Your Drone Questions. Answered.

In this episode, John Dickow of Drone Launch Academy is joined by Jackson Rector, a drone pilot and lidar technician from Wiser Consultants, to talk about Lidar Drone technology. They delve into how it works, its applications, and its significance in various industries.🌐 Connect with Jackson Rector and Wiser Consultants:Jackson Rector: Drone pilot at Wiser ConsultantsWebsite: www.wiserconsultants.com🔍 What's Inside:Jackson Rector's Role at Wiser ConsultantsJackson explains his role as a drone pilot and lidar technician at Wiser Consultants, giving us insight into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into aerial data collection and processing.Lidar Technology ExplainedJackson demystifies the term "lidar," which stands for Light Detection and Ranging. He breaks down how this technology works by emitting laser light points, measuring their return times and distances to create detailed maps and models.Lidar on Drones vs Other PlatformsJohn and Jackson discuss how lidar technology functions across different platforms, including drones, vehicles, and smartphones, highlighting the varied applications and advantages of each.Applications of Lidar TechnologyJackson delves into the diverse applications of lidar technology, focusing on its use in mapping and surveying. He shares examples of projects involving roadways, intersections, and infrastructure improvements, emphasizing the ability to create accurate 3D models.Advice for Aspiring Drone ProfessionalsJackson offers invaluable advice to newcomers in the drone industry, stressing the importance of obtaining a Part 107 certification, honing manual flying skills, and being open to learning various aspects of the field.🛰️ Stay Connected:Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes of Your Drone Questions Answered! Submit your own questions at ydqa.io or through the Drone Launch Connect private community. 

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, join host John Dickow and David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, as they dive into the latest updates on flying drones in the bustling metropolis of New York City. The question of the day: Can you fly a drone in New York City? The answer has changed as of July 2023. Tune in to discover the steps, rules, and regulations you need to follow to legally operate your drone within the city that never sleeps.Have a question about drone regulations, technology, or operations? Submit your questions to ydqa.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community. Stay informed, fly responsibly, and keep exploring the skies legally!🔗 Links Mentioned:NYC Drone PermitsAloft App🔔 Don't forget to follow for more drone-related insights, answers, and updates. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Fly safe and see you in the next episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! 🛩️

Welcome to another episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered"! In this installment, host John Dickow sits down with David Beedy, founder and video producer of beedymedia.com, to explore the intriguing world of using drones for video production. As they discuss the various applications of drones in video production, David shares his journey from a background in news reporting to establishing his own video production business.Throughout the conversation, David elaborates on how drones have revolutionized the field of video production, allowing creators to capture stunning aerial shots that enhance the storytelling experience. He reminisces about his initial experiences with drones, including a humorous mishap, and shares his decision to invest in high-quality drones like the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and the DJI Air 3 to ensure top-notch footage.With insights into his diverse video production projects, David showcases his versatility, whether he's working with associations, non-profit organizations, or covering construction projects. He highlights the significance of drone shots in elevating the production value of videos and demonstrates how these shots add a captivating visual dimension to his work.If you're curious about the impact of drones on video production, tips for integrating drones into your business, or simply interested in the creative possibilities of aerial videography, this episode is a must-watch. Join John and David as they delve into the exciting realm of using drones for video production, sharing stories, insights, and expert advice.Don't forget to submit your drone-related questions to ydqa.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community for more engaging discussions. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights and answers to your burning drone questions. See you in the sky!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered"! In this episode, John Dickow talked with Dusty Jolley, the Community Manager at Drone Launch Academy, to delve into the world of FPV (First Person View) drones. Dusty provides a comprehensive breakdown of what FPV drones are and how they differ from traditional drones.Dusty explains that FPV drones offer a unique perspective by allowing pilots to experience flight through immersive goggles, which display the drone's camera view. Unlike traditional drones that are controlled line-of-sight, FPV drones require pilots to wear specialized goggles, enabling them to navigate with precision. Dusty further elaborates on the differences between FPV drones and regular drones, highlighting the manual control aspect of FPV flying, which demands constant input from the pilot.The conversation continues to explore the various applications of FPV drones beyond racing. Dusty discusses how FPV drones are utilized in capturing dynamic shots, creating engaging content, and even making appearances in movies and live events. He also emphasizes the importance of practice and simulation before taking to the skies with an FPV drone.Throughout the discussion, Dusty provides valuable insights and practical tips for those interested in diving into the exhilarating world of FPV drones. From choosing the right equipment to the thrill of building your own drone, Dusty's expertise shines through.Whether you're a seasoned drone enthusiast or someone curious about FPV drones, this episode offers a wealth of information and advice to help you explore the exciting world of First Person View flying. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that's sure to spark your interest and provide a fresh perspective on drone technology.Remember to submit your drone questions on ydqa.io and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes of "Your Drone Questions Answered."

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered (Episode 21), we delve into the world of mapping and processing crop and plant health using drones. Our guest, Matt Donovan, CEO of Agriculture Intelligence Inc. and Chief Product Officer of AgroView.ai, shares valuable insights and expertise.The question at hand is whether a standard RGB camera on a drone is sufficient for crop and plant health mapping or if an NDVI sensor is needed. Matt explains that while an RGB collection can offer some indications of crop leaf density and greenness, an NDVI analysis typically requires a multispectral collection with a five-band sensor, including RGB, near-infrared, and Red Edge.To ensure the best practices for crop health mapping, it's essential to understand wide-scale data collection and choose the right drone specifications for efficient results. Drones play a vital role in large-scale growing operations, providing accurate data analysis.When it comes to choosing the right drone, it depends on the payload and desired outcomes. Popular US drones with longer range capabilities are available, but payload compatibility is crucial.Don't forget to submit your drone questions on YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community for more discussions on the exciting world of drones. Stay tuned for more episodes of Your Drone Questions Answered!

In this episode, John Dickow is joined by Sally French, the renowned Drone Girl from thedronegirl.com, to discuss the question: What are the good alternatives to DJI drones? They dive into the reasons people seek alternatives, including patriotism, anti-China sentiment, and a desire to stand out from the crowd. However, finding viable alternatives proves to be challenging, particularly for budget-conscious consumers.Sally sheds light on the limited options available, especially in the sub-$2,000 range, where DJI reigns supreme. She recommends the Skydio 2 drone as an excellent option, but cautions that it might currently be out of stock. Moreover, for those with a higher budget, the Sony Air Peak Drone and Skyfish Drone provide great alternatives for professional photographers using Sony Alpha cameras.The discussion explores the dominance of DJI in the consumer drone market and the struggles faced by other companies attempting to compete. While some American companies produce enterprise-level drones, consumer-level alternatives remain scarce due to production costs and infrastructure limitations.As the conversation unfolds, they reflect on the possibility of emerging technologies from the commercial sector eventually making their way to consumers, akin to the evolution of computers. The future of the drone industry remains an intriguing subject, entangled with technological advancements, politics, and legislation.For more insightful articles and drone tips, visit Sally French's website, thedronegirl.com. If you have any drone-related queries, submit them at ydqa.io or through the Drone Launch Connect community.

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, John Dickow and David Young from Drone Launch Academy discuss an important topic for aspiring drone business owners. The question submitted by Rob is whether it's necessary to have a business checking account or if clients can simply write checks directly to the operator. David Young shares his expertise and explains the benefits of setting up a separate entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), and having a dedicated business checking account. He discusses the implications for taxes, liability protection, and the importance of keeping personal and business finances separate. They also explore the option of a fictitious name for those who want a separate account without forming an official LLC. If you're considering starting a drone business or any other type of business, this episode provides valuable insights and advice.Don't miss out on the latest drone-related discussions and questions. Join the Drone Launch Academy Private Community, Drone Launch Connect, and submit your own questions for future episodes. You can also visit ydqa.io to submit questions and access helpful resources. Stay tuned for more episodes and remember, we'll see you in the sky! https://courses.dronelaunchacademy.com/

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, join host John Dickow and special guest Michael Lilley, a chief pilot and mapping expert, as they dive into the world of drone mapping software. Discover the best mapping software to use for drones and gain insights into its various applications.Michael Lilley shares his expertise as a drone pilot, working both for a construction company and independently. He highlights the importance of drone mapping in various scenarios, including coastal surveys, land monitoring, and construction site progress reports. By capturing aerial images and creating ortho rectified photos, mapping software allows for accurate documentation and comparison over time.When it comes to drone mapping software, Michael recommends DroneDeploy and Pix4D. He explains how DroneDeploy, a user-friendly desktop-based software, enables him to retain control of his data and generate precise maps. Pix4D, on the other hand, offers the granularity he needs to mark ground control points accurately, ensuring top-level accuracy in his mapping projects.John and Michael discuss the simplicity of getting started with DroneDeploy, as it only requires uploading photos to the software. They also share a humorous encounter involving Michael's distinctive beard that led to a chance meeting with David Young, the founder of Drone Launch Academy.Don't miss this informative and entertaining episode where you'll gain valuable insights into the best mapping software for your drone projects. Subscribe to Your Drone Questions Answered for more expert advice and answers to your burning drone-related questions.

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered"  David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, discusses the use of drones for cell tower inspections. He is joined by Sam McGuire from Field Sync, an expert in the field. They dive into the topic and provide valuable insights on how drones are revolutionizing cell tower inspections.Sam shares his background experience with drones and cell towers, highlighting the opportunities that arise from integrating traditional workforce with drone technology. They discuss the evolution of the market and the importance of tailoring workflows to gather and analyze data effectively.In the early days, tower inspections were limited to the perspective of climbers and involved manual assessments of equipment, connections, and potential safety hazards. However, with the introduction of drones, the process has become more efficient and safer. Drones provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of the tower, allowing for detailed analysis and identification of issues such as loose connections, damaged structures, or safety system deficiencies.The discussion delves into the concept of a digital twin, where drones capture high-quality visual data that can be used for 2D visual assessments or to create a complete digital representation of the tower. This digital twin approach enables advanced analytics and detailed reporting for a better understanding of the tower's condition and maintenance needs.Sam emphasizes the importance of compliance with network operators' requirements, insurance coverage, and necessary documentation when conducting cell tower inspections. He also mentions the availability of software tools like DroneDeploy and Pix4D, which offer tower-specific options for processing the collected data and generating accurate digital representations.If you're interested in learning more about drones and cell tower inspections, this episode provides a wealth of information and practical insights from industry experts.  Information on TIA 222- https://natehome.com/regulations-standards/standards/tia-222-g/

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this episode, our host John Dickow is joined by Ted Strazimiri, the founder of Sky Deploy UAS, a leading drone service provider. They delve into the topic of cut and fill calculations and explore how drones revolutionize this process.Ted shares his journey of starting Sky Deploy in 2017, driven by his passion for photography, aviation, and technology. Despite lacking a background in surveying, Ted leveraged available resources to teach himself the art of cut and fill calculations. He emphasizes the importance of gaining hands-on experience and focusing on the value of the data collected by drones.Throughout the conversation, Ted highlights the versatility of drones as a tool for various applications. From counting cars in parking lots to volume calculations for piles of sand or rocks, drones offer a unique perspective and aid in inspections. Ted's expertise lies in using photogrammetry, a technique that generates a point cloud and extracts measurements such as volume.In the traditional method, surveyors manually collect points using poles and high-accuracy GPS receivers. However, drones equipped with photogrammetry software offer a faster and more precise alternative. Ted explains how images captured by drones are processed using software like Pix4D Mapper, Open Drone Map (ODM), or DroneDeploy to create 3D models of the area of interest.The video concludes with Ted recommending tools like Pix4D Mapper and DroneDeploy, which have built-in measurement capabilities, as well as platforms like nera.app for visualizing and measuring 3D models generated from drone data.Join us for this informative episode as we explore the fascinating world of cut and fill calculations with drones. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and practical tips shared by Ted Strazimiri, a true expert in the field of drone technology!