In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Rut Patel, a mapping expert who works with survey firms to integrate drone technology into their workflow. They dive deep into how drones are revolutionizing the surveying industry by reducing project timelines, improving data accuracy, and offering cost-effective solutions compared to traditional methods.

Root shares insights from his hands-on experience, explaining the step-by-step process of using drones for surveys—from project planning and flight execution to data processing and deliverables. He also highlights the types of drones and software commonly used, such as the Mavic 3 Enterprise with a DRTK station and photogrammetry tools like Pix4D.

Whether you're curious about how drones are being used in geomatics, the benefits they offer for surveying, or what the future holds for this field, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and expert advice.

Learn how drones are becoming an essential tool for surveyors and discover why this technology is reshaping the industry!

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this special nighttime episode filmed outdoors at a hotel in Cleveland, we’re diving into an essential topic for drone mapping—understanding the difference between RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic).

If you’re not familiar with these terms, they’re methods used to improve the accuracy of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data in drone mapping. We’ll cover why corrections are needed in GNSS data, especially when creating high-precision maps.

You’ll learn how RTK works by providing instant corrections, connecting to reference stations, and achieving near-centimeter accuracy. Then, we’ll discuss PPK, which involves post-processing corrections after flights using raw GNSS data and a nearby reference point on-site. Both methods help ensure that mapping coordinates align accurately with the real world, a crucial factor in professional surveying, engineering, and mapping projects.

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we’re diving into a question we hear a lot: Is the FAA tracking my drone? The short answer? No, the FAA is not actively tracking your drone like it does with manned aircraft. But there’s something called Remote ID that you might have heard about. We’ll explain what Remote ID is, how it works, and what information it broadcasts.

Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for your drone, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals to broadcast details like your drone’s location, speed, altitude, and a unique ID number. If you’re flying in regular, low-security areas, the FAA is likely not tracking you. However, in high-security areas or places with a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) – like major sports events – law enforcement might monitor Remote ID signals to ensure safety.

We also discuss the purpose of Remote ID, its limitations, and real-world examples of when it’s been used by authorities. If you’re curious about privacy and safety when flying, this episode is for you. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on all things drones!