Your Drone Questions. Answered.

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove welcomes Eric Harkins from Back Forty Aerial Solutions to discuss best practices for target placement in both LiDAR and photogrammetric drone mapping missions.Eric shares his extensive experience in aerial mapping and provides valuable insights on:The difference between ground control points (GCPs) and check shotsStrategic placement of targets based on project size and terrainTarget size considerations based on flight altitudeMaterial selection for different project needs and conditionsDealing with lighting conditions in photogrammetryTarget shapes and why certain designs are more effectiveUsing existing features vs. custom targetsCoordinating with field crews for consistent resultsTips for working with previously set control pointsWhether you're new to drone mapping or looking to improve your workflow, this episode offers practical advice to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your aerial surveying projects.For more information or to contact Eric:Email: eric@backfortydrones.comPhone: 803-727-5551https://www.backfortydrones.com/https://www.backfortydrones.com/post/understanding-the-importance-of-ground-control-points-gcp-in-drone-lidar-mappingHave a drone question? Email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com or visit ydqa.io to submit your questions for future episodes!

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host Chris Breedlove interviews Shawn Barry from Oak Island about how drones are transforming ocean rescue operations. As Oak Island's full-time drone operator for public safety, Shawn shares groundbreaking insights on:How drones deploy personal flotation devices (PFDs) to distressed swimmers in HALF the time of traditional rescue methodsReal-world success stories, including 17 ocean rescues and 7 PFD deployments in 2024 aloneThe innovative use of drones to locate missing persons, assist with emergency medical supplies, and provide critical situational awarenessHow Oak Island's unique geography and leadership have positioned them as pioneers in drone rescue technologyShawn explains how their M30T drone platform with specialized attachments has revolutionized their ability to respond to emergencies, from dropping auto-inflating PFDs to distressed swimmers to delivering AEDs to cardiac incidents on crowded beaches. Learn about their innovative rip current warning system and how community education has reduced rescue incidents.LEDA Group: https://www.ledauas.org/ 

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," we tackle the question: What are the different RTK correction methods for drone mapping missions, and when should you use each one?We explore the differences between Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Process Kinematic (PPK) workflows, breaking down how these technologies improve GNSS accuracy for professional drone mapping. In this video, you'll learn:-The fundamental differences between RTK and PPK-Network-based vs. local base station correction methods-How to handle mapping in remote areas with poor connectivity-Why ground control points remain essential even with RTK drones-The importance of maintaining workflow flexibility in the field-How modern GNSS receivers can perform multiple functions simultaneouslyWhether you're operating in areas with reliable cell service or mapping in the middle of nowhere, this episode provides practical guidance for choosing the right correction method for your specific situation.

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered. In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of tethered drones—how they're being used today and where they're headed in the future.We cover:What tethered drones are and how they differ from traditional UAVsLegal and regulatory considerations in the U.S. as of Q1 2025The main benefits of tethering (continuous power, data streaming, mobility)Real-world use cases: public safety, temporary security, event coverage, and broadcastFreefly’s innovative Flying Sun product for mobile aerial lightingChallenges and technical lessons from building tethered drone systemsThe future of tether tech, including UI/UX advancements and industry-specific solutions

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered. Today we are answering the question 👉 "What equipment do I need to start drone mapping?"Or more specifically… "What drone should I buy for mapping?"In this episode, we cover:🚁 Key drone features for mapping (automated missions, mechanical shutter, RTK/PPK compatibility)🧠 What to consider if you're using consumer-grade drones like the Mini 4 Pro📸 Sensor types, resolution, and why they matter for mapping quality🌐 Choosing the right mapping software (DroneDeploy, PIX4D, DJI Terra, etc.)🧰 Sample gear packages (from entry-level to enterprise setups)🔌 Must-have accessories like GNSS receivers, RTK modules, and ground control gear💻 Hardware + computing power you'll need for processing___🚨 BONUS: We just launched the Advanced Drone Mapping & Modeling Certificate Program. Be sure to check out the course here- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/admm/

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove and special guest Hansel Brand discuss the essential best practices for drone pilots operating near airports. Learn about:The importance of communicating with airport managersRecommended safety distances from airportsUnderstanding airport traffic patternsUsing CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)Handling helicopter encountersThe value of visual observers when flying near busy airports

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove provides a follow-up to last week's interview with Ravi Suneja about the ASPRS positional accuracy standards.Chris walks through a real-world example of calculating vertical positional accuracy using actual drone data from a community college campus. Learn how to:-Understand the components of the ASPRS 2024 vertical accuracy standardSee how product fit to checkpoints is measured in practice--Observe the importance of having 30+ checkpoints for proper validationCalculate the combined accuracy using both product fit and control network accuracy-Properly report whether your data was "tested to meet" or "produced to meet" standards📍 Have a drone question? Submit it at YDQA.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com

🚁 Drone Mapping Standards Explained: What Every Aerial Mapper Needs to Know!In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Ravi Soneja to dive deep into the critical world of industry accuracy standards for drone-derived mapping products.Key Highlights:Discover the latest 2024 ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards updatesLearn the difference between ground control and checkpointsUnderstand vertical accuracy reporting for drone mapping projectsGet insights from a professional with extensive aerial mapping experienceWhat You'll Learn:The role of ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)Critical changes in mapping standards for UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems)Best practices for checkpoint collection and accuracy reportingSoftware recommendations for accuracy testingRecommended Resources:https://www.asprs.org/https://www.asprs.org/revisions-to-the-asprs-positional-accuracy-standards-for-geospatial-data-2023https://www.mckimcreed.com/aerial-lidar-photogrammetry/

Join host Chris Breedlove as he interviews Eric Richard from Drone Sports, Inc. to explore the fast-growing world of drone soccer - an action-packed, educational sport combining STEM skills with competitive gameplay!In this episode, you'll discover:What drone soccer is and how it's played (think Quidditch with drones!)How this innovative program teaches students technical skills while developing crucial teamwork abilitiesThe accessible, plug-and-play design that lets students build, program, and repair their own dronesHow schools across 35 states are implementing drone soccer in classrooms and as after-school programsCompetition opportunities from local matches to international tournamentsWays for schools, educators, and parents to get involvedWhether you're an educator looking for engaging STEM activities, a drone enthusiast curious about new applications, or a parent seeking innovative programs for your children, this episode offers valuable insights into a sport that's creating pathways to future careers.Learn more at dronesoccer.us or contact Eric directly at eric@dronesports.us

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove interviews Craig Haire from Neptune Turf Solutions and Aerial Drone Dynamics about the emerging use of spray drones for golf course maintenance.Craig shares his journey from golf course superintendent to specialized spray contractor, and discusses how drone technology is revolutionizing turf management. Learn about:The practical applications of spray drones on golf coursesSafety benefits of drone spraying versus traditional methodsRegulatory requirements including Part 137 certification and state licensesChallenges of implementing this cutting-edge technologyFuture possibilities with NDVI imaging and targeted applicationsWhether you're a drone pilot looking for new business opportunities or a golf course manager interested in more efficient maintenance solutions, this conversation offers valuable insights into this specialized drone application.Contact Craig at craighaire4@gmail.com to learn more about golf course spray drone operations.