Numerous businesses have incorporated the use of drones into their workflow, and many have found an exciting hobby in drones. This has led to advancements in drone technology that were unthinkable just a decade ago.
Here are six unique ways that drones are being used in the world today.
1. Firefighting
One of the most important practical applications of drone technology is its use in firefighting. Drones have become a crucial tool for firefighters, who have found numerous ways to use this new technology. Drones are usually used by firefighters to gather important data. This data can be:
The size of the fire. The heat that the fire is producing. Whether the fire has spread to other buildings. To see if any people have been trapped in the burning structure.
Firefighters also use drones to evaluate damage caused by the fire. This helps with rebuilding efforts and insurance claims.
One prominent example of drones being used in firefighting efforts was the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in Paris. Drones were used to track how the fire kept progressing. This helped the firefighters tackling the blaze decide on the best way to aim their water hoses. Moreover, it helped them gather crucial data to help stop the fire from causing even more damage.
2. Construction
Drones have many ways of being used in the construction industry. They are used to survey building sites and get an overview of structures.
Drones are also an excellent way to have taller buildings inspected.
With the use of drones, people no longer have to take up certain dangerous parts of construction—such as the inspection of roofs, or surveying a decrepit building.
Before the use of drones, surveys and inspections required scaffolding or the use of harnesses, both of which posed a significant risk to construction workers. With drones, it is possible to save time as well as ensure that safer practices are being followed.
With smaller and larger building projects alike, drones can be used in numerous effective ways. Some of the common uses of drones in construction include for surveying buildings, industrial structures such as chimneys, communication structures including telecom masts, and even agricultural buildings and fences. Drones are also used in major projects, such as roads, railways, and laying pipelines.
3. Marketing
One really creative use of drones that has gained traction lately is marketing. Effective marketing strategies and advertisement are essential for the success of a business, both when it comes to finding new customers and retaining long-standing buyers. And drones have helped many businesses to create eye-catching visual content for a relatively low cost.
Drones on the market right now come equipped with sensors and peripherals that make it possible for anyone to capture high-quality films and still photos. The GPS and 4K camera in drones can help in creating videos and brochures in multiple industries, such as tourism, real estate, and PR firms.
4. Hobbies
For many people, flying drones has become their new hobby. While drones have many practical purposes and are being used creatively in many industries, they are also really fun tools and can be bought for entertainment purposes. There are drone enthusiasts who follow any news about drones closely. They may also own one—maybe more—drones themselves.
While drones themselves can be a hobby, they can also help support another hobby or interest. Amongst the general population, drones are commonly used for photography and to make videos. With the help of drones, the average person can take aerial shots and indulge in adventure filming—even if they can’t afford a one-off helicopter trip.
Drones are also commonly used by photographers, both amateur and professional, to take pictures of events and occasions. It has, for example has become a common offering by many wedding photographers.
5. Delivery Service
Delivery by drones has become something of a novelty. There have been news articles floating around about how businesses are trying to get into the delivery by drones game.
Globally, delivery by drones has gained some traction. In Rwanda, drones are being used to deliver essential medical items such as pharmaceutical items, vaccines, and other supplies. In China, SF Express has been granted a license for the use of drones in their delivery service.
While several companies are testing the viability of using drones for delivery, their use is not very widespread. It is speculated that drone delivery will gain traction in the near future.
6. Conservation Efforts
Drones have proven to be an important tool when it comes to conservation efforts and gathering data about the environment. Drones have been used in many different ways—from monitoring erosion to mapping forest areas to identifying animal species.
Researchers and scientists who are involved in conservation projects frequently use drones. Drones are mostly employed in the assessment and management of forests and animals.
Drones: The Present and Future
There was a time when drones were fairly basic, with functional cameras but not much else to recommend them. But that has changed in recent years. Nowadays, drones have become a crucial tool as well as a fun hobby. Even though the drones of today are nothing short of revolutionary, it seems like better advancements in drone technology are on the way.
Drones that are currently being manufactured have the potential for so much. They can sense objects and obstacles by the use of various camera sensors, such as thermal, vision, multispectral, and photogrammetry.
One thing to remember is that some countries and cities have drone laws you must adhere to. Read up on these before using one, and make sure that you get permission if this is required.
