Dealing with Manned Pilots Ignoring Aviation Regulations

Today’s show is about dealing with manned pilots who are disobeying laws. What actions should a drone pilot resort to in this scenario?

Our caller, Paul, is a drone service provider in Arkansas. One of Paul’s pilots witnessed a manned aircraft flying below 400 feet. As you might know, manned aircraft are required to maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet as per the law. What should Paul do?

This is certainly an unusual situation that we have not discussed before at Ask Drone U. First of all, do regulations prohibit manned pilots from flying at low altitudes? Can manned aircraft get permission to fly at altitudes lower than 500 feet? Next, we discuss whether a Part 107 pilot will get into trouble for ignoring Part 107 rules in such emergencies. We also point out how altitude limits on drones will do little to avert a drone crash in such instances. Thanks for the great question, Paul. Fly Safe!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
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Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – www.buytickets.at/droneu

Timestamps

• [02:42] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Fortress UAV
• [04:23] Today’s question is about dealing with manned pilots who are flouting the laws
• [06:16] Can you become a good drone pilot by just clearing your Part 107?
• [07:31] What are the rules for manned aircraft?
• [08:27] Will a drone pilot get into trouble if he is following all Part 107 rules and a manned pilot crashes into him?
• [11:27] Can you ignore Part 107 rules in case of an emergency?
• [12:16] Can altitude limits on drones prove to be problematic in some emergencies?
• [15:42] What’s new at Drone U?

Originally Aired: Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 6 pm EST
Paul reveals some of the biggest problems that drone companies encounter when they attempt to start an enterprise-level, in-house drone program. From assembling a dream team to structuring a proper drone training to hiring a program manager, we discuss the various ways via which you can assure the success of your drone program. Tune in now!

Timestamps

DJI News – DJI announces steps to assuage data security concerns, Police Drones – Canadian Police builds a 200 drone fleet, Parachute Safety Systems – Glitches in Parazero?

Our first big drone news story this week is about the steps that DJI is taking to assuage data security concerns. As we have reported earlier, the US government has time and again expressed reservations about using Chinese-manufactured drones for government work. To address these concerns, DJI  will now manufacture “government-edition” drones that come with features like restricted hardware pairing and data transmission. Furthermore, DJI has also announced that they will start manufacturing drones in California.

Will these steps help DJI regain lost ground to find favor with the US government once again? Or, is this a case of too little, too late?

Our next big drone news story is about parachute safety systems. Parachute safety systems are deployed so that you can prevent damage to people and property in the event of a drone crash. However, according to recent reports, these safety systems are not free of glitches. You will learn about ParaZero Drone Safety Systems and the different precautions that you need to take while using this system.

Towards the end, we talk about drones being used for bridge inspections in South Carolina. What are some of the main benefits of using drones for inspection work? Other topics discussed include drone laws in Switzerland and drones for public safety. Tune in to our latest show now!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – www.buytickets.at/droneu

Timestamps

• [01:28] DJI makes some big announcements to assuage data security concerns
• [08:38] Will an American drone manufacturer step in to fill the gap left by DJI?
• [09:40] Iconic Swiss restaurant calls for a ban on drones
• [11:43] The Royal Canadian Mountain Police acquires a 200 drone fleet
• [13:11] Are there any glitches in the Parazero parachute safety system?
• [16:43] Drones being used for inspecting bridges in South Carolina

Certified Flight Instructors – Do We Need Them?

Today’s show is about certification for flight instructors in the drone industry. Can certified flight instructors help improve the quality of drone pilots?

Our caller, David from El Paso, has just started teaching a drone course at a local community college. David is wondering if certified flight instructors can result in better drone training and more skilled drone pilots.

Great question, David. Unlike the manned industry, there is no industry standard certification available for instructors within the drone industry. Often instructors get some meaningless certification that does little to test their knowledge. Among other popular certifications, we discuss at length AUVSI’s TOP program for drone operators and instructors.

As a commercial drone pilot, flying is not the only skill that you need to master. You also need to learn Part 107 Airspace and Part 107 Rules. So, what is the best way to get a well-rounded drone education? Tune in to find out. Thanks for the great question, David. Fly safe!

Planning on flying your drone after sunset? The Lume Cube STROBE, a lightweight and powerful anti-collision light helps you comply with FAA guidelines. Weighing just 10 grams and providing 360-degree visibility, this is the solution that you have been looking for. Check them out now! Use Coupon Code “DRONEU” to get an extra 10% off.

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – www.buytickets.at/droneu

Timestamps

• [02:11] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Lume Cube STROBE
• [06:33] Today’s question is about certifying flight instructors in the drone industry
• [07:18] Are drone flight instructors being “certified” by dubious institutes of little repute?
• [11:27] What about AUVSI’s TOP certification for drone operators and instructors of unmanned aircraft?
• [12:40] Should drone instructors have real-world experience?
• [17:56] Are there any industry standards for instructors of unmanned aircraft?
• [19:08] How did Google manage to get permission to make drone deliveries? Will this help formulate standard industry regulations?
• [22:58] Is AUVSI’s TOP certification endorsed by the FAA?
• [31:13] Is it difficult to learn Part 107 Airspace?

Are DJI Firmware Updates for the Phantom 4 Going Away? How Do I Avoid Firmware Updates If I Don’t Want to Upload Them?

Today’s question is about DJI firmware updates. Will DJI eventually stop rolling out firmware updates on the Phantom 4? And, how do you AVOID DJI firmware updates altogether?

Our caller, Murph from Massachusetts, owns a Phantom 4 V2. With the future of the Phantom series appearing uncertain at the moment, Murph is wondering if DJI will stop rolling out firmware updates. And if so, how will this affect the Phantom 4’s flight performance?

You need to use the best firmware that is free of bugs and gives desired flight performance. Unfortunately, DJI is known to force drone pilots to upload the latest firmware. In this show, you will learn some excellent Tips and Tricks to avoid a forced DJI firmware update. Towards the end of the show, we have some exciting news about the Phantom 4 V2. Thanks for the great question, Murph. Fly safe!

Also, celebrations are in order as Ask Drone U crosses 1,000 shows!!! A HUGE thanks to all our awesome listeners for their continued support.

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – www.buytickets.at/droneu

Timestamps

• [01:38] Drone U’s Vic Moss gets appointed to the Drone Advisory Committee
• [05:20] Today’s question is about dealing with DJI firmware updates on your Phantom 4
• [07:00] Is DJI resuming production on the Phantom 4 V2?
• [07:54] How can you stop automatic firmware updates on your drone?

Flying Your Drone at Night – Should I Apply for a Part 107 Daylight Waiver when FAA is reviewing its latest NPRM?

Today’s question is about flying your drone at night. Can we expect new drone regulations that allow night ops without a Part 107 daylight waiver anytime soon?

A Little Backstory…
In January 2019, Brendan Schulman from DJI released an NPRM (Notice for Proposed Rulemaking) draft which might make nights ops possible without filing for a Part 107 waiver. The commenting deadline for this NPRM ended on April 15th. As the FAA is working on formulating new drone regulations, our caller for today, Bob, is wondering if he should wait for these new changes to kick in. Or, is it better for Bob to go ahead and apply for a Part 107 daylight waiver?

Typically, is there a definite timeline attached to the NPRM process? Can we expect the FAA to allow night operations without a Part 107 waiver anytime soon? We reveal the best option for Bob in this short but informative show.

Towards the end, we share some nuanced information about the new Parrot Anafi Thermal drone. Thanks to Bob for the great question. Fly safe!

Check our instructional video, “Getting an FAA 107.29 Daylight Waiver so You Can Fly at Night“.

Looking for some great deals on drones? Our friends at Innovative UAS carry a variety of easy to pilot drones perfect for all skills levels. From the Tello to the DJI Phantom 4 Pro to the Inspire 2, you are sure to find the right drone to suit your needs. Check them out now!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [00:54] Thinking of filing a Part 107 Daylight waiver to fly at night? We have some excellent resources for you
• [01:17] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Innovative UAS
• [01:19] Today’s question is about getting your Part 107 daylight waiver to fly at night
• [03:50] Will FAA’s NPRM make it possible to fly at night without a Part 107 waiver? Is it prudent to wait?
• [05:04] Thinking of buying the Parrot Anafi Thermal drone? Listen to the pros and cons before making your purchase

DJI News, DJI Rumors, the all-new Robomaster S1, Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, Drone Regulations in Japan and much, much more…

Our biggest drone news story is about the all-new, DJI Robomaster S1. The Robomaster S1, an educational robot, priced at $499 is a ground-based drone that requires self-assembly. The Robomaster S1 is equipped with 6 sensors, has a top speed of 8 mph and can be programmed with Python and Scratch.

Our next big story is about the DJI Spark 2. Earlier we had reported that DJI was planning on launching a new and improved, DJI Spark 2 in July. However, the latest DJI rumors suggest that this release date has been pushed back. After news of the DJI Phantom 5 turned out to be a damp squib, this is certainly another letdown for drone lovers.

In our next drone news story, we talk about drone patents. Drone patents certainly give us an indication of market trends and remind us how some companies continue to dominate the drone industry. According to recently released data, DJI is the biggest filer of patents, by far. In fact, with more than 250 patents filed in 2017-2018 alone, DJI’s tally was more than that of Amazon and Google combined.

Other topics discussed include DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and drone regulations in Japan. Tune in to listen to the latest and most exciting drone news of last week. Fly Safe!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Try it for $1.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [02:29] Meet the all new DJI Robomaster S1
• [06:29] DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 limited inventory at Australian retailer Camzilla
• [07:51] Japan makes drinking and flying drones illegal
• [11.34] DJI flies 250 drone patents in 2017-2018
• [15:54] DJI rumors – DJI Spark 2 release delayed until further notice
• [20:23] Ask Drone U reaches 1000 shows!

Drones in Construction – How to Leverage the Power of Drone Technology for Construction Marketing

In today’s show, you will learn how to create a timelapse and hyperlapse using Pix4D. If you are a drone pilot with clients in the construction industry, this is a show you do not want to miss.

This show will be better enjoyed on video. Just scroll down to check it out.

Our caller, Chuck from California, just checked out ADU 0694, “How lucrative is 3D imaging? How much should I charge?“. In this show, we talked about the different opportunities for using drones in construction. From progression reports to drone surveying to construction marketing, today drones are being used across the entire project life-cycle. Chuck, in his question today, is specifically asking about construction marketing. What are the different ways via which you can create a timelapse and hyperlapse for a construction project?

Great question, Chuck. To answer this question, Paul fires up Pix4D and explains how you can create a smooth hyperlapse from a point cloud. What are some Tips & Tricks for showcasing a better-looking model? Right from recording video to merging different images in Final Cut Pro, we share the entire workflow in this detailed video. Towards the end, we also share how you can use Litchi for creating a hyperlapse. We hope you enjoy this episode! Fly Safe!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [02:23] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Fortress UAV
• [04:27] Today’s question is about creating timelapses and hyperlapses with point clouds using Pix4D
• [06:14] Paul explains the process of creating a timelapse and hyperlapse
• [07:15] How to turn on 3D textured mesh in Pix4D
• [08:31] Tips and Tricks for to showcase a better-looking drone model
• [10:36] Watch and learn how to create a video animation from a point cloud
• [12:40] Typically, how often do you need to record videos while creating a timelapse?
• [13:20] Does Pix4D work with MAC?
• [14:16] What should you set your “duration” to in Pix4D?
• [14:38] Which is the recommended motion for creating a clean looking hyperlapse?
• [16:06] Is it faster to create an animation using “user recorded views”?
• [19:54] How to leverage timelapse and hypelapse for construction marketing
• [20:10] Are there any timelapse software that you can use?
• [21:57] How to use transitions in a hyperlapse
• [26:12] How to use Litchi for creating a hyperlapse
• [34:53] Why are traditional surveyors wary of drone pilots offering surveying services?

What Are the Biggest Challenges Companies Have When Starting Their Own Drone Business?

In today’s show, we discuss some practical ways of overcoming some of the biggest challenges of building a beneficial enterprise-level drone program.

Often, organizations attempt to build enterprise-level drone programs without a well-thought-out strategy. Lousy hiring practices, inadequate training, and wrong drone equipment will result in wastage of both time and money. In this show, we reveal some BEST practices which will help you realize the maximum benefit from your enterprise-level drone program.

Whether you have an established drone program or thinking of starting one, this show has some nuanced information guaranteed to help you out. If you found this show interesting, do not forget to register for our upcoming webinar, “The Biggest Challenges in Starting a Drone Program & How to Solve Them to Scale Your Operations“.

Looking for some great deals on drones? Our friends at Innovative UAS carry a variety of easy to pilot drones perfect for all skills levels. From the Tello to the DJI Phantom 4 Pro to the Inspire 2, you are sure to find the right drone to suit your needs. Check them out now!

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

Follow us:
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [01:20] Learn about our upcoming “Solar Inspection Class” with Raptor Maps
• [05:11] Today’s topic is about creating an enterprise-level drone program
• [05:58] How to create an effective enterprise-level drone program
• [07:16] Five challenges that you need to overcome while building an enterprise-level drone program
• [08:03] Is flying an enterprise level drone vastly different from flying a consumer level drone?
• [10:56] Learn about our exclusive Drone U program for enterprise level customers
• [13:00] Planning to build an enterprise-level drone program? Do not miss our upcoming webinars
• [14:33] How to build a dream team for an enterprise drone program
• [17:45] As a leader, how can you help in team-building efforts?
• [21:54] Can older and seasoned employees learn to fly drones?
• [23:26] Some more hiring tips for organizations that are building an enterprise drone program
• [26:15] Should members of your drone team be solely focused on drone operations?
• [29:12] Agenda for our forthcoming webinar
• [30:37] Do not forget to check out our new Don’t Crash Course
• [36:17] A Special Thanks to our gracious sponsor, Innovative UAS

Drone Mapping Equipment Guide

In today’s show, we reveal the best equipment for professional drone mapping. From mapping drones to GPS units to drone mapping software, we reveal the best drone mapping equipment to help you get started in this business.

Our caller, Paul wishes to foray into precision drone mapping. From Phantom 4 Pro to Matrice 210 RTK, he is confused by the wide range of options. Apart from drones, Paul also needs help with purchasing the right accessories in order to get started.

Wrong drone mapping equipment means that your business is doomed for failure even before it starts off. To help Paul out, we first discuss the different mapping jobs that a drone pilot can take up. From simple 3D modeling to precision drone mapping, we discuss equipment requirements across the gamut.

First, we reveal how you can select the correct mapping drone by accurately assessing job requirements. Should you opt for a fixed-wing drone? Or, will a multirotor suffice? We segment drone mapping into 1) Conservative and 2) Advanced, and reveal the best drone for each workflow. Next, we talk about drone mapping software. Is Pix4D the gold standard of drone mapping? Is Bentley’s ContextCapture a good alternative?

You will also learn about the best accessories for drone mapping. We discuss RTK and PPK GPS and reveal their pros and cons. Can you make do with the cheaper PPK GPS technology? Or, do you have to invest thousands of dollars in an RTK GPS unit in order to take up precision drone mapping jobs? This segment of the show will be particularly interesting to professional drone mappers who are looking for some cost-effective options. We discuss how you can best incorporate the Leica Viva GS16 and Propeller Aeropoints into your mapping workflow.

This show is loaded with some excellent Tips & Tricks. Thanks for the great question, Paul. Fly Safe!

List of Drone Mapping Equipment

1. RTK GPS Unit: Leica Viva GS16 GNSS RTK Rover
2. PPK GPS: Propeller Aeropoints
3. Best Drone for Conservative Mapping Workflow: Phantom 4 Advanced
4. Best Drone for Advanced Mapping Workflow: Phantom 4 RTK
5. The Ultimate Comprehensive Guide to Drone Mapping, Acquisition & Processing Software
6. Drone U landing pad

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Timestamps

• [01:23] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Fortress UAV
• [02:38] Today’s question is about the best drone equipment and workflow for  mapping
• [04:02] Are you buying the wrong equipment for your drone mapping business?
• [06:08] Can you use drones mapping for marketing?
• [09:00] Watch and learn how to lightpaint using Lume cubes
• [09:28] Typical hardware and software needed for drone mapping
• [10:27] How can the Drone U landing pads help you acquire drone mapping data?
• [11:26] RTK GPS vs PPK GPS – Should you use Propeller Aeropoints for drone mapping?
• [14:05] Drone U Recommended RTK GPS unit
• [15:10] Can you rent RTK GPS units?
• [16:05] What is the data processing workflow for Propeller Aeropoints?
• [18:15] Which is the best drone for mapping?
• [18:29] Which is the best fixed wing drone to map large tracts of land?
• [19:30] Should you use the Mavic 2 for drone mapping?
• [20:20] Is the DJI M210 RTK a good choice for drone mapping?
• [25:13] Learn about our forthcoming mapping classes
• [30:35] What is the best drone mapping workflow for advanced mappers?
• [32:49] 3 things that affect ground sampling distance
• [34:12] Phantom 4 Pro vs Phantom 4 RTK – Which is better for drone mapping?
• [34:40] Check out our comprehensive drone mapping guide
• [35:15] ContextCapture vs Pix4D – Which is the better drone mapping software?