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- by Ben Lovegrove The use of commercial drones has become widespread and normal, especially in industries such as agriculture, construction, and real estate marketing. The ability of drones to gather data efficiently and cost-effectively has made them an indispensable tool for businesses and organizations that need to survey or photograph, anything or anywhere. However, the manual operation of drones has its limitations, and this is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. The integration of AI into drone operations has the potential to revolutionize the way drones gather data and process it while still flying. The Benefits of Using AI in Drone Operations Incorporating AI into drone operations provides several benefits, including improved safety, enhanced accuracy, and increased efficiency. Improved Safety Safety has and remains a key aspect of all aviation, and in drone flying particularly so because drones are often used at low altitudes in urban areas where they are visible to the public. AI-powered drones can be programmed to fly autonomously and avoid obstacles, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions. This can greatly reduce the risk of injury or damage to people, property, and the environment. Additionally, AI-powered drones can also be programmed to fly in specific patterns, making it easier to survey a specific area or gather data in a precise manner. This improved accuracy can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that data is collected safely and effectively. AI means that a drone can change course without human intervention to mitigate several risks: Obstacle avoidance: AI algorithms help drones avoid obstacles during flight. Drones equipped with cameras can use image recognition and machine learning techniques to detect and avoid objects in their flight path. Path planning: AI can be used to optimize the flight path of a drone. For instance, AI algorithms can be used to determine the most efficient route to a destination based on real-time data such as wind conditions, traffic, and terrain. Autonomous flight: AI algorithms enable drones to fly autonomously, without human intervention. This can be useful for applications such as search-and-rescue missions or aerial inspections, where drones can be programmed to follow a specific flight path and make real-time decisions based on their surroundings. Dynamic changes: In some cases, AI can be used to alter the course of a drone in response to changing conditions. For example, if a drone encounters adverse weather conditions, an AI system can adjust its flight path to avoid the weather and ensure safe and efficient flight. Enhanced Accuracy AI also enhances the accuracy of data and information gathered by drones as they fly. It has the ability to process large amounts of data in real time and provide more accurate and detailed results than human operators. This can help organizations make more informed decisions, reduce flight times, and make the whole process more efficient and cost-effective. For example, in the agriculture industry, AI-powered drones can gather data on crop health and soil moisture levels, providing farmers with valuable information which enables them to make informed decisions about their crops, including the treatment of them with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Increased Efficiency & The Bottom Line As you can see, the integration of AI increases efficiency by reducing the time required to complete particular tasks. As a result, drone businesses and their customers save time and money, which is always an attractive advantage in any business. In the construction industry, AI-powered drones are used for survey mapping a site, gathering data, and providing accurate measurements in a fraction of the time it would take a human to complete the same task. Analyzing & Processing Data Midflight AI can process the data collected by a drone while flying and filming and transmit modified data to the drone pilot in the following ways: Image recognition: AI algorithms can be used to analyze the images and videos captured by the drone's cameras. A drone equipped with an AI-powered image recognition system can identify specific objects or patterns in the images and transmit that information to the pilot. Data analysis: AI can be used to process the data collected by a drone's sensors and transmit relevant information to the pilot. A drone equipped with temperature sensors can use AI algorithms to process temperature data and transmit only the most important information. Real-time feedback: AI algorithms can provide real-time feedback to the drone pilot. An AI system can alert the pilot if the drone is flying too close to an obstacle or if it encounters adverse weather conditions. The Future of AI and Drone Operations The use of AI in drone operations is just the beginning, and there are many potential applications for this technology in the future. For example, AI-powered drones could be used to perform complex and dangerous tasks, such as inspecting offshore oil rigs or inspecting damaged infrastructure. They could also be used in search and rescue missions, providing a quicker and more efficient means of finding missing persons. Additionally, AI-powered drones are used to provide real-time information and support during natural disasters. They can fly over affected areas, gathering data and transmitting it back to emergency responders, who could then use this information to prioritize and allocate resources where they are most needed. This helps to save lives and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The integration of AI into drone operations also opens up new possibilities for the development of new technologies and applications. For example, AI-powered drones can be used to provide aerial support for autonomous vehicles, assisting them in navigation and obstacle avoidance. This greatly improves the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles, making them even more useful for businesses and organizations. Conclusion The integration of AI into drone operations has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses and organizations use drones to gather data and information. By improving safety, accuracy, and efficiency more data can be gathered, processed, and transmitted.

- by Cris Mark Baroro Drones are being used more and more for filming movies. As technology improves, film directors are using them because they are more flexible and easier to use than traditional cameras, can get effects that previously required a great deal of money, and allow you to be in places where you could very well get killed. Examples of popular films that use drones are James Bond: Spectre, Jurassic World, The Expendables, The November Man, and many more. The surge in drone usage has got people wondering how they work and what the future of the device is. Here are four major ways drones are being used in the film industry and how they're changing filmmaking. Drones are used to capture scenic shots As drones become more and more accessible, they are also becoming a common sight in TV and film. Drones are used to capture scenic shots that would be impossible to get from any other angle—from the air, in particular. Drones can also be used to add a sense of realism to the world of film which can be used to heighten the suspense of a scene. For example, if a scene takes place in the woods, it would be easy for a director to simply film his actors walking through the woods and call it a day. But with the help of a drone, he could capture shots that make it look like they are actually flying through the forest rather than just walking on foot. Because drones are small and can move quickly, they allow filmmakers to create dynamic action scenes that would be impossible to achieve with a larger camera. Scenic shots are a great way to capture the beauty of nature and can help you create a video that's more dynamic and interesting. However, these shots can often be too large for your purposes and will take up too much space for what you want to do with them. If this is the case, then you'll need to compress them down into a smaller file size so that they will work better in your video. There are two different ways that you can compress scenic shots: an mp4 compressor or a video compressor. Each has its own advantages, but ultimately it all depends on what type of equipment you have access to and how much time you want to spend on editing. If you want to get started right away, try using an mp4 compressor first and see how it works out for you! Drones can help film crews get in close to a subject If you’ve seen a movie recently, you've probably noticed them: a tiny drone hovering above the scene, zooming in for a close-up shot. The camera attached to the drone can capture a wide range of shots that are difficult (if not impossible) for human operators. For example, you might see a drone fly up high above the scene so that it's level with an actor's face and zoom in on his or her reaction to something happening below. One example of this is Director Jon Turteltaub choosing a unique way to open Red Notice, his action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson. In the sequence, Thurber flies the audience over a bridge and straight into an eye-level shot of Johnson as his Agent John Hartley character. From the flight to the door to a museum, the camera never appears to cut, offering an added level of immersion for the audience. As Thurber explains it, this seamless transition was made possible thanks to new technology. "Thank you for noticing. Yeah, those are very, very special shots," Thurber explained, as seen in the interview featured in the above video. "In fact, those shots that you're talking about had never been done before in the history of cinema, because the technology that we use to achieve those shots, you know, was invented about six weeks before we used them." Drones make it more affordable to complete more complicated shots Hiring a person to operate the drone was expensive and time-consuming. However, nowadays, there are companies that have developed software that allows drones to fly autonomously. These companies allow filmmakers to complete more complicated shots by allowing them to program a flight path for the drone and letting it run on its own. The software also lets filmmakers shoot from angles that would be impossible for a human to reach. For example, they can program the drone to fly off of a cliff or high building and capture footage as it falls. Also, drones can now be used as a stand-in for helicopters in aerial shots. This saves production companies thousands of dollars in fuel costs and allows them to complete a shot much faster than if they had to wait for a helicopter crew to arrive on set. In addition, they don't have any of the noise issues associated with helicopters—making them ideal for filming scenes that require silence, like those in a music video or documentary about wildlife animals who live near humans (such as bears). Drones are used to capture shots that are too dangerous for humans to film One of the most common uses is for capturing shots that are too dangerous for humans to film. For example, if you're trying to capture footage of an animal in its natural habitat, you might want to use a drone so that you don't disturb the animal or put yourself in danger. Additionally, drones can assist in obtaining better shots than you could get with a helicopter or other manned aircraft. Another common use of drones is to provide aerial shots from angles that would otherwise be impossible. This could mean getting a bird's-eye view of an actor on set or following a character through an entire scene. Drones allow filmmakers to give their audience a new perspective on what they're watching and make scenes more immersive than they would be otherwise. Conclusion Drones are being used more and more in the film industry, but it's not the hardware or software like film and video editors that filmmakers are enticed by. It's the freedom that comes from having all of these shots at hand. They don't have to plan for it, secure locations, or spend a lot of money. That sort of freedom is invaluable to anyone working on a large movie or a television show. Or on a smaller scale, any kind of production where watching a nearly perfect take is crucial. Drones are changing the game for filmmakers everywhere, and for good reason.

Flyability recently released the third generation of its indoor drone, the Elios 3 Like the Elios and the Elios 2, the Elios 3 is protected by a cage and comes with robust collision tolerance features, including the ability to turn upside down and right itself while in flight. One of the main things that makes the Elios 3 different from past iterations is that it comes with a LiDAR sensor made by Ouster, which allows it to collect data for making detailed 3D maps. The new drone is powered by a proprietary engine that Flyability created just for the Elios 3. Called FlyAware, the engine uses SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) to create 3D maps in real time, while the drone is in flight. This feature allows drone pilots to see the 3D space through which they’re flying along with the live visual feed as the drone flies, allowing them to orient themselves within an asset as they fly through it. Almost all flights performed with Flyability’s drones are done inside industrial assets, with the pilot standing outside. This means that pilots are almost always flying BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)—an operation that would require special permission if it were done outside, but does not for Flyability’s use cases since the flights are performed indoors—and that’s why the 3D Live Map is so useful, because it allows the pilot to see exactly where they are flying within the environment. Here’s what the 3D Live Map looks like on the tablet: Pilots can also use the LiDAR data collected by the Elios 3 to create survey-grade 3D models, which can be used for making digital twins to track changes to assets over time, for stockpile measurements, or to create detailed 3D blueprints of a hard-to-reach interior space. Watch this video for an overview of the Elios 3: What’s New with the Elios 3 Flyability has been working on the Elios 3 for four years. According to the company, making it was the single largest project it has ever undertaken. As part of the effort to make it, Flyability partnered with researchers at top universities around the world to develop robotics-related autonomy. Through this work, Flyability joined Team Cerberus to compete in DARPA’s multi-year Sub-T challenge, and its team ended up winning. In addition to all this work on the research, the company also spent hundreds of hours in the field, performing over 200 field tests to ensure the new drone would perform as expected. “The Elios 3 has some of the very best stabilization in the world, a modular payload, the ability to create 3D models in real time while in flight, and it paves the way towards an increasingly autonomous future.” Patrick Thévoz, Co-founder and CEO of Flyability Here are the three primary areas where Flyability focused on in making the Elios 3: 1. Reliability Because Elios drones are made for inspectors doing dangerous, time-sensitive work, it’s crucial that they operate the same way every time. To address the need for maximum reliability, Flyability’s engineers focused on making both the hardware and the software behind the Elios 3 incredibly reliable so that it would operate with the same level of reliability as a common household appliance. 2. Ease of Use While the Elios 2 was definitely easier to fly than the original Elios, the new version is even easier to fly. According to Flyability, new pilots can pick up the controller for the first time and fly an inspection mission the same day. 3. Industry-Specific Solutions Each industry that uses robotics for inspections has its own specific needs. Some industries need high quality thermal data while others would ideally like to be able to collect data about the presence of invisible noxious gasses. To address this need for customization, the Elios 3 comes with two payloads. One is the LiDAR sensor and the second is a modular payload, allowing inspectors to attach the sensor they need for their specific work. “The Elios 3 is the single biggest project that Flyability has ever undertaken. If you think of the Elios 2 as your classic flip phone, only designed to make phone calls, the Elios 3 is the smartphone. It’s made to be customized for the specific demands of each user, letting you attach the payload you need so you can use the tool as you like, and allowing it to grow and improve over time with new payloads or software solutions.” Adrien Briod, Co-founder and CTO of Flyability Who Is the Elios 3 For? The drone industry is well established now, and one way you can tell is that companies are making niche products for very specific jobs. Flyability is one of those companies. It really only makes one line of drones—the Elios line—of which it has now released three versions. These drones are made specifically to fly inside dangerous confined spaces like boilers, pressure vessels, or big sewer pipes in order to collect inspection data. Up to now, that data has been primarily visual—pictures and video. With the launch of the Elios 3, inspectors can now also collect LiDAR data inside confined space, allowing them to create 3D models of the interior of the assets they’re inspecting. [Related read: 7 Benefits of Using Drones for Inspections] The work of inspecting confined spaces is incredibly important for several industries, including Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Mining. In all of these, and a lot more, inspectors who don’t have a way to collect data remotely with a drone or some other robot have to collect it in person, by crawling into the confined space. And this work is not only dangerous, but really expensive. To enter a confined space for inspections, inspectors will often have to erect scaffolding and stand on it, working at heights of 80 feet or more. The scaffolding alone can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the time it takes to put it up and take it down can lead to millions lost in downtimes for the plant where the inspection is being done. And drones like the Elios 3 make this kind of inspection work a lot safer and a lot cheaper. While there are companies like Wingtra, which makes drones primarily for long-range mapping missions, or Flyability, which makes drones primarily for confined space inspections, there are also companies that make drones primarily for aerial cinematography. DJI makes a huge range of drones just for this purpose. One freelance photographer might use a Mavic 3 Cine to shoot a travel video to promote their YouTube channel, while another might shoot a wedding on a Mini 3 Pro. High-end cinematographers, on the other hand, might turn to a company like Freefly and use its Alta for capturing cinematic shots for making movies. As the drone industry continues to grow, we’re sure to see more and more drones created for specific purposes. Before long we may see a drone made just for fighting fires, or tiny ones made only to pollinate flowers. Only time will tell.

DJI’s popular Mini-series appears to be expanding into new territory as rumors continue to swirl about an all-new DJI Mini 3 Pro. Adding professional-level sensors and capabilities will be a first for the Mini line. Many of DJI’s latest innovations have been fully revealed on Twitter by credible leaks in past years. The interesting aspect of this release is it’s still unclear if there will be a consumer version to accompany the Mini 3 Pro. In 2021, it was speculated that DJI would launch the Mini 3 in April of 2022. However, DJI investigator @JasperEllens, claims we will not see the drone until early May. With April coming to a close, it’s probably safe to assume this estimate is not far off. This recent Tweet from @DealsDrone released the first video of the new drone: More recently, @DealsDrone leaked four photos of the Mini 3 Pro that seem to confirm the idea that it will be hitting stores very soon. As you can see, the new drone continues DJI’s streamlined architecture with round, aerodynamic features. The placement of the gimbal also seems to confirm rumors that the camera is capable of switching between landscape and portrait orientations. This feature would be an absolute game-changer for content creators utilizing YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and everyone’s favorite, TikTok. But we don’t just have photos of the Mini 3 Pro—an accidental listing by a Dutch drone website called TopRC has revealed all the specs for the forthcoming drone. Keep reading to find out everything we know. DJI Mini 3 Pro Specs and Features Here’s everything we know so far about the Mini 3 Pro. Flight Time: The Mini 3 is equipped with a 2453 mAh battery bringing flight time to 34 minutes. For reference, the Mini 2 has a 2,250 mAh battery and 31 minutes of battery life. DJI will also offer a “Plus” version of the Intelligent Flight Battery, which has 47 minutes of flight time. Camera: A 1/1.3” CMOS sensor will allow users to record stunning 4K video at 60 FPS and capture 48 MP RAW images. The larger F/1.7 aperture will allow more light to hit the sensor, which improves recording in low-light environments. The camera also comes with 4x digital zoom, allowing it to even potentially be used for inspections of cell towers or other scenarios that require flying at a distance. Weight: Leaked images show the Mini 3 bearing the phrase “Ultra Light 249g.” Even with pro-level specs, the drone is still under 250 grams, so no FAA registration is required for recreational operations. If you use the Plus battery, the weight will exceed 250 grams. Transmission & Transfer System: The DJI Mini 3 Pro is equipped with DJI Ocusync 3, which features live 1080p at 30 fps at distances up to 12km (7.5 miles). WiFi transfers are lightning quick at download speeds up to 30 Mbps. Obstacle Avoidance: The latest Mini will come with DJI’s Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0). The drone will use two new ground and front-facing sensors to avoid objects throughout the flight. For comparison, the Mini 2 only has two downward sensors. Intelligent Flight Modes & Tracking: Become a master of angles with DJI’s FocusTrack software, including ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0. Master Shots: Create a cinematic masterpiece by simply selecting your subject and allowing the drone to conduct professional flight maneuvers automatically. Panorama: Capture wide-angle shots, including sphere panoramas. Timelapse: Avoid hours in post-production and record a time-lapse or hyper-lapse of moving objects to create a fantastic video. How Much Does the DJI Mini 3 Cost? DJI’s vision to create an ultra-light professional drone will undoubtedly set itself apart from its predecessors in price. The DJI Mini 2 retails for $449, where it sits comfortably in the entry-level market. Based on an accidental listing from a Dutch website called TopRC, the Mini 3 Pro will sell for $882 (standard controller included). If you want to add the new RC controller, that package will set you back an additional $181. In typical DJI fashion, there will also be bundles to choose from: DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit ($987) DJI Mini 3 Pro with New RC Controller ($1,063) Who Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro For? Given the higher price point and the higher quality of its camera and other technology, like its obstacle avoidance capabilities, the Mini 3 Pro seems aimed at the prosumer who is already somewhat established and willing to spend a little more. DJI is a master of filling out all the pricing brackets on the market. Starting with its cheapest drone—the Tello—then going up to the Mini SE, and then all the way up to its higher-end professional models like the new Matrice 30, which was made to support public safety and heavy-duty maintenance work, the company offers drones at a huge range of price points. And this is just one of the ways it dominates the market. It’s a smart strategy. While the Mini SE may meet the needs of newbies, the Mini 3 Pro will be a great option for those looking to level up their content creation and make it more professional. And the new M30, on the other hand—which is the first drone-in-a-box DJI has ever made—lies much higher up on the spectrum, presenting an industrial solution that can be used for professional work like bridge inspections or arson investigations.

As the drone industry exits its infancy and moves into full adulthood we’re seeing more and more drones being created for specific applications. The Parrot Bluegrass is made just for agricultural use cases, while Impossible Aerospace’s US-1 is made for public safety uses (with a special emphasis on law enforcement applications). Even when you look at the commercial drones created by DJI, the largest drone manufacturer in the world, they’re starting to be focused on more narrow use cases. In advertising its latest drone in the Matrice line, the M300, the company has focused more narrowly on the public safety and inspection sectors, including several features made just to support those two areas. Image Credit: DJI Following this trend in commercial drones, Flyability’s Elios 2 is a drone made just for flying indoors. It sits in a cage designed to allow the drone to sustain collisions while in flight, making it ideal for flying in confined spaces where crashing is likely. The most common uses for an indoor drone like the Elios 2 are for industrial inspections in industries like Oil & Gas or Mining, where being able to collect visual data is a crucial part of operations, but can also pose many hazards and challenges. Image Credit: Flyability Drones are a great way to collect visual data without harming or even needing to touch an asset, since they can fly close to it and film without ever having to touch its surface. Collecting data in this manner, where the object being examined isn’t physically affected in any way, is called Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by inspectors—NDT can refer to a drone filming the inside of a chimney during an inspection or even to a doctor taking an X-ray to better understand a patient’s injury. Using a caged indoor drone, you can fly into a huge boiler, pressure vessel, or stope (a mining term for an excavation) and get high quality video on its condition. As drones continue to improve, they’re starting to be able to fully replace the need to send people into these dangerous, confined spaces. Here are five ways that indoor drones are improving inspections today. 1. Safety Using an indoor drone to collect video and images inside an asset can replace the need for an inspector to physically enter it. This means a huge reduction in exposing inspectors to hazardous situations and a big increase in safety. 2. Savings Indoor industrial inspections can be incredibly expensive because they often require inspectors to build single-use scaffolding just to reach everything inside the object being inspected. The materials and labor alone that are required to build this scaffolding can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Also, the time taken to erect and take down scaffolding means longer downtimes for the thing being inspected. In the case of a boiler or some other piece of equipment essential to an industrial process like refining oil, this downtime can represent as much as a million dollars a day in lost revenue. Using an indoor drone to remove the need for scaffolding can reduce downtimes by several days, which means huge potential savings for companies that require these types of inspections. Image Credit: Flyability 3. Higher Quality Videos and Photos As drones improve, so do the cameras they use. In some cases, using a drone to collect video and stills during an inspection can mean a higher quality visual output for inspectors than they might get using either their naked eye or the cameras otherwise available to them. 4. Increased Frequency of Inspections In addition to savings, indoor drones can help improve the overall efficiency of inspections by removing all of the extra steps that must be taken when a person has to physically enter a confined space. Because of the reduction in expenses and increase in efficiency enabled by indoor drones, many companies that use indoor drones have started increasing the frequency of their inspections, performing inspections even three or four times more often a year than they had when conducting them manually. This increased frequency means that potential problems in assets get revealed more quickly, thus further enhancing the safety on site. Increasing the frequency of inspections can also help reduce harmful emissions and increase the longevity of a company’s assets, since potential problems can be uncovered and addressed even earlier in the maintenance process. 5. Improved Record of Past Inspections Video captured by indoor drones like the Elios 2 can be reviewed for specific measurements inside of an asset, allowing inspectors to see where exactly a flaw is located. This information can be saved as a historic record of an asset, a kind of visual footprint of the asset's condition at a specific moment in time, allowing inspectors to return to that data later to see how a problem might have developed. Image Credit: Flyability

Company: Bees360 Inc Location: Houston, TX, USA Tell us about yourself. Give our readers a personal introduction to you and what you do. I was born and raised in Marietta, GA. I am acutely aware of my spirituality, have an infinite love for horses, and am absolutely infatuated with technology and photography! What inspired you to begin flying drones? If you fly commercially, what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I was inspired by my mentor and spiritual advisor, Pat, who told me, "The sky's the limit. Buy a drone." My love for tech and photography finally found a place to come together and form this awesome marriage. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you transition? Before my life with drones, I was a horse jockey racing trainer. I sustained an injury that forced me out of that field and was seeking another way to better my life. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I currently fly my Mavic 2 Pro and absolutely love my smart controller and blue propellers! What is your favorite feature on your drone, and why? My favorite feature is Point of Interest/Follow Me mode because it can make really fun videos. What drone images are you most proud of and why? The cabin photograph is very near and dear to my heart because the cabin belongs to my mentor Pat. I was elated and honored to be able to give back to him since he inspired me to get a drone in the first place. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? The most valuable lesson I have learned is, "The possibilities with drones are only limited by your imagination. The sky is literally the limit." Whether from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you've piloted thus far. I would say that my most memorable drone flight probably would be piloting my first flight for Bees360 and the doors It has opened for me within the company. It took me almost an hour to do a 15-minute job, but I took my time to ensure the deliverable was perfect, and it paid off. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry and drone community? I am most excited about traveling the world and tapping into my inner strength and limitless imagination. Also, I am excited about other women having the opportunity to travel the world, be their own boss., and envoke Girl Power! Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? I advise pilots to always maintain a line of sight. You'd be surprised how quickly you can crash. I wouldn't know… just saying. I also advise pilots to slow down. Take your time to observe your surroundings. This will show through with quality images and videos as well. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? You can get in touch with me via email at Erin.Wilkinson@bees360.com. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? My colleague Dena Bector describes me as a Boss, but one of those bosses who is supportive, skillful, resilient, dependable, and always comes through! About Erin Wilkinson Erin started with Bees360, Inc in October 2020 as a 1099 drone pilot. Today, Erin works as the right-hand woman of Dena Bector, Senior Director of Operations of Bees360, wearing the title of Senior Operations Manager. Erin not only supports other Operation Managers but also provides real-time support to Bees360 pilots out in the field. Erin is also a part-time drone photographer specializing in the landscape for agriculture and farming. Email: Erin.Wilkinson@bees360.com

In recent years, drones have become an incredibly useful tool for fire departments. Ehang has announced a huge heavy-lift drone for firefighting that can shoot water at fires, and researchers have begun exploring the use of drone swarms to drop small amounts of fire retardant on a fire, mimicking a raincloud. But these solutions made to fight fires directly are still largely unproven and not commonly in use by firefighters. Today, the primary way that firefighters use drones is through data collection. By allowing them to collect visual and thermal data remotely from the air, drones are helping keep firefighters safe while enabling them to make decisions quickly in life-or-death scenarios. In general, firefighters use two types of drones: indoor drones and outdoor drones. In the sections below, we'll take a close look at each type and then provide concrete use cases from the field. How Indoor Drones Are Used In Firefighting Indoor drones are designed to be flown inside a structure using technology that keeps them from damaging objects and people around them. A drone like Flyability's Elios 2 is protected by a cage, making it collision-tolerant in tight spaces. The Elios 2 also comes equipped with a high-definition camera to take sharp images and videos and a thermal camera that can capture thermal data even in smoke. When at the scene of an active fire, firefighters use indoor drones to determine: If anyone is inside the structure The location of the fire The extent of the fire The condition of the building for safe entry For example, the Marine Firefighters of Marseille tested sending the Elios 2 ahead of firefighters into a ship fire. Their goal was to determine if there were any people in danger on the ship and to assess the magnitude of the fire before boarding the ship. Using the drone, the Marine Firefighters of Marseille were able to quickly assess the following: Where people were located Where the fire came from The extent of damage to the vessel If it was possible to save the vessel Ships pose a uniquely dangerous situation for marine firefighters. It's significantly more dangerous for firefighters to board a ship without visual data provided by a tool like a drone because ships have many confined spaces where people, including firefighters, can get trapped. More generally, firefighters commonly use indoor drones to enter burned-out buildings or sites where an explosion has happened, allowing firefighting personnel to assess the damage inside without putting themselves in harm's way. In inspection scenarios, work in confined spaces requires inspectors to use ropes or scaffolding to get access to everything they need to see to complete their work, presenting yet another instance where drones can help keep people out of harms' way. How Outdoor Drones Are Used in Firefighting Outdoor drones like DJI's Matrice 300 are often much bigger and have multirotors that can help them cover a lot of ground quickly. Firefighters use outdoor drones to survey the scene of a fire, locate people stuck inside the top floors of a burning structure, including skyscrapers, and inform firefighters about how a fire is unfolding. Dones can also quickly identify a structure's safest entry and exit points. The thermal data collected by an outdoor drone can quickly identify: Where people might be stuck Where the fire is hottest Where firefighters can safely enter and exit the structure to put out the fire and for rescue missions Where there are lingering hot spots that might not be visible to the naked eye Outdoor drones are also an extremely useful tool when dealing with wildfires. They can help firefighters determine how big the fire is and how to keep it from spreading rapidly, information that is otherwise difficult, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous to collect. How Drones Are Used in Fire Investigations Drones are also used to collect vital information after a fire has been contained. In post-fire investigations, an arson investigator will examine video footage taken at the scene of the fire to determine the cause of the fire and how it moved while active. Last year, the Rotterdam Fire Brigade used the Elios 2 to inspect the interior of a building that had been ablaze. They set out to determine if the fire was put out, inspect the building for damage and structural integrity, and determine whether it was safe to enter for further investigation. Thermal data revealed that the fire was still burning, informing firefighters how to secure the area before safely entering the building to conduct a thorough investigation. In addition to visual and thermal data, firefighters often create 3D models using photogrammetry or LiDAR-equipped drones, as well as orthomosaic maps of a fire scene so that they can study it in detail later. These investigations are crucial for firefighters to understand how a fire started and how it moved across land or through structures. The information gleaned by drones from each incident can help create more robust pre-fire procedures and post-fire investigations. How Drone Data Can Be Used to Fight Future Fires Firefighters are also using drones to create orthomosaic maps of key buildings in their area, like hospitals and schools. These maps provide a detailed record of each structure, which they can use to identify all entry and exit points in case of a future fire or help law enforcement quickly identify evacuation routes in the event of an active shooter. If there is a fire at that location, the firefighters can refer to the orthomosaic maps, getting a clearer idea of the situation they're facing. Post-fire drone footage can also be used to survey and document damages to the structure or area, creating historical archives. And Keep in Mind — Firefighters Don't Just Fight Fires Natural disasters—like hurricanes, earthquakes, and mudslides—require reinforcements from all public safety departments to assess the overall scope of destruction. Firefighters can use drones to quickly survey large areas for infrastructure issues and search and rescue efforts. This bird's eye view helps firefighters triage rescue missions and get the proper medical support. Firefighters and EMTs also use drones to deliver emergency supplies, like Automated External Defibrillators (or AEDs), first aid kits, and medicine in devastated areas.

Learn more about WWD's Senior Editor & Writer! What Is Your Name and Your Job at WWD? My name is Tyesha Ferron, and I am the senior writer and editor at Women Who Drone. Tell Us a Little Bit about Yourself. I’ve always enjoyed discovering new approaches to creativity, even as a child. Language, art, and new technologies are some of the things I’m most passionate about, and I regularly look into these topics in my free time. Currently, I’m working as a full-time content writer, but my background is in Linguistics and studying languages. I studied Linguistics intending to work in the language learning field but quickly found myself becoming more interested in pursuing writing. After years of freelancing on the side, I eventually decided to make writing my full-time job. Tell Us about Your WWD Story! I became a part of the Women Who Drone team after graduating with my bachelor’s in 2018. I discovered the opportunity on LinkedIn and started as an Editorial Intern. At the time, I had very little experience with writing professionally, the drone industry, and the drone community, but I was excited about the opportunity to challenge myself. Over time, as I became more involved with the team, I started learning more about how far drones have come and all of the exciting things people are doing with them. Since joining WWD, I’ve learned so much about drones, legislation, the drone industry, and the women in the drone community. The community has grown so much since I first became aware of it. It’s been great getting to know the drone community, especially the women. I’ve met some amazing women and seen them do amazing things. Over the years, I’ve become involved in the drone community in ways I never anticipated. It’s been incredible to see all the different ways women have changed their lives and elevated themselves using drones in science, engineering, photography, videography, business, and entrepreneurship. What Are Your Best Tricks and Tips for Someone Who Wants to Go Down the Same Career Path as You? Embracing an unconventional career path is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. When we’re young, we’re often taught to expect things to be more straightforward, going from college directly into the career we prepared for. However, that’s not always going to be the case, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re interested in becoming a writer, my best advice is to always look for opportunities to get your work out there, learn new things and grow. Jumping into a subject you’re unfamiliar with can be intimidating, but having the willingness to learn is a valuable skill. Also, take on opportunities or create your own opportunities to build up your portfolio. Along the way, try to get involved in a community you enjoy. Creating genuine connections makes work so much more fulfilling. Connect with the Writer Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

It has been announced! DJI will release its X7 camera comprised of 24 megapixels, super 35mm and it will come with three interchangeable lenses. The question is- will this impact or even kill heavy lift drone orders? For those of you not familiar with heavy lift drone usage. Well, imagine you can get those amazing aerial shots with a DSLR, Arri Cinema camera, or any other cinema-style camera without worrying about the weight in the sky. Heavy Lift drones take care of this. From a business perspective, it is cheaper because you don't have to buy a gimble since the gimble is already integrated into the camera. However, from a production perspective, those loyal to their specified camera may prefer to continue with heavy lifting even if the cost is significantly more. Now that we know the new A7 exists, will there be a decline in heavy lift drone usage? What do you think? This article will be updated as we continue to learn more about the release of the X7.

Company: HF Visuals Location: Istanbul, Turkey Tell us about yourself. I'm a French visual journalist, consultant, and drone pilot. I'm based in Istanbul, Turkey, and I travel all over the region. I work as a cameraperson, editor, producer. I am also a visual consultant for NGOs and PR companies, helping them produce new visual campaigns and videos. And I'm a pilot! What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I started flying in 2017 when I was a journalist based in Beijing, China. I quickly realized a drone is a great addition to visual storytelling, as it gives new opportunities and new angles. When I moved to Turkey I kept flying and decided to get my professional license to fly drones up to 25 kg when I started doing wind turbine inspections at the beginning of 2020. It is an exciting and promising new field for me, I have learned a lot and expanded my skills in areas I had no idea about, and it allows me to travel even more. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I have always been a video and visual journalist. I just added drones as a new tool to tell my stories. However, I am now very interested in using my drone to inspect renewable energy installations, such as solar panels or wind turbine farms. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I fly the DJI Inspire 2 (with ProRes and Cinema DNG) and the Mavic Pro (first edition, which is still one of the best drones that ever came out). My favorite accessories are my extra batteries and my NG filters. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? The Apple ProRes and Cinema DNG feature on my Inspire 2 can produce really beautiful and professional footage, when you're working on high-end projects. What drone images are you most proud of and why? I got to film a Mongolian traveler crossing Kazakhstan with a caravan of camels for a BBC story in 2019. A great way to show her long and arduous journey was obviously from a bird's-eye view. Flying in the Kazakh steppes above this brave woman and her camels on perfect spring weather gave me great images and a lifetime of memories. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? I think that the most "technical" drone jobs (inspection of construction sites, agricultural fields, renewable energy installations, etc.) should not necessarily be left to men only. We are definitely bringing something to the table, we just need to trust ourselves a bit more. 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 was made in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I was on an assignment with the NGO World Vision and I flew above a school in the countryside. The children were fascinated by the drone as they had never seen one before, and they all gathered around me. They were very curious but also did not know what to make of this flying object. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? You can start flying a small drone at first and then upgrade, there's so much to choose from. And drones have so much potential for the future and for so many industries! What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I want to find other kindred spirits, and other women in my region, to learn from and exchange tips and advice. We need to help each other. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? Just make sure you set the right maximum flight altitude and the appropriate return-to-home altitude before every flight. Basic, but it can avoid your drone crashing into trees or wind turbines for example while returning home. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? I'm available on Instagram (@helene_fr). And my website is: helenefranchineau.com Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? Confession: I crashed my drone on my very first flight, on the Great Wall of China near Beijing :) Women Who Drone Youtube Hélène Franchineau is a visual journalist, consultant, and professional drone pilot based in Istanbul, Turkey. She films and produces news videos, documentaries, as well as visual campaigns for NGOs and other international organizations. She is a certified drone pilot who produces visual content and does inspection work for renewable energy companies. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavicPro #IstanbulDronePilot #dronevideos #femaleempowerment

Tell us about yourself. I am just an everyday girl who had an idea and decided to try it. I couldn't be any happier with how it all turned out, but it was a lot of hard work - always pay back. Now, I can easily say that I am a drone pilot, drone racing pilot, public speaker, social media influencer and a public personality in a drone world. I am happy to be able to make a difference. What inspired you to begin flying drones? I started flying drones back in 2014 at the end of the year. I was also introduced to FPV (First Person View), and I fell completely in love. A friend of mine showed me it just once and I felt like a bird... flying in the sky but staying on the ground. Up until today, it is the most amazing feeling to just put the goggles on and cut off myself from the world around. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I was (and still am) a programmer and web developer. What drone (s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I am flying a DJI Mavic Air, and a couple of self-made racing drones. My favorite accessory is my pair of goggles, FatShark HDO. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? The possibility of going 100kmh and doing acrobatics. The things I can do with my drone are amazing. What drone images are you proud of and why? I am proud of every video I make. I am doing my best to make them better every time I upload. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? The world is created by 99% of amazing people and 1% of the trouble makers. Don't let this 1% ruin your day. People are amazing, helpful and nice in this industry. Also sharing knowledge is a key! Whether it's from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. I think every flight of mine is memorable. I have met so many people, made so many friendships and seen so many amazing things from way other perspective. It's too hard to choose a favorite. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? What I am doing since 2014 - and I have seen working best - is just to show up on drone events and conferences, showing that girls DO IT. And do it good. Telling girls that "You can do it too" and showing them 30 guys aged 20/30 is not sending a message. The best thing we can do is just to be, have fun and share our love with the world. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? Wider group of people always means more ideas. Also, I'm hoping that with the growing number of girls and women in drones we will see less of really weird comments and pictures that we are struggling with now. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? It doesn't matter what people tell You. If you are "too tall", "too short", "woman", "man" or whatever. Drones and FPV are for everyone regardless of age, gender, nationality and beliefs. And if someone tells you that you can't do something (doesn’t have to be connected with drones) tell them "I can, and I will. Watch me." What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Message me on my social media (maionhigh everywhere) or send me an email on lexie@maionhigh.com. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I am extremely happy to help and support anyone on my way, SO don't be afraid to leave me a message :) Women Who Drone Youtube My name is Lexie, and I am 26 years old. I started flying drones back when I was in university studying Landscape Architecture, but after some time, I moved towards IT and programming, which is my current job along with drones. I live in Germany with my husband, who I met on a drone event. Together, we are travelling all over the world with our drones, sharing the love and passion to it. I am also a content creator and owner of a YouTube channel, MaiOnHigh, and for 2 years I have been really actively promoting drones at conferences, events and during my travels. I am a German champion in drone racing (women category), and I was honored with a Rotor Riot Medallion award for extraordinary work for drones. #pilotspotlight #femaledronepilot #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #spotlightinterview #womenwhodroneambassador #womenwithwings #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE #WOMENANDDRONES

Company: Yasmin Tajik Photography Location: Fountain Hills, Arizona, US Tell us about yourself. I am a professional photographer and a drone pilot. I started my photography business over 10 years ago where I focused on running a retail studio photographing portraits, weddings, and events. About 5 years ago, I told my Mom I needed to do something different with my business, and that's when I started documentary photography. Through that avenue of my business, I focus on humanitarian and social causes in regard to women and girls. When not photographing a story, you can find me traveling the world, reading, playing the piano, scuba diving, and spending time with my family which includes my goldendoodle Zayn. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? As a photographer, I feel I was exposed to drones very early on to their release in the market, however mostly what I saw them being used for was a lot of guys shooting landscapes. At that time I didn't see a need for owning one until I went on a trip with some girlfriends to Iceland and 2 of them brought drones. That was my first exposure to drones up close, and that's when the wheels starting turning. I, then, dedicated an area of my business where I could utilize that tool in my storytelling. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I am a professional photographer, and although I was aware of drones I didn't feel they were anything I needed until I saw them first hand. Then I started to think of areas I could utilize the drone to tell stories in a way I hadn't before. So, I jumped in and bought my first drone and haven't looked back since. I've been lucky to get involved with the Women Who Drone community where I was able to represent them at a few conferences last year, as well as travel all over the world with my drone. My drone has opened up seeing the world in a new way, which also translated into telling stories from a new perspective. What drone(s) are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I have a Mavic 2 Pro and a Tello. My Mavic is my go-to for anything fun and commercial. I love how easily it folds down for portability, which is key for me because of all the traveling I do. My Tello is used as a tool for demonstrations and for teaching kids about coding with drones. Some key accessories I have are ND filters for the Mavic and an iPad mini which gives me a bigger screen to view as I'm flying. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? I love the high quality of imagery I can produce, both photos (22-megapixel) and 4K videos, and that comes all packed in this small footprint that folds down for ease of travel. What drone images are you most proud of and why? I live in the desert and most of my footage is from that type of climate. But I am really drawn toward anything with water, particularly the ocean. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? Yes, absolutely! I feel that even though we are a smaller percentage of drone pilots out there, together we are a rising tide that is just as equally capable. Through hard work, networking and really going after jobs and opportunities, we can and are just as good as anyone else in the industry. I feel so so fortunate to have found WWD because it has become this wonderful community where we have one goal, which is to help each other and make this industry great. Whether it's from a creative, commercial, or humanitarian perspective, tell us about the most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. Wow, that's a tough one because each flight has its own purpose or goal. Early on in my drone career, it was mostly to gain experience and test out and master how to control my drone. By pushing my limits, I can test not only how to manipulate the drone, but also push out of my comfort zone and learn to be a better pilot. I had an incident last year where I was flying in windy conditions and almost didn't get my drone back, but was lucky enough another pilot was with me and helped out land it safely without any damage. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? I think initially when women and girls hear about drones they think of them as toys, or an extension of playing video games, but there is so much more. I find that if I can share about the vast industries that are employing drones and drone pilots, it opens their eyes to the possibilities of a career path, or of something new they can implement into their current career. For girls, it is very important to get hands-on training right away, as well as educating them about different uses, such as SAR, humanitarian, agriculture, inspections, etc. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I think it levels the playing field. Research has shown that when women are treated the same as men and paid the same as men in the workplace, companies become more profitable, have lower attrition rates, higher employee retention rates, and higher job satisfaction among employees. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it's like a rising tide that raises all ships. It benefits all of us in a positive way. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? I think the best is to get out there as often as possible to practice. When I was young, I had to practice the piano for an hour a day, and I feel it should be the same with the drone. Master the piloting of the drone first, and then you can learn about capturing impactful footage through photos and videos. When I first started, I spent a lot of time going out with a friend of mine who is a master drone pilot. A lot of the time I wouldn't even fly, I would be looking over his shoulder, watching, and learning. Then, eventually, I launched my drone and utilized what I learned from watching him, into my own footage. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? My website is www.yasmintajik.com, and my Instagram is @ytajik Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I would encourage anyone who is thinking about drones, to just give it a try. Once you get it in your hands, you may find it addicting and even better if you can find a way to utilize it in other aspects of your life to help others. Women Who Drone Youtube Yasmin Tajik is a portrait and documentary photographer, and FAA certified drone pilot who is based in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Her humanitarian and documentary work covers issues on social causes and civil rights, including local stories on refugee resettlement, asylum seekers, sex-trafficking, and international stories such as gender equality in Iceland and the rise of Islam in Cuba. She has a B.A. in Biology and an MBA and has been featured in media outlets such as Nat Geo Wild, Las Vegas Review Journal, and Huffington Post. #PilotSpotlight #dronephotography #femaledronepilot #bussinesswomen #DJIMavic2Pro #ArizoneDronePilot #dronevideos #DJITello #femaleempowerment