ADU 0746: How Do You Deliver Drone Videos to Realtors?

February 20, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about delivering drone videos to real estate agents. What are some of the strategies for marketing drone content? Which are some of the tools that you can use?

Because many realtors are not tech savvy, providing a YouTube page as a value add is a great idea. How do you establish a good review system for furthering engagement? Should you offer free services to clinch a deal? Which tools should you use for sharing content? How should you price your services? Tune in to hear Rob and Paul discuss all this and much more. We thank Ryan for the question. Fly Safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members. Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

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Timestamps

[04:02] Today we talk about delivering content to realtors
[06:30] How can you increase revenues and provide greater value to your real estate clients?
[07:34] Is it a good idea to build a YouTube page for your real estate clients?
[09:05] How can you ensure that you get paid?
[09:50] How can using Frame.io help you deliver content to realtors?
[11:05] Why should insist on any having any edit requests in written form?
[11:58] Which tools can you use to process payments? We talk about Square and Quickbooks
[13:05] Should you ask for advance payment from realtors?
[14:08] Is it okay to deliver free content in order to clinch a deal?
[14:32] Why should you set up a branded and unbranded page for your real estate clients?
[16:36] Is it a good idea to use Vimeo?
[18:46] Which tools can you use for sharing content with your clients?
[19:21] Tips for pricing your services

Tags: deliverable, drone, FAA, marketing, multirotor, quadcopter, Real Estate, Safety, uav, youtube

ADU 0745: Which Is the Best Place to Check for TFRs?

February 16, 2018 by narinder

Little-known Facts about TFRs that Every Drone Pilot Should be Aware of

In today’s episode we talk about Temporary Flight Restrictions or TFRs. Which is the best source to check for TFRs? Can you trust applications such as Skyward, Hover and Airmap?

We discuss the wisdom of going to the primary source to check for any TFRs. Are there automatic TFRs in place on events such as game day? Do TFR’s apply to the military also? What should you do in case of a drone crash? Tune in and find out. We thank Travis from Minneapolis for the question. Fly Safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

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Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT
Sign up for Drone U’s Subject Tracking Course in Phoenix – tinyurl.com/dronesubjecttracking

Timestamps

[03:11] Today’s question is about TFRs
[04:17] What is the best place to check for TFRs? Is it okay to use one of the various applications?
[05:07] Would there be flight restrictions in place on game day?
[05:57] Do TFRs apply to the military also?
[07:33] Whom should you call in case of a crash?
[09:33] How often does the FAA update TFR information on their site?

Tags: airmap, drone, FAA, Hover, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, temporary flight restrictions, TFR's, uav

Webinar Replay: Tips and Tricks to Build a Drone Mapping Business

February 16, 2018 by narinder

Originally Aired: Wednesday, February 12, 2018 at 7 pm EST

We field all queries related to the mapping industry in this 02.12.18 webinar. Paul starts off with a neat presentation which highlight some lucrative mapping applications. What are some of the applications of LiDAR? Can you use mapping in sports analytics? How about creating interactive maps and models for marketing?

We also showcase our past work which includes a baseball stadium and a hotel in Bora Bora among other things. We also discuss the best drones and cameras for mapping. Processing data is another topic that we delve into. Are there any good alternatives to Pix4D? Tune in and some great insights from Paul and Doug. Also, watch out for information that about our forthcoming in person training classes.

Timestamps

[2:25] Can you use drone mapping in gaming and sports analytics?
[3:46] What is photogrammetry?
[4:08] When was photogrammetry first used?
[6:06] Learn why drone mapping trumps over regular surveying
[6:32] Why do surveying boards tell drone pilots not to map?
[8:33] Why are drones being used on the job site?
[9:34] What are the different applications of drone mapping?
[10:43] What are some applications of LiDAR?
[13:28] Discussing the immense potential of drone mapping and modeling for sports
[14:47] What sort of issues will you run into if you attempt to map via a traditional approach?
[16:09] How do you get better data while mapping stadiums?
[16:42] An example of how great drone data should appear
[18:10] Using drone mapping to elevate your golfing experience
[20:30] Watch this client marketing video showcasing a stadium model created by Paul and Doug
[22:27] Can you use drone mapping for marketing? Paul shows an interactive map created for the Four Seasons in Bora Bora
[25:15] Which drone did Paul and Doug use for mapping Sloan Park?
[25:37] Can you show us the video and how it interacts?
[28:27] Which camera did you use to create this interactive model?
[28:53] Which are the different ways through which you can clean up a point cloud?
[29:19] What is the best drone for mapping?
[30:49] Would you prefer the X5S for mapping?
[30:58] When would you use a fixed wing drone over a multicopter drone for mapping?
[31:26] Should you use a GoPro for mapping?
[32:00] Is the X5S a good camera for mapping?
[32:14] What about the Phantom 4 Pro?
[32:39] Which apps do you use?
[32:49] Is the Yuneec H520 a good drone for mapping?
[33:11] Can you use the Karma for mapping?
[33:30] It is $2,200 for the panona. Is there a less expensive alternative?
[33:46] What is the benefit of using Pix4D?
[34:15] Is the P4P Plus usable?
[34:57] How is mapping used for gaming?
[36:20] Are you shooting RAW?
[37:26] How long does the Drone U offer last?
[37:33] Does the Pix4D run properly on the MAC?
[38:00] What do you think about Maps Made Easy?
[38:18] While using a P4P, what AGL are you flying when inside the stadium?
[38:43] I used the Mavic on the mapping course. And I had extra flight time and less detail.
[39:13] You can now add third party apps to the P4P Plus with the DJI App
[39:24] How many hours of mapping training?
[39:47] How could you use mapping for emergency response and search and rescue?
[40:37] Stay away from the Typhoon H. The last one I bought fell out from the sky and cut my dog
[41:07] Will CrystalSky work with Pix4D capture?
[41:13] Chad has a GCP question. What do you use to collect location data?
[41:55] Do you have anyone working with ag mapping and NDVI?
[42:25] Can you print a large format map of data from Pix4D?
[42:34] What about the 3DR with the Sony Camera?
[44:10] How much will the mapping course in Atlanta cost? How many spots left?
[44:37] Do you have a course in thermography?
[44:40] Does your training go over Pix4D?
[44:51] What in person class would you recommend for someone new to the industry and just starting a business? Paul shares information about Drone U Elite.
[45:30] Can you suggest key takeaways from the session?
[46:12] Any privacy issues with any other mapping apps for clients?
[46:37] Is the P3P good to use?
[47:19] Can you cover how to market yourself in the industry in the course?
[48:05] Can you give me intel on the Phantom 5?
[48:23] Can you get a P4P for $1,100?
[48:50] Do you have issues with the Pix4D Capture not taking our missing pictures?
[49:38] Can you open and demo one of these programs?
[52:10] What is your experience of working with SiteScan?
[53:04] Which drone should I use in windy conditions?
[54:02] Can you map using the Inspire1?
[54:43] When are you doing a class in DC?
[54:48] Are you doing a subject tracking class in Phoenix? You can sign up for the course by going here
[55:08] Can I map using the Mavic?
[55:39] Do you have a class on RTK?
[57:23] Does the X5 use the same lens as the X5S?
[57:38] What do you think about DroneDeploy?
[58:04] What about processing maps on AWS?
[59:01] Have you done any exporting to 3D for full color printing?
[59:38] Any plans for Washington State? What about Baltimore?
[59:46] Anything happening in Houston?
[60:27] Pix4D is $3,500 per year. Is there a more reasonable software solution that you can recommend?
[61:16] Are there any more member tickets for Atlanta?

ADU 0744: Which Is the Best Drone for Automotive Marketing?

February 15, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about drones for automotive marketing. Which is the best drone for this job? Can you shoot an automotive commercial using the Mavic Pro?

Our caller, Zac has an opportunity to shoot an automotive commercial. And he is considering the Mavic Pro. Does the absence of Atti mode on the Mavic affect shoot quality? Should he opt for the Phantom instead for automotive marketing? Tune in as Rob and Paul discuss the best drone for this job. Thanks to Zac for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[10:38]Today’s question is about automotive marketing
[12:21] How do renowned shows such as Top Gear shoot their commercials?
[13:07] Can you used the Mavic Pro to shoot an automotive commercial? Will the absence of Attitude mode affect the quality of the shoot?
[14:48] How does the Mavic compare to the Phantom? Which is the better drone for automotive marketing?
[16:03] Does the larger sensor size on the Phantom 4 Pro make a significant difference to your shoot quality?
[16:58] Paul shares information about the forthcoming subject tracking class in Phoenix, Arizona

Tags: commercial, drone, FAA, mavic, multirotor, p4p, Phantom, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0743: Can DJI’s Aeroscope Locate a Drone Flying in Atti Mode?

February 13, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about DJI’s Aeroscope. Can Aeroscope determine the GPS location of a drone flying in Attitude mode? Can this tracking solution by DJI interfere with drone flight?

Recently DJI came out with Aeroscope, a solution aimed at addressing safety and security concerns. So, how powerful is this remote identification system? Are there any systems that can control drone flight? Thanks to Ken for the question. Fly Safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[02:42] Today’s question is about DJI’s Aeroscope
[03:44] Can the Aeroscope track a drone flying in Atti mode?
[04:20] Can Aeroscope interfere with a drone’s flight?
[04:52] What are the capabilities of the Mesmer system?

Tags: aeroscope, attitude, attitude mode, DJI, drone, FAA, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, tracking, uav

ADU 0742: What Do I need to Know About the Part 107 Recency Exam?

February 12, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about the Part 107 recency exam. Will FAA make the recency test shorter and easier? Will the testing process be more streamlined?

Every two years drone pilots have to retake the Part 107. In this episode we discuss the likelihood of a practical test. Will there be new questions included in the test? We also talk about certification for larger drones. Do you need specific training to fly these larger drones? Tune in and also discover how Drone U can help you prepare for your recency exam. Thanks to Todd for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[06:06] Today’s question is about the Part 107 recency test
[07:10] Paul shares some information about the recency exam
[08:01] Will the FAA streamline the recency test?
[09:18] Will a practical test be a part of the new recency exam?
[09:32] Should there be certification for flying larger drones?
[11:30] We share some information about the LiDAR drone, Vapor 55
[11:42] Learn how FAA’s stance on maintaining visual line of sight is hindering the use of LiDAR drones
[13:54] Can you look up license information in the Airman’s registry?

Tags: drone, exam, FAA, multirotor, part 107, quadcopter, recency, Safety, uav

Webinar Replay: How to Shoot, Edit and Deliver Stunning Aerial and Ground Photos

February 12, 2018 by narinder

Originally Aired: Wednesday, February 02, 2018 at 7 pm EST

In this webinar, we have Vic Moss covering various topics related to Photography. Vic starts off by defining basic photography terms. He explains how playing around with ISO, white balance and aperture can affect your image. He fields various questions on these topics. He also discusses the equipment and editing software of his choice and provides his rationale behind using the same. Tune in to hear everyone’s favorite, Vic Moss provide some great practical insights which will help you provide a killer client deliverable.

Timestamps

[01:49] What is the main focus of today’s webinar? Vic clarifies that we are concentrating on the basics of photography rather than Adobe Lightroom
[02:55] Defining aperture
[03:45] Understanding the basics of ISO; what happens when you vary the ISO?
[06:06] What can varying exposure and exposure compensation do to your image?
[08:27] Understanding how to read a histogram
[09:35] Vic explains why it is always better to shoot in RAW rather than Jpeg
[11:30] Vic discusses the rule of thirds
[12:32] Introduction to white balance and auto white balance
[13:41] Is there a relationship between white balance and exposure?
[14:37] Do GoPro and Instagram have Crystal Sky support?
[15:48] I am having trouble with noise with the X3 camera shooting RAW and shooting sunsets. Any tips?
[16:33] Learn why Vic prefers the X3 over the X5
[18:02] My photos are too blue. Should I alter the white balance?
[18:34] Do you know anything about video editing?
[19:05] I have the X3. Should I upgrade to the X5 or the X7? I have a P4P. Is the P5 coming out?
[21:12] What would be your approach to capture a sunset in a downtown area?
[22:55] Does Vic recommend Crystal Sky?
[23:28] Do you use a grey card for white balance?
[24:44] What is your home network satellite?
[25:16] Which lenses would you recommend for the X5?
[26:06] Is the X5S good for mapping?
[26:16] Do you require balancing for videos?
[27:05] Will daylight waivers become a possibility anytime soon?
[27:35] Vic shares his experience with anti-collision lights
[30:07] Would you use the Mavic Pro for certain mapping jobs?
[30:27] Which lenses do you use when you shoot at night time?
[31:45] How did you get started with shooting architecture?
[33:01] Tips for finding gigs
[33:53] What about the PicoMax lights? They are expensive.
[34:53] How do the PicoMax lights fit on the Phantom 4 Pro?
[36:06] What does your shoot gig consist of?
[37:27] Do they interfere with Light Painting?
[37:57] Which glass lenses do you use?
[38:25] Vic shares his experience about shooting a oil fracking operation
[39:38] Which filters do you use when shooting stills? How do you do it?
[42:02] Which are some of the good filters that you can consider buying?
[43:22] Any tips for beginners? I have limited knowledge about photography
[43:57] Which filters do you use for the X5?
[44:37] Vic shows how you can edit an image using Capture One; does Vic using it over Lightroom?
[48:15] Learn why Vic recommends SkyLum and Luminar
[49:23] If you are already invested in Lightroom, should you consider switching?
[50:17] What are some of the recommended free editing software?
[51:31] Learn why sensors, and not pixels are what matter
[52:43] Vic explains the concept of an “Exposure triangle” by demonstrating the inter-dependency of ISO, aperture and white balance
[58:08] Do you use bracket exposures?
[59:55] When is DJI going to allow us to control the EV on the Auto Exposure Bracketing?
[62:11] How does your mindset change while shooting aerial shots as compared to ground shots?
[62:57] What is your take on HDR on AEB?
[64:00] Vic talks about the main lenses that he works with
[65:17] Are you forced to fix verticals?
[66:08] Is it easy to fix distortion in Capture One?
[68:06] Are there any non-brand lenses that you can use?
[69:11] Is lensrental a good option?
[69:19] Would a full frame sensor be a good step up in quality?
[70:20] Do you use Sony?
[70:41] What is the biggest that you would print using a X5S?
[71:43] X5 or X5S?
[71:56] What is the lowest DPI that you would print?
[73:20] Would you consider Sony over Nikon?
[75:23] Moss recommends Hightail for sharing content
[76:06] Vic explains how he removes noise using Noiseless CK

ADU 0741: Parachute for Drone | Will Flying Drone over People Become Possible in Future?

February 9, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about ballistic parachutes (parachute for drone) and how they just might make flying drone over people possible. We are joined by Alan Erickson from Indemnis.

The Nexus by Indemnis is a UAV recovery system that is designed to exceed future FAA safety standards. We learn about the origins of Indemnis. What prompted Alan and his co-founders to start Indemnis? What are the various issues that they ran into while designing Nexus? And how did they manage to tackle them? Is this ballistic parachute scalable to larger drones?

This risk mitigation product needs a 100% success rate so that safety of people on ground is not compromised. How is Indemnis ensuring that? Learn about the exhaustive testing and engineering standard that was developed in close collaboration with industry majors. Will this parachute drone make flying drone over people possible? Will you need any other accompanying accessories? We finally wrap up this very interesting episode by discussing pricing and a potential launch date. Tune in to this very special Drone U episode. Fly Safe!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:25] Paul introduces Alan from Indemnis
[01:00] Learn what led Alan and his co-founders to start Indemnis
[01:53] Alan discusses the high failure rate that he experienced with current safety systems
[02:45] Learn how the construction of Nexus, a ballistic parachute drone leads to a 100% success rate
[05:28] Is the Nexus scalable to larger drones?
[05:56] Will a parachute drone like Nexus lead to Part 107 waivers, and make flying drone over people possible?
[07:40] Learn about the extensive research and development backing Indemnis
[10:04] Do you need any other accessories to go along with Nexus, the parachute drone?
[12:46] When can we expect FAA to come out with their new guidelines?
[13:21] Learn how Indemnis ensures a 100% success rate
[14:21] Will you need to undergo training in order to obtain a flight over people waiver?
[15:25] Does the Nexus have a minimum deployable altitude?
[17:07] How will you integrate Nexus, the parachute drone?
[18:48] Alan updates listeners on pricing and a potential launch date
[20:42] Alan shares his contact information

Tags: drone, FAA, flight over people, parachute, quadcopter, Safety, uav, waiver

ADU 0740: International LiDAR Mapping Forum

February 8, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about the Internaional LiDAR and Mapping Forum. Drone U Chief Pilot Paul Aitken headed off to Texas to have a look at the latest innovations in LiDAR. He is joined by Josh Baker from Texas. Paul and Josh discuss their takeaways from this conference.

We talk about how aerial LiDAR is gaining in popularity over terrestrial LiDAR. However, there are certain factors that are hindering the rapid adoption of this technology. Is it really viable to commission multiple Visual Observers while working on large tracts of land? What about the huge barrier to entry? Are there any technological advancements that will lead to cost reductions and hence, wider access? How does LiDAR compare to photogrammetry in terms of accuracy and ease of use? Tune in to hear Paul and Josh discuss all of this and much more. Fly Safe!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:58] Discussing how aerial LiDAR assets are gaining prominence over terrestrial assets
[01:55] We discuss how maintaining visual line of sight is a big hindrance while mapping large tracts of land with LiDAR
[03:10] Is commissioning multiple visual observers a plausible solution for maintaining visual line of sight?
[04:11] Why are a lot of non industry folks taking a keen interest in LiDAR?
[05:10] Are we likely to see any cost reduction and hence, wider access to LiDAR?
[07:53] How does LiDAR compare to photogrammetry in terms of accuracy and ease of use?

Tags: drone, FAA, lidar, mapping, photogrammetry, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0739: Should You Use Propeller Aeropoints as Your Ground Control Points?

February 7, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about Propeller Aeropoints. Should you use Propeller Aeropoints as your ground control points? Is this a cost effective and efficient solution? Are there better alternatives that you can consider?

If you are doing drone mapping and modeling, you will have to use ground control points in order to create an accurate model. Because, our caller is considering Propeller Aeropoints, we discuss its various pros and cons. We discuss durability, cost and accuracy.

Reach RS, a RTK GNSS receiver by Emlid is another alternative that we discuss. How does the Reach RS compare to Propellor Aeropoints in terms of accuracy and cost? We also discuss the viability of purchasing a Trimble surveying system. Thanks to Eric for the question! Fly safe!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[01:27] Today’s question is about Propeller Aeropoints
[01:50] Discussing the need for a high level GPS system in your ground control points
[02:51] Are Propellor Aeropoints a useful tool while mapping?
[03:08] What are the pros and cons of Propeller Aeropoints?
[04:04] Will having an RTK receiver on the ground affect your signal, and hence accuracy?
[05:28] Is there a better alternative to Propeller Aeropoints? We discuss Reach RS by Emlid
[07:55] Would it be viable to use Trimble’s surveying system?