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Each tile on the Hivemapper Studio map has a price. You can map one tile and earn a little, or map a few thousand and earn far more! By Ishveena Singh Since maps are expensive to produce, the companies that make them cannot update them as frequently as they would like to. But if the general public were to be mobilized to become a part of map creation, continually updating a more dynamic and accurate global map could become a painless process. This is the vision that set out geospatial startup Hivemapper on a quest to build an intelligent, global decentralized mapping network with the help of drone pilots and dashcam users. And now, the mapmaker has decided to provide a financial incentive to drone operators who capture aerial 3D imagery for its mapping platform Hivemapper Studio. How does Hivemapper Studio work? What Hivemapper Studio does is that it breaks the world up into hexagon-shaped tiles — 0.1 sq km per tile. Each tile has a price, and some areas are more valuable than others. Preferred locations are displayed as gold tiles on the map and can fetch you $2 per tile. Silver tiles are priced at $0.50 each. Once you have selected the tiles that you would like to map, Hivemapper Studio generates automated flight paths for your drone to follow. This step is important because not only does it simplify the data collection process for drone pilots, but it also ensures contiguous coverage of the area with high-quality data. Upload the aerial footage onto the platform and you get to earn the financial reward associated with it, besides seeing your Hivemapper username displayed on the map, practically marking your ownership of the same. Now, it should be noted that map pricing is dynamic. Events like hurricanes, fires, and construction may create opportunities to earn more. For example, if a hurricane is expected in a region, insurance companies and first responders could put up an urgent request for an updated map, pushing up the price per tile in that region. The good news is that Hivemapper has not put any cap on how many tiles you can map – it could be 1 tile or 100,000 tiles, totally depending on your ease and flexibility. Beta users, who have clocked more than 1,000 tiles on the map, call the platform ‘Pokemon Go for Pilots’ – because that’s how fun it is! Hivemapper is operational in more than 80 countries across the globe and you can explore which areas need to be mapped by clicking here. The company says its collectors have inventoried nearly 9,000 sq km around the world, and the scale of the map is growing 50 percent month over month. As Ariel Seidman, Founder and CEO of Hivemapper, explains, “It is as simple as mapping the world while you move about it – whether that is in your car on your morning commute or while you’re flying your drone. A crowdsourced map breaks us free from Big Tech control and the traditional way of mapping, to better serve and benefit everyone, particularly digitally-enabled companies that need accurate data to safely, sustainably and efficiently run their business.” Ishveena Singh is a versatile journalist and writer with a passion for drones and location technologies. In the last 12 years, she has worked with both mainstream media organizations (Miami Herald International, Times of India, Microsoft MSN) and dedicated geospatial technology media (Geospatial World, Geoawesomeness). With a deep understanding of content marketing and social media, Ishveena also helps private companies (DJI, Aerodyne Group, Terra Drone Corporation) to generate qualified leads through useful and timely content. When she is not making magic at her desk, you are likely to find Ishveena on road trips, eating her way through life, or binge-watching TV shows. Connect with her today on LinkedIn and Twitter

Company: Former Chief of Staff New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Location: Austin, TX, US Tell us about yourself. I am an advocate for using drones in the homeland security and emergency management ecosystem for security purposes. Drones can be game-changers in the security ecosystem, search and rescue, supply chain delivery and so much more. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I am an avid photographer and with my Masters in Security Studies, I quickly made the vital connections for the use of drones in homeland security and emergency management. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I've always been a photographer, so getting the camera away from my head and have it fly through the sky gave me such a great opportunity to see the world and photograph it from unique perspectives. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? Phantom 4, Mavic Air, Mavic Pro, Mavic Air 2, Mavic Mini, Tello. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? The higher sensor I can get, the better. I like the portability, features, and camera on the Mavic Air 2. What drone images are you most proud of and why? Any image that helps find a missing person, identify hazards, and provide intelligence for security are my favorite images. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Brilliant. Don't let the male-dominated industry push you around and make you think you don't belong... YOU DO! Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. Being able to have an aerial perspective to provide aide crossing a hot desert or fining missing persons is most exciting. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? The drone industry needs women who are many times better at connecting the dots, attention to detail, curious, and creative enough to ask the hard questions. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? Women often have empathy and compassion that escapes the male-dominated, often militaristic presence of men in the industry. Too often men are ready participants for confirmation bias and groupthink. In my experience, women tend to ask more questions and push the status quo thinking. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? Always have a carrying case for each drone and label each piece of equipment, cable, etc., for each drone and always pack it the same way each time. This way you don't get cables and equipment confused. Pack it like a parachute. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Through my email: englishangi@gmail.com English has an impressive career as a strategic thought leader, leading strategic initiatives in homeland security and emergency management, including various risk management projects for and with state and federal task forces. In 2010, appointed by Secretary Janet Napolitano, English worked with 35 other task force members representing local, state, tribal, and territorial governments to collaboratively take stock of national preparedness and provide recommendations to Congress. The task force worked collaboratively with all stakeholders over a full year to produce a report for Congress, “Perspectives on Preparedness: Taking Stock Since 9/11.” Additionally, English provided advisory services in the development of the Presidential Policy Directive 8, the directive aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of the United States through systematic preparation for the threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the Nation, including acts of terrorism, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and catastrophic natural disasters. The taskforce also facilitated the overhaul of the Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) and the National Disaster Response Framework. In her 30 years working in homeland security, emergency management, mental health, risk management, and disability advocacy communities, she is a recognized award-winning leader. She is also a featured writer for Homeland Security: A Platform by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security For Radical Homeland Security Experimentation with over 30 publications, many focused on navigating “sensemaking in conditions of uncertainty,” and a featured authored in the Wiley Publishers text “Foundations of Homeland Security: Law and Policy, 2nd Edition with a chapter on “Metacognition and Errors in Judgement Related to Decision-Making in Homeland Security.” When she’s not solving tough problems, she is out flying her drones as an FAA Certified Part 107 Drone Pilot or behind the lens of her camera, photographing landscapes in remote areas of the world. Combining her interests for drones and public safety, she was an instrumental advisor in the creation of New Mexico’s Fusion Center’s drone program, a half-million-dollar effort. Additionally, she is a subject matter advisor for DroneResponders, Inc, the world’s largest advocacy agency for use of drones for public safety uses. She volunteers her time with various hunger initiatives such as the Austin Empty Bowl Project or with Austin Wildlife Rescue where at times she has served as a “possum anesthesiologist,” and as a volunteer drone pilot for local search and rescue efforts. Hopelessly in love with her wiener dog, “Harper Lee,” she and her veterinarian spouse care and rehab various kinds of animals in the ecosystem. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #femaleempowerment #publicsafety #dronesforgood

Location: Orlando, FL, US Tell us about yourself. I'm a physician, photographer, and world traveler. I have been to 48 states, over 90 countries, all seven continents, and all seven modern world wonders. I am Part 107-certified and I specialize in landscape photography as well as altruistic projects like projects in the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh as well as my most recent project highlighting the Wedgewood Community in Pensacola, FL, and the impact of landfills on the predominantly African-American community. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I have a friend who is one of the premier golf course drone photographers. His photos inspired me to buy a drone to add to my photography. When I found out that only 4 percent of all FAA-licensed drone pilots were women, I was even further motivated to obtain my license, especially after already being in a male-dominated career like medicine. It was also especially exciting to fly my drone in areas of the world where they have never seen them before like with the tribes of Southern Ethiopia and rural Central Africa. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I was already traveling the world for work and vacation and photographing people and landscapes. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I am flying the DJI Mavic Air because it is so portable but I am purchasing the Mavic Pro 2 and the Inspire 2 for an upcoming project. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? I just love being able to capture a perspective that I never could before having a drone. What drone images are you most proud of and why? My most favorite drone images are with several Ethiopian tribes. They were so thrilled to see themselves on camera and technology that they had never seen before. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? My biggest lesson is to take your time both before the flight and in the air. Always try to make a flight plan and obtain Google Images of your area and when you launch your drone, don't get so nervous that you quickly want to land it. Also, be prepared with several batteries and a car charger. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. My most memorable drone flight has been in the Rohingya refugee camps where I volunteered for a medical non-profit as a physician and photographer and captured some of the most incredible images that tell a story of the plight of the Rohingyas. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Pursue your interest and learn as much as possible. There is so much available online and connecting with other female drone pilots is key. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? We have a unique perspective in the industry that we need to share. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? Spend plenty of time shooting in manual versus auto. It takes your skills to another level. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Through my Instagram @daisyamongroses Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I do both underwater photography and aerial photography and have a great appreciation for all aspects of our amazing planet. Claire Johnson is a physician, photographer, and world traveler. She has been to 48 states, over 90 countries, all seven continents, and all seven modern world wonders. She is Part 107-certified and specializes in landscape photography as well as altruistic projects like chronicling the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and highlighting the Wedgewood Community in Pensacola, FL, and the impact of landfills on African-Americans. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavicAir #FloridaDronePilot #dronevideos #femaleempowerment

Company: Rocketmine Aerial Data Solutions Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Tell us about yourself. I am a Project Engineer and professional drone pilot operating predominantly in the South African mining industry with extensive aviation experience. I have achieved my private pilot license (PPL), drone license, drone instructors rating, and have become a designated RPAS examiner (DRE). I am also greatly passionate about photography, aviation, and technology. I am quite the tech geek at heart. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? My initial goal was to become a commercial pilot but unfortunately, there is an excessive amount of red tape that one has to go through to get to that point. It is also an extremely expensive endeavor to pursue. Therefore, due to my love for technology and passion for aviation, I began to do some research on the drone industry and explored becoming a drone pilot. I found this to be a good fit for me, offering a great opportunity for the future. And, hence, I decided to pursue my drone rating. Shortly after that, I joined Rocketmine which is a professional drone data service provider for enterprises. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I worked as an account manager for a large FMCG corporate for six years and did quite well. However, this didn’t spark my interest and at the end of the day, this wasn’t what I wanted to do for the entirety of my working career, especially since my true passion is aviation and technology. This is what caused me to make the transition to drone piloting. In hindsight, I am so grateful that I chose to make the change because, with the COVID-19 pandemic, countless jobs were lost whereas I was part of the lucky few that was able to work throughout the hard lockdown in South Africa. My work truly didn’t skip a beat. Following my passion really has paid dividends. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I currently fly two drones on-site. These include my personal favorite, the Sensefly Ebee X, which is best suited for survey and mapping, covering large distances in a short space of time. I also fly the DJI Matrice 210 RTK equipped with an X7S camera which works great for inspections, 3D modeling, highwall monitoring, and pre- and post-blast monitoring. In terms of accessories, I would firstly like to point out that extra batteries are life! Otherwise, a close second (maybe even tied first) would be a decent ND filter. Due to images being distorted by sunrays, the ND filter can be used to enhance picture quality, especially in my industry where our clients expect only the best drone images. It is almost like a pair of polarised sunglasses for your drone 😉 What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? In a professional environment, I would definitely have to say that my favorite feature is that flight plans for Ebee X can be adjusted in-flight. This allows me to manipulate the drone in-flight whereby the drone will simply put in a hold, do a 360-circle while I adjust an area in-flight, and then the drone will continue as normal once you are finished like nothing ever happened. This really is such an amazing feature because now I don’t have to land the drone to make adjustments and change the flight plan which is a massive time saver. What drone images are you most proud of and why? I entered a Pix4D photo competition in 2019 whereby the Pix4D community voted for their favorite image as taken by drones. There were 97 submissions captured from all around the world. The image I submitted won me a spot in the top five but what I am most proud of is the fact that my submission was the only African image that was selected to be a part of the top five drone photos in the final voting stages. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? The biggest lesson I have learned is that if you are passionate about something then go for it! Don’t be afraid to try new things even if you fail. Just fail fast, get back up and start moving forward onto the next thing. You may not get it right the first time, but practice makes perfect and with the more experience you gain, the more successful your drone flying will be. Be brave enough to push your comfort zone, get your hands dirty, and be the trendsetter. I promise you won’t regret it. Also, never underestimate yourself because you’re a girl. Girls can be hardcore, badass aviators too 😉 Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. I would definitely have to say that my first drone project was by far my most memorable flight. I had to do a thermal drone inspection to monitor one of our clients’ tailings dams to ensure there were no leaks, seepages or cracks as failures such as these can be super detrimental to mine safety and productivity. It was a very memorable flight for me because of how the team came together to deliver excellent imagery to the client. At the end of the day, the client was so happy with our work, and getting such positive validation on my first flight was an experience I cannot describe in words. I have never seen a client so excited to receive their data. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? The industry really is so broad, and the applications and possibilities of drones are almost endless. Drone technology is here to stay and it is definitely the way of the future. So, take comfort in knowing that if you decide to pursue drones there really is so much potential and I don’t think we’ve even hit the cusp of what can be done with this amazing technology. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? In South Africa, drone piloting is uncharted territory, especially for women. Because of that, I feel it is imperative that we girls assist each other to be the best drone pilots the African continent has ever seen. I think it is important that those women who are already immersed in the drone market ensure that they contribute towards making it a safe environment to enter and get more involved in for other ladies. If we can set a precedent of support this will only benefit the drone industry going forward. There really is no point in being stingy with your information and experience. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? One of the best things you can do to produce great quality images is to know your camera inside and out. Fully embrace all the features on your camera and secondly, don’t be afraid to play around with the manual settings because that is where you’ll capture your best images. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Please feel free to check in with me on Instagram. My handle is @andrea_chetty and I’ll be posting tons of drone images. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I just really want to say, don’t ever let the boys make you feel like they can do something better than you. If you put your head down and work hard you truly can gain tremendous respect from your peers in the drone space where guys will even come to you for drone-related advice because you are just as capable to learn the same skills. And this is coming from a girl operating drones in mining. Andrea Chetty is an avid aviator currently working as a Project Engineer at Rocketmine South Africa. She specializes in aerial data capture for the mining, agriculture, and construction industries. Andrea is a certified drone pilot who focuses on drone photography for surveying and mapping, blast monitoring, inspection, 3D modeling, and reality capture. She is also deeply passionate about photography, technology, and everything geeky. #PilotSpotlight #dronedata #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DronesinMining #SouthAfricanDronePilot #droneinspection #femaleempowerment

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library If you follow drone pilots on social media, your feed is probably flooded with images of far-off lands with rarely-seen coasts and magical skylines. You may have even seen news about the latest drone racing championships held over season your timeline. While there are many things to see and do with a drone in other countries, the U.S. is also the land of opportunity. Innovative uses for UAVs are popping up in different industries all over the country, and America has its own treasures visible with a bird's-eye view. Using a combination of the Consumer Technology Association's Innovation Scoreboard, geography, and social media, I have created a list of what could be considered the best places to fly in the U.S.A. These places have beautiful sights, drone innovations, and few regulations (or none) for recreational pilots. As a disclaimer, even though these states may not have significant statewide regulations for drones, federal regulations still apply and cities can have their own local laws regarding UAVs. Always ensure that flying is legal wherever you intend to do so. Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library MONTANA Montana has a few state laws limiting the use of drones, but only one that affects the recreational use of drones: HB 0644, which prohibits using UAS to interfere with wildfire suppression efforts. Commercially, drones are being carefully integrated into the state’s agricultural practices. Montana is naturally beautiful and has many visually interesting sites. For example, the Anaconda Smelter Stack, a structure that stands at 585 feet, appear fantastical with its intimidating stature. Montana also has natural beauties like Bitterroot Valley, Mystic Lake, and mountain ranges. A few years ago, Bitterroot Valley was also the founding location of a drone startup: Flight Evolved. Flight Evolved was founded by two entrepreneurs in Hamilton, Montana, which is in the valley's center, and it provides inspection, imaging, and mapping services. Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library ALASKA Alaska has no state laws restricting consumer usage of drones, making it an ideal place for flight and drone innovation. Some Alaskan schools are even incorporating drones into their curriculum to prepare students for the “growing business applications”. Alaska's only state drone law limits how law enforcement, i.e. Alaska's UAV task force, can use drones. Alaska also has an aesthetic appeal. It has a vast photogenic landscape with mountains, ice, bodies of water, and a gorgeous night sky. This makes it an ideal location for photography and videography. A popular location for pilots is Prince William Sound where you can get footage of the water and marine life. Prince William Sound College even has an sUAS class, which is receiving funding from a University of Alaska Statewide Workforce Program grant. Video Credit: AkxPro ARKANSAS Arkansas is also relaxed in the realm of drone legislation, having only two state laws regarding drone use: it’s illegal to “use a drone to record someone who has a reasonable expectation of privacy” and to use UAS to “collect information about or photographically or electronically record information about critical infrastructure without consent”. Arkansas’ rural geography makes it an attractive state for drone photography. Popular sites for pilots are the Ozark Mountains and Royal Gorge Bridge. The Ozark mountains are especially popular with several drone videos on YouTube and a website dedicated to them. There’s even a website dedicated to drones in Arkansas called “Drones Over Arkansas”. Their website features news, photography, videos, and recommended gear. Video Credit: Ozark Drones These are just a few of the best places to fly drones for a variety of reasons. Your personal favorite may not have made the list, but keep sharing your photos and videos and telling everyone why you love it. Maybe we'll cover why you're spot's the best in another post. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #bestplacestofly #flyingwithadrone #unitedstates #montana #alaska #arkansas #princewilliamsound #OzarkMountains #BitterrootValley #dronelaws

Company: Catsharks Location: Berkshire, England Tell us about yourself. I am a British shark ecologist and 50m freediver. I spend as much time as possible in the ocean, and have spent the last 6 years working with sharks, whales, rays, corals, and anything that lives under the sea. When I'm not underwater, I take to the sky. I've been able to combine aerial videography with my work, studying the use of drones in shark movements and behavior. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? Using drones to study sharks was an idea that had been brewing in my mind for quite a long time. Quite by chance, a friend of mine mentioned his Ph.D. supervisor was looking to take on a Masters student to research exactly that. I promptly invested in my first drone and learned to fly on an island in the middle of nowhere (the Azores). I fell in love on the very first flight. The oceans, volcanoes, and lush green landscapes of the Azores were the perfect location to become totally addicted to flying. I had racked up over 100 flying hours before my thesis research even started! What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I had been researching the effects of feeding sharks for tourism in the Philippines, the Maldives, and the Azores. It was incredible to be up close and personal with the sharks to study them, but I began to think that maybe an aerial perspective would capture more sharks. I finally tested this theory for my Masters' thesis, comparing underwater and aerial videography in their use of assessing shark ecology in the shallow tropical waters of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Now, I can't live without my flying baby! What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I am flying with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. She is called Zoe, and I love her to death. On my previous drone (Phantom 4 Pro) I had four ND filters, and I think the polarizing lenses were the gadgets I loved the most. I definitely will be getting some for Zoe ASAP! What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? Oh, lordy... The Hasselblad camera and the gimbal. Please don't make me choose between the two! I never thought I needed to upgrade from the Phantom 4 Pro, but a friend of mine let me try out her Mavic 2 Pro and I went and bought one the next day. The image is so much crisper, and for videography, the footage is significantly smoother. I wince looking at old footage from the Phantom now! What drone images are you most proud of and why? While I was working in the Azores, we were studying Mobula Ray migration. We would go to the best dive site in the world (Princess Alice Banks) twice a week, at least, and deploy/replace cameras to record for 72 hours straight. The BBC came out to film our team, and I had some great shots of the Mobulas from the surface. They ended up using some of the shots in BBC Animals with Cameras (the extended version) and I was so, so, so happy! If you've seen that program — and remember the part where you see one of the pregnant Mobula Ray's babies 'kicking' inside her tummy — that was a Mobula I tagged. That was the first-ever recorded instance of that being captured! The whole research and shooting project is close to my heart as it was one of the first times I felt like a real drone pilot. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? DJI is lovely. It's a positive lesson to learn, but so important. I had a third-hand drone that committed suicide right in the middle of the ocean. I barely had any of the information they needed about purchase records etc., but with just the flight record and a friendly conversation, they replaced the model within three days. I almost didn't bother to ask them because I didn't have insurance and I thought it would cost me thousands, but they're so friendly and understanding! Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. My most memorable flight was in the Dominican Republic. I work with Conscious Breath Adventures, a humpback whale swim liveaboard that operates out of the Silver Bank between January and April each year. We have special permission to fly drones around the whales (no closer than 20m, of course) and observe their behavior. The first flight with a mother and calf was simply magnificent, watching them affectionately nuzzle each other. That was the first time I've ever been truly sad to hear the low battery beep-beep! We're now in talks to use the drones as 'snot-cams' to actually catch the saliva of a whale blow as it tells us a lot about their diet and migration. Science drones forever! What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Get a drone! It's so much simpler than it looks, and nothing will spark your passion more than taking to the skies and seeing the magic for yourself. Once you start posting, the business side of things will develop itself. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I just love seeing drone imagery. I can't wait to have an army of female pilots around the world taking photos and sharing them on every country and continent, and using their talent to inspire my next adventures. I absolutely love the idea of going on a little drone-enthusiast holiday with a group of girls ready to explore and fly! Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? I'm not sure if this counts as a tip or trick, but sometimes when I'm flying in an empty space and someone appears out of nowhere, there's that grey area of 'Can I fly with them around or will they call the police and yell at me?' I invite them to have a look! Often, they will get super excited to see your footage. I've gotten several jobs out of someone being absolutely amazing and asking me to shoot their houses/farm or asking to buy my footage. Sharing is caring! What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? I've just launched my new website and I would love for you to take a look: www.catsharks.co.uk It's full of my drone photography and videography as well as my underwater portfolio, and a blog I'm slowly starting to develop. If you just want to chat, there's also the time-old @catsharks Instagram. If you want advice or a cyber-friend, or to actually meet up and play, reach out! I'd love some new people to gossip about the secrets of the skies with! Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? Honestly? I'm a bit of an idiot. Not in a self-deprecating kind of way, but I know when I tell people I'm a drone pilot, they tend to get very intimidated. If you're thinking about investing in a drone and joining the community, it's not too difficult, I promise! We will welcome you with open arms, and you'll pick up the skills and have gorgeous cinematic shots in no time at all. If I can do it, so can you. Catherine Cushenan is an English shark ecologist, freediving instructor, PADI divemaster, drone pilot, videographer, and adventure explorer. ​She has worked across the globe, from Iceland to the Dominican Republic to French Polynesia and everywhere in between. This has included volunteering, marine research, working in eco-tourism, and underwater or aerial videography roles. She studied Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth, and carried on to do her Masters in the University of the Algarve.  ​She is an SSI freediving instructor and her CWT record is 50m, with a static breath hold of 05:34. She started officially training in 2019. Before this, she had 5 years of subconscious training, freediving to tag and photo ID sharks, mantas, and whales around the world. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavic2Pro #EnglandDronePilot #dronevideos #femaleempowerment

Location: Auckland, New Zealand Tell us about yourself. I'm an Auckland-based aerial photographer, I've been working in aerial photography for about 4 years now. It's my job and my hobby. I like to create very graphic images as I come from a graphic design background. And I like shooting courts and skateboarding the most as they are also things I really enjoy doing. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I've always loved video games, and previous to owning a drone I spent a lot of time scaling very high buildings or cranes in order to get a birds-eye composition with cameras. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I studied and worked in graphic design and video editing previous to drones. I love photography and was hooked to drones as soon as I tried one. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? DJI Mavic Pro 2 x Hasselblad and DJI Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian. I love the DJI Smart Controller for the Mavic as it makes the workflow much easier and faster and the screen quality is amazing. I also recently started playing with the Lume Cubes for the Phantom 4 Pro. This is a really interesting accessory and is something I am planning on working with a lot more this year. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? My favorite is a bit of a tie between two features really. First is the Tripod mode (Smart Feature). This is really helpful for a lot of my work as one of the main elements I focus on when shooting is having everything very perfectly straight and aligned. With tripod mode, I'm able to hover very close to objects without a lot of movement of the aircraft and can make slight positioning movements without jolting the drone. The second favorite is the Multiple shot Feature / Burst Mode. This is also something I use very often. A large majority of my work focuses on sports (Basketball, Tennis, Skateboarding, etc.), so having the ability to shoot multiple frames per second allows me to capture the motion of the subject and select the best frame to represent what is happening in the final photograph. What drone images are you most proud of and why? One of my favorite photos is the image of the yellow basketball thrown up mid-air. I think it was the fact it was pretty difficult to capture this and have the placement and basketball graphic captured at the right time. And I like that the overall work has a really nice balance and color pallet to it. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? The thing I see a lot is people trying to follow trends on social media. While it is easy to do that, it can really kill your own creativity. Finding your own style and look is really important and is what makes you stand out from others. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. I was on a trip to South Australia shooting some photos and video of a vehicle for Ford AU and we had gone to my uncle's farm and spent the day driving across hundreds of kilometers. We drove into a paddock of sheep to take some photos and they all began to follow the car and formed this huge line behind us. It was so cool to see and made for such a crazy photo. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I feel that women/girls bring a very different and fresh eye to the industry. Generally, it has been a male-dominated industry, and seeing the work that women produce is super cool and so different from the normal. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? I'm available on Instagram. And my website is hello@petraleary.com Petra Leary is an award-winning New Zealand born aerial photographer. Her ability to capture her subjects from unique perspectives is striking and groundbreaking. She has an innate design sensibility, reflected in her unique process all the way from conception to post-production. An intrepid world traveler she hunts out unusual landscapes, captures them from unforeseen angles such as her signature bird’s eye angle from above, and manipulates and accentuates colors in post-production to create her final work. Her work is simple yet bold in arrangement and composition. Belying this effortlessness are deeply honed technical skills, and a knowing iconoclastic eye for pop culture. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavicPro #AucklandDronePilot #dronevideos #femaleempowerment

Photographer Credit: Jimmy Tissot As many of our readers may already know, Women Who Drone was founded with the mission of creating an online platform and community that inspires, educates, and empowers women and girls with drone technology. In line with that goal, WWD Brand Ambassador Marlene Barriere set out to educate and empower women in her community, earning her the distinction of being the organizer of France’s first-ever Women Who Drone workshop. On behalf of her company, Elle Drone Académie, Marlene held two workshops in the Auvergne Region at the bottom of the Puy de Dôme (a volcano). The first was on Sunday, June 28th, and the other took place on Saturday, July 4th. The workshops came about following an Instagram Q&A where Marlene noticed that it was mostly women asking her questions. By conducting them, Marlene set out to introduce complete beginners to drone technology. “I wanted to share my passion and help them to get started. I've learned by myself, and I really enjoy helping other women get familiar with it and grow confidence in this industry.” Next, there was a practical segment where the participants learned how to perform 3 exercises. During this segment, Marlene worked with the participants one at a time.to ensure that her learners had a grasp on all the basic points. Meanwhile, she was also listening to the other attendees’ questions. After passing all the practical tests, participants had the opportunity to take a few photos and videos (using the intelligent flight modes or manual shots) which they could keep as souvenirs. To finish, they had a debrief where the participants could ask more questions and “compare their feelings now to their initial fears 3 hours ago.” When asked to share her personal feelings about conducting the workshop, Marlene had this to say: “I wasn't sure what to expect before the 1st workshop. It was amazing to meet all these women eager to learn something new, stepping outside their comfort zone, trying something out of their reach sometimes." Photographer Credit: Jimmy Tissot She went on to say, “Most of the time the biggest fear was crashing the drone or not being able to use the controller. They were, at first, quite stressed. But at the end of the day, they were completely relaxed, succeeding at their first drone attempt or manual shot. It was exhilarating to see them bloom like flowers under the sun. Sometimes you just need a little push, and I am so glad to be able to be that push. If I can inspire more women to join the female drone community, I will be blessed.” If you’re interested in learning about drones from a fellow member of the community, the next workshop will be on July 19th. Marlene has 2 introductions and 1 beginner workshop a month. You can find the agenda on her website: www.elledrone.fr/academie/. You can register by phone, by email (contact@elledrone.fr), on Instagram, or on the website. To register, you just have to fill in a form and choose the workshop you want to participate in. There are 3 workshop levels starting from 59€. More workshops will be held across the country by the end of the year and online training sessions are coming soon with a tentative Summer launch. Photographer Credit: Jimmy Tissot Take a chance, learn something new, and be a part of a community of women who drone! I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #WWD #WomenWhoDrone #WomenWhoDroneInFrance #France #MarleneBarriere #BrandAmbassador #DroneWorkshop #Workshops #WWDWorkshop #FemaleEmpowerment #Education #WWDBrandAmbassador #ElleDroneAcadémie #Community

Credit: @noaafisheries on Instagram We’ve seen time and time again how drones are impacting industries: making them safer, faster, more effective, inexpensive — the list goes on. Now, it’s time to look outside of industries and talk about how drones are helping the environment and conservation efforts. Businesses aren’t the only ones benefiting from UAV technology. We’ve mentioned before how drones have been used to help in the aftermath of wildfires, rescue animals, and people were even being encouraged to develop drone innovations for good in the UAE. To continue this conversation, let’s look at five organizations that are using drones and UAV technology to preserve wildlife and help with conservation efforts. The National Tropical Botanical Garden Uses Drones to Observe Hard-To-Reach Areas in Kaua'i Credit: NTBGSavePlants Unfortunately, one of the consequences of our everchanging world is the loss of biodiversity i.e. the extinction of plants and animals. Though scientists do what they can, efforts to preserve endangered species are not always successful. Thus, when scientists failed to propagate the endangered Hibiscadelphus woodii, “a relative of hibiscus last seen in 2009”, it was declared extinct in 2016. That was the case until researchers from the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), based on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, rediscovered the flower in 2019. The NTBG is a nonprofit corporation that manages a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities. Their aim is to conserve endangered fauna. In Kalalau Valley, the rare cliff-dwelling flower was spotted via drone by Ben Nyberg, a drone specialist for NTBG. This valley was previously accessed by hiking, but the way was difficult and dangerous. Nyberg made the discovery in late January, and National Geographic describes his piloting technique: “Nyberg was piloting the drone that made the discovery. He uses a grid system to scan the cliffs, also using his intuition to home in on patches to search. Nyberg gathers GPS points and marks attributes like elevation so plants can be found again.” Wildlife Drones is Radio-Tracking Animal Movement Credit: Wildlife Drones Wildlife Drones is an Australia-based organization that aims to help facilitate animal tracking. They have developed a way to use drones to do the heavy lifting when it comes to radio-tracking animal movement. They are using their drone-mounted tracking system, which “can be mounted to an off-the-shelf drone”, to track animals and aid in wildlife conservation efforts. Wildlife Drones was founded by Dr. Debbie Saunders, an ecologist. Dr. Saunders got the idea for this organization from her work studying migratory birds with radio-tags. She found this work to be difficult due to the limitations of the technology she had at the time, so she worked to find a solution. Utilizing the expertise of engineers, designers, and pilots, Dr. Saunders was able to draw on drone technology to develop “the world’s most advanced radio-tracking drone system” with her team. This system is capable of providing real-time locations on multiple animals at a time. On their About page, Wildlife boasts that the information collected via their drone system has contributed to the reintroduction of endangered species and the search for missing tagged animals. Notably, they have helped track Sunda Pangolins in Vietnam, Goannas in Namadgi National Park, and Swift Parrots in Australia’s Tarcutta Hills Reserve. You can read more about what they’re up to on their blog. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Is Using Drones to Understand Weather and the Ocean Credit: KPIX CBS SF Bay Area In May of 2019, we wrote an article about how one of our WWD ambassadors, Maddy Washburn, was able to use her drone to help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rescue team rescue a young gray whale caught in gillnet and line. NOAA is a government agency that deals with matters concerning “climate, weather, oceans and coasts”, and they actually have their own UAS program. NOAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Sytems program seeks to bridge the gap between “instruments on Earth and on satellites” with the help of UAS. The program is dedicated to researching UAS technology and utilizing that technology to facilitate the NOAA’s goals. They were formally established after years of testing and working with “NASA and industry partners”, and we are now seeing the fruits of their labor. Recently, NOAA posted on their blog about how they have been utilizing the advantages that come with working with drones. There, you can read about how NOA is using three unmanned autonomous surface vessels in the Bering Sea and the Arctic. These vessels are assessing the nation’s largest fishery in the Bering Sea, tracking Arctic and Atlantic weather, and mapping Alaska’s North Slope. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #AnimalConservation #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Wildlife #Animals #Environment #Environmentalism #AnimalTracking #DiscoveringSpecies #AnimalRescue #Climate #NOAA #UAS #NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration #UnmannedAircraftSystems

Company: Vantage Point Drone Location: Ashburn, VA, US Tell us about yourself. My name is Missie Ellis and live in Northern Virginia. I’m married (35 years) and have two grown sons who are married as well, with one little grandson. I started flying UAS in 2014 and spent two years learning as a hobbyist. I moved into being a commercial UAS pilot after taking and passing the Part 107 on the first hour of the first day the exam was offered, becoming one of the first women to pass the exam. I am one of two Drone Pros with the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) here in Northern Virginia. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I was watching the start of a road race when I spotted a white UAS hovering over the runners. I was fascinated by it and watched it during the race. On the way home I googled “white quadcopter” and had one ordered by the time we got home. Only to be very disappointed when it arrived and to discover it didn’t have a camera on it. I got on YouTube and figured out what I needed to order and how to connect a mini iOS, gimbal, GoPro, and FPV. I felt very accomplished to get it up and running. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? We had just moved to Virginia and I was recovering from a back injury that made even walking difficult. Tinkering with the UAS and combing the internet for anything UAS related information kept me from focusing on my back pain. I have always dabbled in photography, so I was enthralled to see the landscape from a different vantage point (thus the name of my company). What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? My go-to fleet of UAS includes an Inspire 2, Phantom 4 Pro x2, and Mavic 2. For accessories, I love the Inspire 2 battery station for the TB50 intelligent batteries. Oh-so-fast in charging, but extremely loud at first! And for my Mavic 2, the DJI Smart Controller is a MUST for my cell tower inspections. The OcuSync 2.0 automictically switches between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz reducing environmental interference and the 5.5-inch built-in screen display is perfect for my aging eyes. The Go Share function can transfer your photos and videos to a mobile device; as well as, the new SkyTalk to livestream your UAS’s camera view to social media. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? My level of comfort in flying a UAS went up considerably with the compass mode. (The Phantom 2 didn’t have that feature.) There are times when looking up at the UAS and down at the controller you’ll lose sight of it momentarily, especially on cloudy days. I can quickly look at the map and redirect the UAS by pointing the red plane icon along the green flight path back towards the home point until I locate it in the sky. It is especially useful in difficult to discern terrain, i.e. mountains or water. What drone images are you most proud of and why? A 100-year-old barn used as a wedding venue ~ I love old structures! A wreckage off in the Florida Keys ~ makes me wonder about the reason it went down and the people that were on it. A retirement community at sunset ~ the residents have shown such appreciation for it by sharing it with their loved ones. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? Networking with fellow operators in your local community is key to success. You’ll find some not interested in connecting. Many operators in my area, Delaware-Maryland-Virginia are territorial and don’t like to share anything. All good, just work with the ones that will. I know other operator’s area of expertise and can pass along jobs that come my way that are more tailored for them than me and vice versa. Offer to be their visual observer! That is how I got my foot in the door to fly in the DC FRZ (DC Flight Restricted Zone). A shout out to Geoff Green with @VSIAerial for letting me tag along with him. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. The one image I am most proud of is the one that required the most coordination with no guarantee of capturing it. A replica of the Air Force One was being floated on a barge down the east coast to the National Harbor near Washington DC. I researched the name of the barge, downloaded the apps FindShip and MarineTraffic to track the progress down the coast and along the Potomac River. I used Google Earth to find a spot along the Potomac River that had the narrowest water section between Maryland and Virginia. When I thought I had enough time to get to the location I drove to the spot only to discover every open area had a private property sign up. I needed to be down the cliffside by the water to capture the plane. I asked a homeowner if he would mind me walking through his yard to get to the water. He agreed (and wanted to book me for his cliffside wedding the following year). I had to fly halfway across a very wide spot of the Potomac River to get the shot. I was thrilled when I saw the plane and was so excited my hands were trembling. I nailed it and practically flew home to get it out on social media. The video was purchased and is still making me money through Storyful. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? The industry is still in its infancy. We are all still learning. Every field of UAS industry is open to you to decide what you like best, i.e., STEM, construction progression, marine biology, real estate, events, mapping, civil infrastructure, movie/film production, emergency agencies, precision agriculture, powerline patrol, predator control, homeland security, agriculture conservation, archaeology/geology exploration, newsgathering and beyond. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? We’re opening doors for opportunities in the industry each day for women coming up after us to break the glass ceiling in a spectacular fashion. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? A simple one… When you’re flying and focused on capturing the image that made you launch your UAS, take a moment and turn your UAS in the opposite direction. More times than not, you’ll see something worthy of a pic! That was how I captured the retirement community shot. I was there for a resort, panned the UAS around, and was shocked by the glow of the sunset on the facility. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Write to me at missie@vpdrone.com Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I’m on the quiet side in regard to social media. You will very rarely see me commenting on a post, but remember I support each and every one of you with likes. Happy flying! Drone pilot Melissa 'Missie' Ellis has received a management degree from Valdosta State University in 1985. She then spent the next 28 years traveling around the world with her Air Force pilot husband and two boys. During the same time, she had various part-time jobs including swim coach, substitute teacher, and administrative assistant. Missie took up photography while living in Hawaii. She started up Vantage Point Drone in 2016 and has doubled her revenue each year since opening. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavic2 #VirginiaDronePilot #dronevideos #femaleempowerment

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Tell us about yourself. I was born in Argentina in 1989. I'm a filmmaker, photographer, and droner, graduate of the London Film Academy. I like to use new techniques such as hyperlapses, having full control of the color treatment as I have established myself as a professional colorist at the International Colorist Academy (Los Angeles). Expert in capturing moments, places, and stories, I enjoy taking an image to a higher level of contemplation. I think being a woman in this business has a downside. People tend to expect a man to be on the other side of the camera, but I have made my way as a woman, receiving support and respect from my peers. I also work with brands, offering them a fresh and different perspective, and always trying to achieve the best possible outcome. I'm one of the most prominent and quoted Argentine photographers of travel, lifestyle, and aerial images. My goal is to continue working with the same intensity, continue to explore the world and share my work and experiences with a growing audience. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? As a child, I was always obsessed with the fact that birds were able to fly and watch everything from above. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? Filmmaking and editing, I’m still doing that! Only now, I have drone footage to add :) What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I have a DJI Mavic Pro 1, Mavic Air, and FPV drone. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? Bracketing option, to create HDR photos, which then I have more control while editing them. I also love the fact that I can get unique shots from the FPV drone. What drone images are you most proud of and why? A series that I shot on Australia, flying over a salt flat. I’m proud of them because it was way too windy and I had to take the drone really far away, pushing the limits at most. And I’m really happy with the result! Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? Yes. I learned that every drone has its pros and cons. For example, the Mavic Air is amazing for going through small holes and being really stable at it, and the Mavic Pro is not so convenient for this, but the signal quality is always on point. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. Chasing a car for a commercial for Peugeot What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? It’s amazing! Who wouldn’t want to have that kind of perspective? Don’t be afraid and just go for it! I promise you will not regret it. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? The fact of being all women united in the same mission, showing the world we can also do great things. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? Always shoot in bracketing mode and then stack up the photos o no Lightroom to create an HDR photograph Make sure you have at least 10 satellites before taking off If you are going to fly in cold weather, you need to know battery life consumes faster, you can store your batteries Inside your jacket or a warm place :) Not all the obstacles are detected (thin branches, cables) so you should always check the area before flying You can try a flight simulator before your first outdoor flight Remember to set the RTH attitude, being aware of where are you flying (don’t go too low if you are in a city or crowded place) Use ND filters, always! Try the golden hour ❤️ What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Hit me up on Instagram @nikkazv Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I would love them to check my drone videos at my profile :) Nikka was born in Argentina in 1989. She is a prominent filmmaker, photographer, and droner, graduate of the London Film Academy. She stands out reaching for new techniques such as hyperlapses, having full control of the color treatment as she has established as a professional colorist at the International Colorist Academy (Los Angeles). Expert in capturing moments, places, and stories, taking the image to a higher level of contemplation. Being a woman in this business has a downside. People tend to expect a man to be on the other side of the camera, but Nikka has made her way being a woman, receiving support and respect from her peers. When she works with brands, Nikka offers a fresh and different perspective always trying to achieve the best possible outcome. Despite her youth, she is considered by the specialized media as one of the most prominent and quoted Argentine photographers of travel, lifestyle, and aerial images. Her goal is to continue working with the same intensity, continue to explore the world and share her work and experiences with a growing audience. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavicPro #DJIMavicAir #FPVdrone #ArgentineDronePilot #dronevideos #filmmaker #femaleempowerment

Company: University of North Carolina Wilmington; Geo Owl Location: Wilmington, NC, US Tell us about yourself. I specialize in the application of unmanned aerial systems and sensor technology to collect and analyze environmental data. A lot of the research I participate in focuses on the integration of drone technology with other location-based data to analyzing complex questions about coastal environments, including thermal analysis of beach-nesting bird habitats, multispectral analysis of an invasive grass species in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and thermal analysis of stream pollution sources. I have nearly three years of experience in the collection and photogrammetric processing of drone imagery, and I'm currently learning to work with a new LiDAR system to collect and analyze data to map wetlands. I am also interested in the effects of drones on animal behavior ever since I participated in a research project where we assess the reaction of birds to a fixed-wing drone. Let's just say they hated it, and we ended up painting it blue to reduce its visibility while flying. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I originally learned to fly while completing my Master's degree, and began using drones for photogrammetry before I ever became involved in photography. I noticed the huge potential within that field, especially as it relates to the ability to not just collect the imagery, but to process it and perform complex analyses such as land cover classifications with the integration of machine learning algorithms. This is more or less what led to my decision to specialize in drones. What were you doing before this, and what made you make the transition? Before I went to school for my Master's degree, I was an aquatic entomologist. Before that, I was a cosmetologist... I wanted to make the transition, ultimately from the biological sciences into the geographic sciences because of the better job prospects. The drones thing all kind of just happened by chance and luck and a lot of support from my academic advisor, who is now my boss at the university. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? My personal drone that I fly for photography is a DJI Mavic 2 Pro. I love my set of Tiffen filters, since I photograph mainly coastal environments and they cut down on glare from the water. I am lucky to have experience with so many different platforms and sensors through work, including DJI Phantom, DJI M200, DJI M600, and my personal favorite, the senseFly eBee plus fixed-wing drone. I have used a variety of RGB, multispectral, and thermal sensors including MicaSense, FLIR, and senseFly. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? My favorite feature on the eBee is the flight automation - it flies autonomously on a pre-programmed flight route. It also stops its engine every time it takes a photo to reduce camera shake, which I think is just incredible. What drone images are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of my images of the marshes of North Carolina. No one would ever know how amazingly intricate and beautiful these ecosystems are from above if it were not for drones. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? I guess I would just tell them that anything is possible. I think some women are intimidated in this space because it is so male-dominated. I have never once felt out of place though, or had anyone make me feel that they didn't see me as an equal because I was a woman. In fact, I frequently have men asking me for advice on different drone-related topics. I don't think it matters what your gender is, or that anyone really cares, as long as you can do your job efficiently and completely. Just know your strengths and speak confidently - those qualities translate across the entire gender spectrum. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. An absolutely hands-down, most memorable experience is flying with my co-worker and his drone deciding to auto-land over a marsh. The up and down control stopped working, and luckily he managed to guide it forward onto a nearby piece of solid ground as I am yelling in the background. We couldn't walk to it and pick it up because of the water, and happened to be on an island that allows no vehicles except golf carts. So, he frantically hops in the golf cart and speeds away to grab the drone before someone else does - and luckily it all worked out! What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? A lot of people know how to fly drones. A lot of people know how to take pictures or videos with drones. But relatively few know how to execute a full-scale data collection mission, process the data, and use that to solve a problem. Drones are an integral part of my process of answering questions about our Earth. I have gotten to travel to some beautiful places for work, along the coast, and in the mountains. This coming year I may be going to Mexico and Colombia through work. Opportunities like these come around when you have a desirable skill set. So, if you want to make a career out of it, you need to specialize to stand out, because anyone can do this for fun - just buy a cheap drone to practice on and don't be afraid. But you have to practice or you will never improve, so don't give up if your photos are terrible or you crash it into a tree. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I think that having a better balance of gender across all disciplines is good. There really is no particular barrier to women joining this field, they just need to go out and do it! Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? I am an advocate for pre-planning. For scientific missions or photography. When I go out to take photos, I scout Google Earth for cool spots and plan how I want my shots to look. I mark locations on my phone on Google Maps so I can navigate easily. I get a lot accomplished this way. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? The best way to get a hold of me socially or for photography reasons is through my Instragram @unmappedearth. For research-related questions, contact me on LinkedIn (Kerry Mapes) Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I am a mother of two kids, 5 and 4. I started grad school when they were 22 months and 5 months old. I learned everything I know about drones to give them a better life than I had, and did it mostly on very little sleep. Kerry Mapes has a Master of Science in Geosciences and Geospatial Technology, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. She recently obtained her GEOINT Professional certificate from the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. She currently works at a local university where she engages in multiple research projects using RGB, multispectral, and thermal drone imagery and is currently learning to collect and analyze LiDAR data. She has taught college-level courses in geography and drone science. In addition to her job at the university, she works part-time for a GEOINT company as a proposal specialist. She also owns a small LLC where she mostly sells prints of her drone photography. #PilotSpotlight #femaledronepilots #dronesforgood #GIS #dronedata #datanalysis #LiDAR #DJIMavic2Pro #senseFlyeBee #femaleempowerment