most profitable) mapping deliverable. This is a show you do not want to miss. Tune in now!

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Timestamps

[01:32] Today’s question is about pricing your drone mapping jobs
[02:52] Let’s start with the basics – be aware of these facts so that you don’t underbid and lose money
[07:04] How to vary your pricing according to your deliverable
[07:15] Can you come up with a pricing formula?
[11:38] What is Paul’s favorite (and most profitable) mapping deliverable?
[13:30] Variables that you should consider while pricing your drone mapping job
[15:43] Paul shares that creating an orthomosaic for a fairground using Pix4D React can be incredibly lucrative

Tags: drone, drone business, drone mapping, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 01094: Why is Pix4D Such a Great Drone Mapping Software?

March 27, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about Pix4Dcapture.

Our caller for today, Chris thinks that Pix4Dcapture is a “piece of garbage”. Somehow, he is unable to load a Pix4Dcapture mission to his drone, a Mavic 2 Pro. Now considering that we are swear by Pix4Dcapture, Chris wants to know why this mapping software is running into glitches.

Well, Paul shares some basic mistakes that Chris is making which are causing him all these issues. Next, we dive a bit deeper to reveal why Pix4D is the gold standard of drone mapping software. We also love Maps Made Easy, and share how this compares to Pix4Dcapture. We hope you enjoy this show. Tune in now!

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Do you wish to learn from world-class pilots with real world experience? This could be your chance. The Drone U Fly-in Challenge will be held from April 4-5 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These unique drone games are designed to test your flying ability as you will be asked to complete carefully designed flight missions that mimic real-world scenarios. Don’t miss the chance to participate in the BIGGEST and BEST drone event of the year. Limited Spots Available! Book Now!

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Timestamps

[01:50] Work on your drone skills and make good use of this downtime. Check out our Live Classes now!
[02:28] Looking for some effective ways to scale up your drone business? Sign up for our very first Business Mastermind session!
[03:00] Today’s question is about Pix4Dcapture
[04:56] Can I build a mapping business with the Mavic 2 Pro?
[08:00] Does Pix4Dcapture work with Mavic 2 Pro?
[10:28] Is Pix4D the gold standard of drone mapping?
[10:35] How does Maps Made Easy compare to Pix4D?
[12:08] Where is Chris possibly going wrong?

Tags: drone mapping, drone mapping software, pix4d, UAV mapping

ADU 01093: Can You Use Someone Else’s Demo Reel To Market Your Own Business?

March 26, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about using someone else’s demo reel.

Our caller for today, Eric from New Hampshire has come up with a rather interesting question today. Eric, a new pilot is in a hurry to kickstart his new drone business. He wishes to know if he can use an experienced pilot’s reel to acquire new clients. What if Eric is upfront with his prospective clients about the reel’s creator? And, what if he Eric manages to get permission from the pilot who shot the reel? Is it still morally incorrect? Would this hurt the commecial prospects of the pilots who originally created the footage?

Regular ADU listeners might guess Paul’s stance on this issue. Paul has made a name for himself in the drone industry after years of hard work and learning. And this is an issue that he has dealt with on a regular basis. In today’s show we discuss why it is impossible for a new drone pilot to exactly replicate the work of his more experienced peers. We share some of the variables and complexities that drone pilots regularly deal with. With hundreds of things that can go wrong, listeners will learn why it is best for Eric to create his own demo reel.

We hope you enjoy this show! Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[04:57] This is show is brought to you by Drone U Live Classes
[07:43] Today’s question is about using another pilot’s demo reel
[09:03] Is it morally incorrect to use someone else’s demo reel?
[13:31] Can you recreate a demo reel shot by a pilot with years of practice and learning?
[13:54] Is okay to use a demo reel after getting permission from the creator?
[20:42] What is the commercial fallout of using someone else’s demo reel to market your own business?
[23:51] Expert tips for creating a stunning demo reel

Tags: demo reel, drone, uav

ADU 01092: Do I Have to Be Certified or Licensed to Use Thermal in My Drone Business?

March 25, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about using thermal in your drone business.

Our caller for today, Gabriel’s question wishes to use thermal in his drone business. Thermology is an incredibly complex and nuanced field. So, Gabriel is wondering whether he should consider getting a thermology certification. And is a thermology certification mandatory if he wishes to work with marquee clients in certain niche industries?

Excellent question, Gabriel. FLIR, the world’s largest manufacturer of thermal cameras is offering a thermology certification. Other than FLIR, there are some other options also than Gabriel can consider. Additionally, can a certification prove to be a safeguard against professional liabilities? For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now. Thanks for the great question, Gabriel. Fly Safe!

If you enjoyed this show, you might want to check out our “Intro to Thermology” course with Jon McBride.

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Timestamps

[03:38] Wish to improve your drone skills in this downtime? Sign up for our forthcoming webinars now!
[04:03] Which is the best computer for drone mapping?
[04:40] Learn the nuances of drone mapping, and scale up your business; Sign up for the Drone Mapping Bootcamp now!
[05:43] Today’s question is about getting a thermology certification
[06:52] Is it mandatory to get a thermology certificate? Is there any industry standard as far as a thermology certification is concerned?
[10:07] "]Can you better protect yourself against liabilities if you have certification?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWHJ7gD4kcI&feature=youtu.be

Tags: drone, drone thermography, thermal mapping, uav

ADU 01091: Expert Tips for Shooting Stunning Aerial Videography Using Drones

March 24, 2020 by narinder

Today’s show is about is about creating the best possible aerial videography for your clients.

Our caller, Matthew is a journalist and photographer keen on improving his aerial videography skills. He is looking for some expert tips so that he can create aerial footage that perfectly caters to his target demographic. On a technical level, Matthew has some specific questions about color grading, shot placement, and jump cuts.

To answer this question, Paul shares his own experience of shooting drone footage for some of his marquee clients. From figuring out your client requirements to editing your drone footage correctly, you will learn a lot in this today’s show. Thanks for the great question, Matthew. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[03:17] Today’s question is about making the best aerial videography deliverable
[05:00] Paul shares his aerial videography workflow
[05:37] Expert tips for shooting high-end real estate
[08:00] Paul shares his editing workflow for luxury real estate
[08:10] How to shoot drone footage that helps sell real estate faster
[08:54] Should you always shoot in manual mode?
[09:17] How to ensure smooth transition
[10:22] How to shoot aerial footage that caters to your target demographic
[12:48] How to pick the right background music for your drone footage
[17:48] Is it a good idea to walk a property with a realtor?
[20:30] How to synchronize your video with your background music?

Tags: aerial videography, drone, drone videography, multirotor, uav

Drone News: DJI Mavic 2020, COVID & US Drone Ban

March 22, 2020 by narinder

New DJI drone, the DJI Mavic in summer 2020, the impact of coronavirus on the drone industry, how drones are helping contain the pandemic, drones being used to kill pests in remote islands in New Zealand, drones for protecting surfers in Australia

In today’s drone news, you will get a sneak-peek of the all-new DJI Mavic. Chinese drone pilot, OsitaLV released some images of this new DJI drone on his Twitter account that many wrongly presumed this to be the DJI Mavic Air 2. We have learned from reliable sources that DJI is planning on releasing this new drone, the DJI Mavic in summer 2020. Tune in to get more specs and pricing details.

Our biggest story this week is about the coronavirus pandemic and its crippling effect on the drone industry. Apart from industry leader DJI, even American manufacturers like Skydio and Impossible Aerospace are affected because they are using spare parts manufactured in China. As production lines of drone manufacturers have been disrupted, listeners will also learn how many new drones like the Autel Evo 2, DJI Mavic 3, and the new DJI Mavic have been delayed. Certainly, this is a trying time for the entire drone community. But instead of giving in to panic and overwhelm, we urge you to utilize this downtime efficiently. Drone U is coming out with some comprehensive online classes guaranteed to give you the competitive edge.

Other topics covered in today’s show include the US ban on Chinese drones, using drones for Good in New Zealand and Australia and a drone crash in North Carolina. For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now!

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[00:33] How is the Corona virus affecting drone businesses across the United States?
[02:28] Is social distancing resulting in more drone business for some niche applications?
[03:57] Stuck at home due to Covid 19? Make the most of this downtime by learning from our online classes
[05:08] Drones being used to broadcast messages, making drone deliveries and spraying disinfectants to contain the Corona virus
[07:49] A United States executive order could possibly ban all drones with Chinese parts
[13:00] Public safety agencies in North Carolina loses a $27,000 DJI in the ocean due to lack of operational planning and poor flight preparedness
[20:08] New DJI Mavic in summer 2020?
[23:29] Drones for Good – How drones are being used to save surfers in Australia
[27:13] How some companies with vested interests are supporting remote ID
[29:16] Drones for Good – New Zealand uses drones to kill pests on offshore islands
[31:28] Two individuals dropping contraband’s inside a NJ prison using drones could be slapped with a 5-year prison term and $100,000 fine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Q1Lv0Wfyk&feature=youtu.be

Tags: coronavirus, dji mavic, dji mavic air 2, drone, quadcopter, uav

ADU 01090: I Flew a Mapping Mission at Two Different Elevations. Can I Still Get An Accurate Topo?

March 19, 2020 by narinder

Today’s show is about drone mapping at different elevations.

Our caller for today, Rajeans accidentally flew a construction project at two different elevations. Can she use a data-set with a weighted average to build an accurate drone map? Or, is it best for Rajeans to re-fly the mission?

Great question, Rajeans. We start this show by explaining the basics of drone mapping in simple terms. You will learn about Ground Sampling Distance and how to correctly mark Ground Control Points (GCP’s). Next, we reveal the best approach for Rajeans, and share some expert drone mapping tips to help her out. Tune in for some excellent insights!

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[01:08] What is Ground Sampling Distance? Paul explains in simple terms
[03:53] Today’s question is about mapping at different elevations
[04:57] Is it okay to use a data-set with a weighted average?
[06:10] Are you using Terrain Awareness to map an area with varying elevation?
[09:05] Is is better for Rajeans to refly the mission?
[10:40] Paul explains why you should always shoot some extra natural markers when you shoot your GCP’s

Tags: drone, drone mapping, FAA, quadcopter, Safety, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 01089: How to Protect Your Drone Business During the Coronavirus Scare

March 19, 2020 by narinder

What steps should drone pilots take to sustain their businesses during these tough times? While it is important to remain healthy and safe, you should also avoid giving into to overwhelm and panic and use this downtime judiciously.

We, at Drone U shall be livestreaming some of our classes to help you hone your skills in these uncertain times. Additionally, we share how the ongoing situation might create a demand for drone services in some niche sectors. If you are interesting in learning more about this topic, check out our blog post, “What If Drones Could Help Stop the Coronavirus? “. We also reveal our plans for the Drone U Fly-In which is being held on April 4-5.

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

This week was full of side effects from increasing my Modafinil dose. It’s wasn’t much fun at all (obviously), but I did manage to make it to an appointment for the first time in a few weeks which was great, and overall the side effects didn’t get me down too much. I am quite surprised you got those side effects. Did your concentration level raise? Did you get any positive effect with Moda? Armodafinil is the same as Modafinil. Instead of 200 milligrams is only 150 mg of modafinil. Modafinil is a eugeroic -wakefulness promoter- with a reputation as a smart drug that keeps you awake and gives you incredible focus. But is it worth it? I explore some of the common – and less common – side effects that you may experience on Modafinil. You can find modafinil here https://www.keystonevacationsoregon.com/blog/modafinil/.

Timestamps

[02:10] How can drone pilots generate profits during the coronavirus scare
[05:06] Stuck at home due to the virus? Drone U is livestreaming classes to help you develop your drone skills and grow your business
[10:27] In the wake of the coronavirus scare, what are our plans for the Drone U Fly-In?

Tags: coronavirus, drone, drone business, multirotor, quadcopter, uav

ADU 01088: What Do I Need to Know About Mapping At An AGL of 1500 Feet?

March 18, 2020 by narinder

Hardware and Software Requirements for Mapping with a DJI M600

Today’s show is about drone mapping at 1500 feet AGL.

Our caller for today, Renza is calling all the way from Australia. Renza wishes to fly the M600 at 1500 feet AGL for some complex mapping missions. What software and hardware does he need to build accurate drone maps and models? Additionally, does he need to incorporate any additional steps into his workflow?

This is a great question, Renza. We start off this show by comparing large multirotors to fixed-wing drones. Are there any advantages to using a M600 over a fixed wing drone like Wingtra? Next, we reveal how the hardware and software that Renza will need to fly such heavy loads at 1500 feet AGL. We wrap up this show by sharing some expert drone mapping tips. Tune in for some excellent insights!

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[02:27] Today’s question is about mapping at 1500 feet AGL
[03:40] Large multi-rotor vs fixed wing – Which is the best option for you?
[04:51] What are some advantages of using a multirotor like M600 to carry heavy payloads?
[05:58] Do you need a separate transmitter and receiver to go with the M600 Pro?
[06:40] Can you use DJI GSPro at an elevation of 1500 feet?
[07:14] How to change the flight limit for a DJI M600 when flying in the United States
[10:50] How to automatically trigger your camera on the DJI M600
[11:18] Expert tips for building accurate drone maps and models
[11:50] What is an acceptable climb rate while you are flying really heavy payloads?

Tags: dji m600, drone mapping, Safety, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 01087: Which is the Best Construction Drone Under $3,000?

March 16, 2020 by narinder

I have a $3K Budget, and I wish to offer my UAV services to construction companies. Which is the best and most versatile construction drone?

Today’s show is about construction drones.

Our caller, Mike has been practicing with his Phantom 4 for a month now. Mike is eager to offer his drone services to construction companies and has set aside $3,000 to set up his drone business. How should Mike utilize these funds so that he gets maximum bang for the buck? Is Phantom 4 the best construction drone for Mike?

Great question, Mike. From generating progress reports to creating 3D maps and models, usage of construction drones is certainly an immense value proposition. But, is it possible to set up a drone business with a $3K budget? We reveal the best approach for Mike. In today’s show, we discuss popular DJI drones like Mavic 2 Pro, Phantom 4 Pro, and the Inspire 2. We also recommend some drone accessories that Mike should consider investing in. Thanks for the great question! Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[05:26] Today’s question is about construction drones
[06:38] What is the best construction drone for photography? What if you are flying in windy conditions?
[07:46] What about action sports? Which is the best drone for shooting action sports in extremely difficult conditions?
[08:35] Which is the most versatile construction drone that is great for videography, photography as well as mapping?
[11:33] Can Mike set up a drone business with just $3,000?
[13:30] How to set up a successful and sustainable drone business
[14:47] How self-awareness can help you scale up your business
[16:24] Use this coupon code to get a special discount on our Flight Mastery class!
[18:32] Paul recaps this show