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!

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Nate Howard, Survey Manager at Kiewit, to dive deep into the use of drones in construction and surveying. David and Nate discuss how drones are transforming the way construction sites are surveyed, monitored, and managed.

Nate introduces Kiewit, a top-ranked contractor and engineering firm, and shares insights from his extensive experience in the construction world. He explains how Kiewit first incorporated drones using a DJI Phantom 4 to photograph job sites, and quickly realized the potential for using drone photogrammetry to produce detailed 3D maps. Nate highlights the massive efficiency gains, with drones completing work in 45 minutes that previously required multiple crews working over several days.

David and Nate cover a variety of applications for drones on construction sites, including tracking weekly progress, calculating earthwork quantities, enhancing public relations by providing visuals for owners and the public, and ensuring safety by checking slope compliance in excavations. Nate provides real-world examples of these applications and shares the challenges and benefits of integrating drone technology into construction workflows.

Tune in to learn how drones are revolutionizing the construction industry and get expert advice on leveraging drone technology for surveying and mapping.

In this episode, we break down what geodesy is and why it matters for professional drone mapping. If you're doing any kind of serious drone mapping work - especially with surveyors or engineers - this is something you need to understand.

Think drone mapping is just about taking pictures from above? Think again! Learn why being off by just a few feet in your measurements could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars on big projects, and how understanding geodesy helps you avoid these costly mistakes.

Key topics covered:

• What geodesy really means for drone pilots
• Why it matters for construction and engineering projects
• Real examples of how measurement errors can impact projects
• Basic concepts you need to know for professional mapping

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy is joined by Merrill McKee, founder of Northern Perspectives, to discuss the key considerations for flying drones in extreme cold weather. As temperatures drop, flying becomes more challenging, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can still capture great footage and complete your missions.

Topics covered include:

• Planning your drone flights in cold weather
• Tips for keeping drone batteries warm and ensuring long-lasting flight times
• Personal gear recommendations for winter flying
• Adjusting camera settings for better image quality in winter conditions
• Safety precautions and knowing when it’s too cold to fly

If you're flying drones this winter, don't miss Merrill's expert advice on keeping your gear and yourself ready for the cold. Have a drone question you'd like answered? Submit it at YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community!

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered!" In this episode, host John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy sits down with Peter Morssink, a beginner drone pilot and founder of 3D Flight Maryland, to revisit a popular topic: the best capturing software for beginner drone pilots.

Join us as Peter shares his journey from working in a cancer center to discovering his passion for drones and starting his own business. They dive into the pros and cons of various capturing software, including DJI Pilot 2 and Pix4D, discussing their features and usability for mapping and inspections.

Peter highlights the differences in grid options between software, efficiency in mapping processes, and the importance of customer satisfaction through easy-to-share maps. He also talks about his experience with Pix4D Cloud, its subscription model, and how it can save time while providing clients with valuable tools for measuring and analyzing their projects.

Whether you’re just starting your drone journey or looking to optimize your mapping techniques, this episode is packed with insights and tips to enhance your drone piloting experience!

Thinking about getting into FPV drones but not sure whether to build your own or buy pre-built? In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host John Dickow talks with FPV expert Dusty Jolley about the pros and cons of each approach.

Key points covered:

• The evolution of FPV drone technology and ease of entry
• Advantages of pre-built drones like the DJI Avata 2
• Benefits of building your own drone, including repair knowledge
• Cost comparisons between building and buying
• Tips for beginners entering the FPV world
• The value of understanding drone components and repair

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your FPV skills, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make the best choice for your drone journey.

Don't forget to check out our previous episodes for more FPV tips and recommendations!

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