3 Cool Ways Drones Are Now Being Used
By: David J. Melilli
Global Drone Market
Drone technology is truly “disruptive,” and we mean that in a good way! Drones, but more specifically camera quadcopters are disrupting the way things used to be done, often at lower cost, in less time and with better quality.
Indeed, the drone industry is booming. BI Intelligence estimates consumer drones and accessories will generate $12 billion in annual revenue by 2021. Sales of consumer drones are projected to increase from 10 million units in 2017 to 29 million in 2021.
Although it’s cool to imagine an Amazon drone coming over the horizon with your purchase someday, drones are already capable of influencing our lives in interesting and dynamic ways. Consider these three examples.
1. Emergency Services
In August 2017, Wired profiled the efforts of American startup Zipline in Africa. In Rwanda, when a young woman experienced complications during childbirth, critical payloads of red blood cells, plasma and platelets arrived within minutes. To complete its life-saving missions “stat,” Zipline uses fixed-wing drones that can fly at 70 mph and travel up to 100 miles per charge. The company first established a presence in Rwanda, and it is now expanding into neighboring Tanzania.
2. Hi-res 3D mapping
Using GPS, surveyors can map inhospitable terrain that is too difficult or too hazardous to survey using traditional methods. For example, drones were used to accurately survey the shifting sands in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. The park’s Star Dune is more than 750 feet high, making a full-ground survey daunting, time-consuming and potentially dangerous. Drone mapping yielded 145 million data points, allowing for the creation of highly detailed 3D images.
3. Remote Monitoring
In June 2017, phys.org reported on research that highlights the usefulness of drones in monitoring oil and natural gas pipelines. First, it is a cost-effective alternative to traditional helicopter monitoring. Second, drones promote timely detection of leaks, and this can help to protect the environment and prevent explosions. Third, a camera drone may even reveal a deliberate effort to damage a pipeline by those with nefarious intent. Multi-rotor drones are ideal for localized missions, while larger, faster, fixed-wing drones are ideal for systematic monitoring over wide areas.
If you’re not already part of the drone movement, join us! You’ll become a part of something that is truly transforming our lives.
Global Drone Market is a leading online drone retailer. We offer our customers unlimited access to a personal drone expert for life. You’ll find there’s no better way to get the most from your drone purchase!
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
