Category: Aerial Photography Services Dubai Blog

Crashing a drone is inevitable. Novice pilots have much to learn before they’re able to confidently take flight and marvel at the exquisite manoeuvres they’re able to pull off. However, before you show off your aerial skills, you’ll need to get the basics down cold.

It’s also worth remembering that even seasoned drone pilots may just encounter those slow-motion moments, watching helplessly as their drone hits falls to the ground.

Now, experienced drone services in Dubai – like those offered by Sky Vision – understand how to retain optimal control of drones in flight, avoid collisions, and touch down for a safe and soft landing. However, many hobbyists grapple with the controls and face a steep learning curl before confidently taking to the air.

Like anything else, the more you know, the better you are. So, with that in mind, and in the spirit of sharing our knowledge with pilots determined to take to the sky confidently, here are five reasons why you keep crashing your drones. Be sure to read them all, you may just discover the reason why you’ve suffered so many broken propellers and frustrating repair expenses!

Keeping Your Eyes Fixed on the Control Screen

Control screens are awesome – a feat of technological innovation to rival any in the digital age. However, there are occasions when they can hinder a successful flight.

Now, as much as we love the displays, immersing pilots in what can only be described as a feeling close to playing console video games as a youngster, keeping your eyes fixed on a control neglects one fundamental aspect of a flight, namely keeping your eyes on the drone itself.

This can be circumvented by using an FPV racing drone with Fat Shark goggles, but most novice pilots don’t tend to use such equipment, concentrating on learning how to control their drone’s mid-flight.
The purpose of a screen is to provide pilots with information on the surrounding environment, but surely our eyes are better, right? Keeping an eye on your drone means that pilots can control their surroundings better, adjusting flight paths – before it’s too late!

Not Using Automatic Flight Mode Carefully

Automatic flight modes should be used astutely. Whereas using auto launching and landing shouldn’t be discouraged, especially for pilots with limited experience, there’s one fact that pilots ignore at their own peril – auto flight modes means that they are not flying their drones.

Auto flight modes do provide pilots with vital data or the quality of the photos or videos captured – something that drone companies in will use to improve the quality of their footage – but relying on auto flight modes too much can diminish your continuing aptitude as a pilot.

Moreover, before selecting auto flight mode, it’s important that your launch site and general is free of hazards. Buildings, natural structures, even tree branches are enemies of propellers. Set auto flight mode and you won’t be able to navigate away from hazards manually.

Insufficient GPS Connection

Drones are renowned for combining a wealth of technological innovation into one vehicle. GPS guidance is just one element of this. Without GPS intended flight guidance will be a mite tricky to say the least.

When it comes to piloting drones, accuracy and precision is the name of the game. Regardless of whether you’re a hobbyist experimenting with aerial photography or a professional drone service in the UAE, like Sky Vision, able to craft immersive videos or complete detailed surveying, an insufficient GPS connection will hinder flight success.

Drones are designed to connect to multiple satellites for ease of flight. Without a stable connection, you may just find your drone drifting across the landscape never to be seen or heard from again.

 

 

Neglecting the Pre-Flight Check-Up

This one is a no-brainer, but in the interest of being thorough, it should be mentioned. Preparation is key to success. This is true of almost every endeavour and piloting a drone, regardless of your experience, is no different. Seasoned drone companies like Sky Vision understand this.

Flying a drone is exciting. But it’s not so exciting that pilots should neglect their pre-flight check-ups. Completing a visual inspection, checking command responsiveness – even understanding the forecasted climate and scouted location are paramount. Then there’s knowing the flight path, formatting memory cards, inspecting the gimbal and making sure that it supports your camera (if taking pictures or videos) and charging the batteries.

There’s myriad of checks to perform. If you’re still unconvinced that you need to be ultra-meticulous then consider this: neglecting one check could result in a catastrophic crash.

Not Considering the Weather

As beautiful as it is basking in the warm climate, the Middle East isn’t immune from adverse weather conditions. Sand and rainstorms are not uncommon, even in chic urban areas, often dampening or quashing drone pilot’s opportunities to take to the sky.

Of course, no one can control the weather, but we can plan for it if we know what’s heading our way. As any learned drone service in the UAE or worldwide will tell you, when you plan to take flight is just as important as where you launch from.

When planning a flight, make sure to check the weather forecast for at least a couple of days prior to the flight. Understanding weather patterns and being aware of any potential changes on the horizon can save pilots to hassle and annoyance of having to cancel a flight at the last minute, or heaven forbid, getting caught in a storm and losing control of the drone and watching as it plummets to the ground.

So, these are five of the more common reasons why pilots endure drone crashes. They may seem simple but by showing a little awareness and understanding the threats, you could save yourself a lot of heartache and money by not picking up a shattered drone from the ground.

How can I attract more customers? It’s a question that every business asks. From Emaar Properties to Walmart – and especially if you’re a small business looking to increase revenue – understanding how to reach, communicate with and grow your business is the key to achieving short and long-term commercial strategies.

Oftentimes, teams of marketing professionals with decades of combined marketing experience and an adroit understanding of their business, sector and, by extension, the modern commercial landscape sit in boardrooms for hours on end debating how they can maximise sales and growth public perception of their product or service.

Where should we focus our marketing activities? What do we want our marketing to say about our brand? How do we reach our target demographic and provide them reasons to put their hands in their pockets? Questions such as these often leave marketing professionals and business owners working to the small hours of the morning.

New and emerging technologies can play a prominent role in spreading the word and helping your business attract more customers. However, beyond employing influencer marketing and interactive chatbots, drone companies are expanding their sphere of influencer throughout the UAE and across the globe and are now considered to be one of the most exciting and innovative ways to give your marketing campaign a shot or adrenaline.

Effective Advertising is Paramount

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t notice a drone hovering in the sky? Whilst not as commonplace as signage – yet – drones can be used to directly advertise products and services. Consumers immediately notice the effort a business has gone to just to appeal to consumers.

Elevating this a step further is a drone photography company in the UAE, like Sky Vision. Consider the unique photographic perspective and seemingly endless creative possibilities drone photographic marketing offers is. As striking a ground-based photography may be, it’s not a patch on the exquisite angles and immersive experience that drone photography can create.

Get consumers excited by your product and they will buy. This – and value – are primary motivators to getting people to put their hands in their pockets. A drone photography company, for example, can deliver that new perspective across a host of marketing material. Showing consumers what they have never seen will pique their interest – not all you need to do is elevate your product or service’s selling points.

Still unsure whether drone companies offer a service capable of selling your product or service? Keep reading. Here’s three solid reasons why a drone company, like Sky Vision can help you to market your business.

 

 

Aerial Photography and Videography Offers A Different Perspective

In 2018, buyers are more difficult than ever to convince. Over saturation of marketing campaigns, engulfing online and offline campaigns has helped create a cynical public. You need to make sure that your business stands out. This doesn’t necessarily mean hooking customers with promotions and special offers. It means offering them something of value your competitors cannot.

When executed well, aerial photography and videography can be as exciting and exhilarating as it is immersive and awe-inspiring. Aren’t these attributes that you want customers to associate your brand with?

Technological Innovation

Even the most inexperienced online browser understands a sales pitch when he sees one. Are we about to enter an era whereby we’re all so web-savvy that we have grown to become desensitised to online marketing? After all, if consumers know specific marketing tactics are in-place solely to make us buy products or services – and can recognise them – doesn’t that make traditional online marketing harder?

Does this spell the end for online marketing? The short answer is a resounding no. It does, however, mean that businesses need to be more innovative in their online campaigns. In short, incentivise customers. Show them something that they haven’t seen before.

The benefit of drones is that they are new and emerging technologies. Consumers are still a long way away from experiencing any type of product fatigue. Drone companies can help businesses to showcase their progressive products and services through a progressive marketing strategy.

Relevant and Innovative

Marketing campaigns are only as successful as the ROI they’re able to showcase to customers – and consumers respond to innovations that they can appreciate – seeing how they can enhance their lives.

Consider the iPhone. Consumers know that the device is practically indispensable to their daily lives. Apple has taken a product, the mobile phone, that fifteen years ago was considered a novelty and transformed it into an extension of our hand. One that is as relevant today as it has ever been before. An innovative product and engaging marketing campaigns have achieved this.

Apple has redefined consumer necessity. Drones have the potential to achieve the same. You only need to look at the photography and videos that drones can create to see the innovation at work. Consumers respond to innovation. Businesses want to portray a cutting-edge ethos. This is precisely what drone companies’ aerial video and photography campaigns can achieve.

There you have it, the reasons why using a drone photography company will give your marketing a shot of adrenaline. If you’d like to learn more, or view some of the spectacular images and videos drone photography can capture, tour the Sky Vision website today. Learn more and find the answers to any our your questions by contacting us today.

You only need to view a noted social media influencer’s Instagram account, delve into the considered commercial marketing campaigns designed by businesses that want to make a true impact on their clients or watch television or a film and you’ll spot the influence that drone photography and videography has on the content that we absorb every single day.

Drone photography and videography is soaring to heights that we’ve never seen before. Yet, despite the prevalence of attention-grabbing images and immersive videos, many people still associate drone photography with the select number of hobbyists devoted to taking flight.

In 2019, this assumption can no longer be taken as gospel. Sky Vision drone photography in Dubai has consistently championed the sublime benefits of drone photography and videography for a multitude of sectors across the UAE and beyond – whilst being at the cutting-edge of all modern drone innovation.

Photogrammetry is one such innovation. For anyone that’s unaware of why photogrammetry is, here’s a look at the science and why it’s intrinsic to the sustained value of drone video and photography.

What Is Photogrammetry?

In simple terms, photogrammetry is the process of using images to take measurements. However, there’s much more to it than that. Depending on the intended applicational objective, photogrammetry can offer a meticulously detailed insight into specific images.

Believe it or not, computational photogrammetry has been around since the 1980’s though it’s only been in the last few decades that the technological capabilities have truly been accessed. The result? Access to digital data that drives sector-specific innovation. We can now record and monitor our environments in greater detail than what was possible before.

How does this manifest? Well, vast and meticulously captured 2D photographs can be fed through software to create 3D digital models, topographic renderings or simulations of weather patterns. So advanced is the technology that most photogrammetry operations can be completed automatically.

The Common Applications of Aerial Photogrammetry

Drone shooting services in Dubai have long utilised aerial photogrammetry to map out and capture a broad range of environments. Such are the capabilities of the technology, there is a wealth of sectors that now wholly rely on aerial photogrammetry applications to complete vital aspects of a given role. The most common sector-specific applications of aerial photogrammetry are as follows:

Construction

Across the UAE – and throughout the world, construction is a phased process. This level of organisation is paramount to making sure that every new building is erected within a clear set of designated parameters safety and with optimal attention to detail.

Drone mapping allows contractors to analyse the progress of the build, stockpile raw materials and even generate 3d models of sites. Construction companies that have employed drone shooting services in Dubai, such as those offered by Sky Vision have reported greater efficiency and enhanced ROI’s.

Land Surveying

A necessary aspect of mapping the boundaries, undulations and nature of a parcel of land, topographical land surveying is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of the environment to ensure safe and successful development.

Drones have risen to become essential technology within the development process. The agility and affordability of using drones to complete thorough land surveying is vital to ensuring successful development of a pocket of land.

Agriculture

One sector that has benefited greatly from the advent of drone technology, yet one that you might not immediately think would, is agriculture. Indeed, the impact drones have had on agriculture cannot be overstated. From monitoring crops and the effects of rotation to irrigation monitoring and soil analysis, the positive impact drone shooting services in Dubai – and across the world – have had on agriculture is astounding.

Farmers can gather data on large parcels of land is a quick and cost-effective manner. The comprehensive management of crops throughout the entire lifecycle can be achieved with ease, just as accurate boundary measurements can be taken.

 

Three Photogrammetry Software Recommendations for Drone Pilots

When diving into photogrammetry software there’s a phrase that you’re likely to come across: intuitive software solutions. This basically means that pilots can enjoy automated features that enhance flight potential and allow Sky Vision drone photography in Dubai to capture polished and immersive HD video images.

Anyone looking to employ the best photogrammetry software solutions needs to know the standout solution options. This is where Sky Vision’s knowledge becomes indispensable. Here are the three photogrammetry software solutions that no pilot should be without.

Pix4D

Considered by many drone professionals to be the premiere 3D mapping software, Pix4D sets the standard. Though it is quite expensive, professional drone companies understand that the expense is worth the investment.

Pix4D’s features include the ability to compare a wealth of measurements simultaneously, merge editing capabilities for clearer 3D models, and utilise a 360-degree camera for comprehensive mapping of indoor environment and tight spaces.

Not only this, Pix4D has developed industry-specific flight modes that are tailored to specific industries, allowing pilots to tailor the software to their unique requirements. Modes include:

Pix4Dbim – used in construction to capture site images

Pix4Dfields – used in agriculture for crop analysis and data collection

Pix4Dag – used for precision agriculture

Pix4Dmodel – used to generate photorealistic 3D models of land and buildings

Drone Deploy

Available to buy on the App Store or GooglePlay, Drone Deploy is an excellent tool used by a wealth of professional drone shooting services in Dubai. Compatible with almost every single drone and in 120 countries worldwide, the technology is used not only in the UAE but across the world.

To operate Drone Deploy all you need to do is to connect your drone to your phone or tablet and launch the app. It’s that simple. Perfect for gathering data in the construction and agriculture industries, Drone Deploy enables pilots to automatically take flight, capture images or take videos.

Once you have mapped an area, all you need to do is to upload your SD card to Drone Deploy’s website and watch as your 2D or 3D map is brought to life.

Propeller PPK

A simple yet powerful cloud software designed specifically for drone mapping, surveys and inspections Propeller PPK is perfect for the construction and materials industries. As software that Sky Vision drone photography in Dubai has a sound understanding of, Propeller PPK has partnered with DJI to create the world’s first smart Ground Control Point System for collecting highly accurate site data.

Viewing the entire site with a large 3D model has never been easier. Propeller PPK also gives users the chance to create a virtual walk through, and it can be integrated seamlessly with Gmail which means that sharing captured content is simple, straightforward and completed with just a few clicks.

There’s no doubt that photogrammetry is a blossoming technology, allowing commercial drone operators the chance to capture that which would hardly have been possible – or extremely expensive – just a decade or two previously. The only questions left are what other sectors will see its clear benefits and how long before it’s ubiquitous?

The growing digitization and overall progressive nature across the UAE and the Middle East have led to an increased demand for cutting-edge security solutions. This has been no more evident than over the last decade, a period that has experienced exponential growth in technological innovation.

Indeed, there is no area of life, not just in Dubai and the UAE but, throughout the globe, that hasn’t been touched by the relentless march of technology. You only need to consider how globally connected we all are – and how much technology has become intrinsic to all our lives.

Consider this: the mighty search engine, Google was founded in 1998. Facebook, arguably the most influential social media platform, was founded in 2004. We now have the world at our fingertips – and Google and Facebook are just the most mainstream examples of technological innovation and its impact on our lives.

There isn’t a single commercial sector today that can’t reap the benefits of technological innovation – and the security sector is no different. When you consider the determination to adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) (an interconnected online network of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, allowing for the sending and receiving of data) and, of course, artificial intelligence, the future is bright – and we haven’t even begun to discuss how drone companies in Dubai, working with the relevant authorities, can bolster the safety of citizens.

The Intersec Trade Fair

The world’s leading security, safety, and fire protection fair, Intersec is where business, technology, and innovations come together. The influence the Intersec trade has on commercial ingenuity and technological commercial forecasting across the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent cannot be overstated.

Need evidence? The 21st Intersec fair, held in 2019, hosted a record-breaking 34,800 visitors from 135 countries were attracted by the 1200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum From information security to perimeter and physical security products, including those showcases by leading drone companies in UAE, the Intersec trade is viewed as an event that highlights the pinnacle of Dubai’s smart city security vision.

The Backbone of Dubai’s Smart City Vision

Trade show director, Andreas Rex, commented that the security sector has grown to become the backbone of Dubai’s Smart City Vision. Dubai’s ambition of being the best city to live in the world, now and in the future, is clear – and the commitment to adopt smart city technologies and security is playing an increasingly important role in Dubai’s ethos.

He continued by stating that both households in Dubai and commercial enterprises are continually open to adopting smart living technologies to not only keep citizens safe but save on costs and amplify overall efficiency.
In addition to tightening restrictions on drone piloting, especially in Dubai aerospace, drones are increasingly being deployed to safeguard citizens. Drones can be piloted to complete aerial mapping of an area and deliver urgent medical equipment to those in need of medical attention.

Drone companies in Dubai have already been deployed in coordinated operations to deliver efficient monitoring of environmental sites. Aerial mapping and coordinated operations are just two examples of how drones are destined to play a key role in Dubai’s smart city security vision.

The Collaboration between Government and Commercial Enterprise to Ensure an Exciting, Smart Future

The Dubai government, and governments across the GCC region are taking a lead role in ensuring that infrastructure, buildings, borders, and societies are safe and secure. Indeed, the GCC region continues to lead the way as an early adopter of smarter, integrated and innovative solutions across both the private and public sectors.

Indeed, from banking, aviation, and education to retail, hospitality, and healthcare – even construction and energy, the adoption of smart technologies, like those that are provided by some of the leading drone companies in UAE, are having an influential effect on day-to-day lives.

The commitment the UAE has made to enhance the lives of citizens through smart technology is distinctly clear – and looks set to be amplified in the coming years. According to analysts, the Middle East market drone technology market, combined with the markets for perimeter security, commercial and information security and fire protection is set to swell from $14.5 billion to $31 billion by the year 2024 – an annual growth rate of 13.5%.

This forecast was most aptly highlighted by Martin Gren, co-founder of Axis Communications – the global market leader in the network camera and video encoder markets, which employs more than 2,800 people across 50 countries.

Mr Gren stated, ‘we see security needs increasing (in the future) as new applications are enabled by new and complementing technologies.’ He added that while AI has shown tremendous improvements over the last few years, it’s still at an early stage.

He concluded by saying that the UAE has shown a scale and willingness to invest (in security technologies) that’s much stronger than most countries and that this has given the region a modern, upgraded network of smart intelligent systems that are quite unique.

It’s clear that the GCC region, and drone companies in Dubai in particular, are at the forefront of a revolution in safety and security technologies. This dedicated to keeping citizens safe, secure, and happy, can only be commended.

If you think about it, not too long ago personal and commercial UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) strictly resided in the realms of science fiction. However, with visionary creativity and technological acumen, drone technology has quickly become part of all our lives.

Nikola Tesla, the renowned Serbian-American inventor, engineer and futurist, best-known for his contributions to the design of modern alternating current (AC) electrical supply system, described his vision of a fleet of unmanned aerial combat vehicles in 1915. It would be the turn of the century before the military-industrial complex developed and used drone technology.

Sky Vision is a top aerial filming company in Dubai and UAE

Today, drone technology is revolutionizing a wealth of varying sectors. Military drone application has steadfastly endured, yet with this, drones have soared into the global consciousness. From the ardent hobbyist who loves nothing more than capturing aerial photography in Dubai to the deployment of drones to assist with agriculture and security, look around you and you’re likely to come across a drone or two hovering majestically in the sky.

Businesses of all descriptions have become fascinated with the possibilities that drones offer. One of the most-engaged reasons for drone operation is the potential to capture stunning panoramic cityscapes or desert landscapes in vivid, HD detail. Yet, this is not the sole reason commercial drone operation is soaring, not just in the UAE but across the world.

Event organizers are beginning to understand the unique proposition drones offer. The growing use of trends at events is a burgeoning application, and the new event trend to watch. Interesting in learning how a drone service in Dubai can be used at an event? Keep reading below.

Amazing Aerial Photography

We’ve all seen pictures of events. Some may seem generic, merely piquing our attention, others can be quite immersive, really giving you an impression of being there. What event photography doesn’t traditionally offer is a different perspective.

This is where drone photography can be of great use. Aerial photography has that unique perspective, immediately drawing attention. Perfect for marketing events beforehand, or sharing the success on social media, aerial photography can generate excitement, whilst showcasing that your business doesn’t just care about sharing content, it cares about creating an immersive perspective of an event.

Live Streaming

As the digital age continues is boundless journey to optimal user-experience, more and more innovative ways of reaching audiences are created. A sure-fire way to make everyone feel involved in an event is by employing the services of a learned drone service in Dubai to live stream the event.

You can live stream all manner of events and make viewers feel like they’re part of the action. From an artistic or musical performance to a corporate event or exciting announcement, using drones to broadcast the event could well make sure that you are the toast of the season – and have everyone talking long after the event has finished.

Immersive Event Videos with an Aerial Filming Company

Anyone who has ever viewed HD video captured by done won’t soon forget it. Such is the effectiveness of this medium of visual communication that viewers who have previously borne witness to video images captured by a drone in flight will be able to instantly recognize another one – something that has grown to be all too common in contemporary film-making.

Moreover, drones can be particularly effective when scouting for a location for an event. Sure, aerial photography in Dubai gives viewers a strong impression of a landscape or place, but nothing quite matches aerial videography. Sky Visiosn is the best aerial filming company in the UAE.

Drones can effortlessly capture the square footage of a potential event location. They are also mightily handy when scouting multiple or hard to reach locations. Better still, many drones use LIDAR sensors to create site surveys and both 2D and 3D maps. These geological maps can save you much time and money, depending on the nature of the event you’re planning and the locations you’re considering.

Visual Shows Filmed From Above

When it comes to entertainment events, drones have been increasingly employed in visual shows. This is most notably clear in times of celebration, such as New Year’s Eve or at a special event.

On January 7th in Dubai, an image of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai appeared in the sky before the image morphed into the words, ‘Thank You Sheikh Mohammed’, and then a message in Arabic promoting the UAE’s Year of Tolerance.’

This spectacular ten-minute display was made popular by drones which appeared illuminated in the night sky to form the image of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It remains to be seen if this drone service in Dubai will become a staple at visual shows across the city-state in the months and years to come, however, given the impression that it made on bystanders, it’s hard to imagine that drone-assisted visual shows won’t become a mainstay of celebratory events.

Sponsorship Events

When pitching to potential investors, what makes the difference between a good pitch that’s sure to grab attention and one that is likely to be forgotten? Just as important as the proposed value of what you’re offering is the nature of the pitch itself. How do you make the pitch memorable?

Typically event sponsorship have designated advertising areas, such as banners, posters, flyers or t-shirts. These all promote brand awareness. But, what if the sponsorship for the event could offer something a little different than the norm?

Given that drones catch everyone’s eye, it seems that charging a premium to use drones as event sponsorship vehicles could be just the way to really catch prospective attendees eyes. An innovative drone service in Dubai could really bolster the opportunity for you to reach as many people as possible through shrewd event sponsorship.

These are just some of the ways that drones can be employed to make sure that your event is a success. Are you planning an event? If so, it might be worth considering the benefit or employing drones. Click here to contact Sky Vision about your aerial video production needs in the UAE.

In terms of public safety, drones face contrasting opinions, even in now in 2019. Just as there are advocates there are also detractors. Yet, despite public trepidation, there’s a strong case to be made that first response drone technology may be the key to saving more lives.

Now, we know that’s a bold statement to make. After all, innovators in all fields work continuously to improve procedures in the event of emergency circumstances but hear us out. Here are five reasons why we believe drones to be invaluable in times of crisis – and why they will be symptomatic of first response in the years to come.

Search and Rescue

The potential for drones to assist first responders in search and rescue is as vast as it is obvious. Why? Drones can cover more ground, quicker. Traversing challenging terrain can be challenging for even the most seasoned search and rescue professional.

Using either aerial photography mapping or live video streaming helps search and rescue professionals to search a wider area – without ever having to navigate the terrain personally. Not only can this help professionals rescue lost or injured people or parties, it eradicates further risk.

For instance, in 2014, a drone was used to help locate ab 82-year old man who had been missing for three days. Upon searching a 200-acre field, the drone located the missing man in 20 minutes!

Ambulance Drones

In the event of a medical emergency, drones have the potential to respond and deliver equipment faster the ground transportation. Ambulances are not immune from getting stuck in traffic. This can waste valuable time. In a situation where every second counts, lost seconds or minutes can make the difference between life and death.

Drones are now being used to transport medical supplies to the scene of an accident not just in the UAE, but across the globe. Paramedics in Canada employ drones to transport equipment to the scene of a medical emergency. From an EpiPen to a defibrillator, drones have the potential to carry a vast range of equipment.

What’s the benefit to this? Those in need of medical attention can gain access to vital equipment and treatment before the EMS even gets on the scene.

Infrared Camera Technology

It’s not uncommon for first responders to be faced with challenging, inhospitable or dangerous environments. These environments can make any search and rescue operation treacherous with poor visibility being a key attribute which transcends different operations.

Search and rescue drones can employ infrared aerial photography, providing enhanced visibility over the naked eye. This can be especially helpful for firefighters who can use drones to ascertain the hottest areas of a fire and discover how to safely and successfully navigate any environment.

Infrared cameras are also ideal at helping law enforcement officers to traverse locations that house dangerous suspects, alerting officers to where the suspect is and ensuring that suspects do not evade capture.

Telecommunications

Sound communication is paramount when organising response efforts. Recently, communications have been exposed, with relief efforts drastically hindered by a lack of poor communication systems.

This was highlighted during the relief effort in the wake of hurricane Katrina. During the storm, winds reached 140mph, destroying the electrical grid and cellular towers. This made it more difficult for emergency responders to co-ordinate activities – and left much of New Orleans silent.

In situations like these, drones can act as Wi-Fi hotspots, helping to spread network coverage across areas where power lines or cellular towers may not be working. Telecommunication links can be achieved anywhere in the world, helping emergency services to co-ordinate all relief efforts.

Disaster Relief

We’ve already touched on how drones can prove invaluable in terms of disaster response. However, there are more ways than you may think to use a drone in any relief efforts. Sending a drone into a disaster area can give first responders a clear picture and thorough understanding of the situation, assist in locating hurt or injured parties, perform a structural analysis of affected buildings, deliver supplies and equipment – even help extinguish fires.

One of the largest inhibitors to the success of the hurricane Katrina response was the slow response time. Victims were left without food, water and medical supplies for days. Thousands crowded into the Superdome and remained there for five days after the storm had subsided.

Bureaucratic red tape was blamed for the less-than-swift response times. However, the sheer scope of the disaster dramatically reduced the ability for responders to use transportation to deliver much-needed supplies to affected areas.

Drones can act as logistical support to assist first responders in the event of a disaster. They don’t rely on transportation infrastructure to deliver vital supplies. Food, water and medical equipment can be sent to victims in desperate need of each.

Complete global adoption of drone technology to aid first responders is not a matter of if, but when. With an increasing amount of emergency services across the globe – opening their eyes to the potential of this technology, it won’t be long before the technology revolutionises first response protocols.