Drone technology has been one of the most innovative tech solutions to hit the market in the 21st century. The remote-controlled, unmanned aircraft can potentially change the landscape in many industries, thanks to better life security, ease of use, and affordability. As a result, different industrial sectors have adopted drone technology to enhance their operational efficiency.
Since flying drones and maintaining them requires special skills, we see drone services becoming an emerging niche. Drones services are being widely used in aerial imagery, shipping, and survey operations.
So, in this post, we will look at some of the most prominent uses of drone technology.
Which Industries Use Drone Technology the Most?
Before getting to the list, the industries where drone technology is most commonly used are:
- Agriculture – for monitoring purposes
- Real Estate – for the survey of the property and pre-purchase inspection
- Media and Entertainment – aerial imaging and video capturing
- Disaster Management – rescue missions and logistic support
- Energy Industry – for surveys and inspections
Most Used Applications for Drone Technology
Here are some of the most common applications of drone technology in the industrial sector.
Aerial Imaging
Aerial imaging is a common application for drone technology. Modern-day drones are rigorously used for capturing images from above. This is typically useful for gathering information from areas that are hard to access by foot or other means.
Any good drone with a camera can provide aerial imagery from various heights. It’s one of the most basic drone applications. Whether it’s news channels, Vloggers, or security forces, aerial photography is a valuable drone application.
Agricultural Sites
Farmers can make the best use of drones for inspecting their crops with drones. Specifically, drones with infrared imaging and sensors allow farmers to monitor crop health. Therefore, they can ensure better quality by taking immediate action.
Also, agricultural drones can effectively shoo away birds and other plant eaters, making them a promising technological addition to the agriculture sector.
But since this is a sophisticated discipline, managing drone inspections and other agricultural matters can be challenging for farmers. Therefore, third-party drone services are more effective for this purpose. Backed by professionals, they can cater to all your needs, including aerial monitoring, crop spraying, or keeping intruders at bay.
Process Monitoring In Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wildlife sanctuaries like the ones in Africa can be dangerous places to map on foot. But thanks to drones, it has become easier for surveillance teams to monitor different processes in the wild from their smartphones.
Remote-controlled drones can penetrate thick bushes, dense forests, and wild deserts. Wildlife professionals typically use drones to deter poachers, track endangered animals, and study animal behavior.
Drone Inspections on Construction Sites
Drones in the construction industry can be very handy for numerous reasons. First, they can easily map and survey more extensive fields. Moreover, drones can be an excellent inspection gadget to capture construction quality for highways and high-rise buildings.
Likewise, contractors can conveniently conduct roof inspections without any risks. Since remote-controlled drones can easily navigate tiny spaces, you can even inspect the inside of pipelines and wind turbines. Since an inspection is a necessary protocol required by the government, a drone-based inspection can make it highly convenient for everyone.
Process Management During Rescue Missions
A drone surveying a disaster site can be a lifesaver. Since these gadgets are straightforward to maneuver, they can pass through tight corners and small spaces. So, real-time drone videography helps rescue teams to observe disaster sites and manage their rescue missions accordingly.
There are many instances where drones have saved human lives by assisting in different capacities. For example, they can be used as light sources, video recorders, and logistical support to provide food and medicine in disaster-struck regions.
Terrain Mapping with LIDARs
LIDAR Drones are ideal for 3D mapping of terrains. Researchers fit LIDAR sensors with the drone, which captures the projections and bumps on any surface. As a result of LIDAR scanning, a 3D topography map of any terrain can be captured.
Since AI-powered drones with LIDAR technology can create accurate Digital Elevation Models, it reduces the need for human involvement, making them ideal for remote area operations. The 3D maps are stored in the drone’s memory or sent to the LIDAR database via live video stream.
Photogrammetry for 3D Modeling
Photogrammetry is quite similar to LIDAR mapping. It’s also used for 2D and 3D mapping of terrains. However, the user can capture multiple terrain views from different angles and elevations. Later these images are fed to software that creates a 3D or 2D map from the given images.
So, while LIDAR is sensor-based, photogrammetry uses camera images to perform the same job. Photogrammetry requires high-resolution images for accurate mapping. So, you can’t compromise on the camera quality. However, it’s a more affordable option than LIDARs.
Shipping and Delivery Services
Ecommerce and online stores have found a new use for drones. Giants like Amazon and DHL have recently started their shipping services via drone technology. These drones can accurately dispatch orders on the same day, improving the delivery time and customer experience.
Thanks to AI-powered positioning systems, there is no need for a drone pilot, and the aircraft can self-navigate to their desired locations through GPS technology.
Even though this is a relatively new application of drones, it can have a massive impact on the shipping industry and give a distinctive edge to companies who can afford drone technology for this purpose.
Solar Panel Inspection
Since the rising solar energy industry, drones have become critical equipment for inspection and surveys of solar panels and potential sites for solar farms. Other than inspection, drones may be used for cleaning solar panels too.
It will reduce the need for human-based monitoring, and solar companies can enhance their panel efficiency through timely measures for cleaning and maintaining large solar farms.
Military Combats
Countries with advanced drone technology have used it for security and defense systems. For instance, US drone technology is one of the leaders in the market. These drones can participate in active combats and be used for surveys and information gathering in sensitive areas without endangering human life.
Conclusion
It’s a no-brainer that drone technology has applications in almost every industry. Drones are quite useful for aerial photography, surveying, crop spraying, inspections, etc. And that’s why drone services have become a significant market niche.
Drone technology offers a chance for entrepreneurs to set up and manage a business for drone services. With so many practical uses of drone technology, it won’t be a surprise if these gadgets become a standard mode for daily commute in the future.
