Ask Drone U

Today we compare different drone mapping software and reveal the most accurate option so that you can avoid any legal liabilities. Our caller for Trav is from Australia and has a question about drone mapping. And specifically, drone mapping software. Trav wants to know which processing software can produce the most accurate drone maps so that he avoid any legal liabilities. Great question, Trav. This question is particularly relevant to drone uses like surveying. More and more drone pilots are getting into trouble with Surveying Boards when they don't follow the right systems and workflows. On today's show, while we recommend the best mapping software option for Trav, we also reveal some best practices so that you can avoid human error, inaccuracies, and the ensuing legal liabilities. Thanks for the great question. Fly Safe! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [01:28]How will DJI's new FPV drone impact the drone industry as a whole? [04:39]Following the right systems and workflows for avoiding legal liabilities [07:33]Today's question is about drone mapping accuracy [10:47]Accurate drone maps are a function of mapping engines and human skills [12:25]The correct way to mark a GCP [15:00]Understanding GSD [17:36]As per statistical research, which is the most accurate processing engine [20:09]Why it is imperative to zoom in when marking GCP's [21:06]Understanding ellipsoid error and how to minimize it [23:10]Which is the most popular point cloud constructor? [23:10]Is Drone Deploy more accurate than Pix4D when it comes to building orthomosaics? [23:54]Pix4D Desktop vs. Pix4D Cloud - which is the best option for generating accurate drone maps? [24:39]Why are so many drone pilots getting into trouble with the Board of Surveyors? [31:55]Some more tips for generating accurate drone maps ????

Today's show is about flying at night without a waiver. Our caller for today, Bob has called in with an extremely relevant question today. Bob's question is about flying at night without a waiver. With daylight waiver to fly at night all set to become history, is there any benefit to applying for a Wide Area Authorization? Additionally, he is also wondering about the procedure to fly in controlled airspace near an airport that is not LAANC-enabled. With the recent changes to Part 107, drone pilots shall soon be able to fly without a waiver. On today's show, you will receive some latest information and expert tips so that you can legally fly at night without a waiver. Part 107 pilots will also get some great value from the latter half of the show where Paul reveals how you can capture data in a zero grid area even when you don't have the necessary permission to fly. We also discuss if it is possible for pilots to get the necessary flight permissions and operate profitable drone businesses in cities like Las Vegas and New York. Thanks for the great question, Bob. Fly Safe! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [03:07]Today's show is brought to you by our Mini Landing Pads and our all-new PROPS Flight School [08:57]Today's question is about flying at night without a waiver [10:53]How to get Wide Area Authorization in LAANC-enabled airports [12:09]New Part 107 Drone Rule changes eliminating night-time waivers [12:55]Expert tips to help you get your night-time waiver approved [15:29]Controlled airspace leading to non-compliance and illegal flights in Vegas [18:33]Getting the necessary flight permissions by building relationships with the ATC [22:10]Can you get permission to fly in a zero grid area? [23:13]Hacks to legally capture data in a zero grid area even if you don't get the necessary permissions to fly [24:47]Holding the FAA accountable - With airspace approvals being so difficult, what can drone pilots possibly do? ???

Today's question is about the upcoming changes to the Part 107 test. Will it be harder for you to clear the new and updated test? Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a particularly relevant question today. The Part 107 test is all set for a revamp in March. And rather than being one of the first people to attempt the new and updated test, you are certainly better off giving the test right now. You will learn about some of the most important changes to the Part 107 test. Particularly, you will learn how you shall soon be able to fly at night without a waiver. Enjoy! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [01:00]Today's show is brought to you our new flight school, PROPS [04:02]Topic for today's show is your Part 107 certificate and night time operations [05:00]How the Part 107 test is changing in March [05:58]Why NOW is the time to take your Part 107 test [06:50]How to fly at night without a waiver [11:03]Part 107 tips to help you out [11:55]Paying too much for your drone education? [13:42]Which state has the largest no-fly zone in the United States? ???

Today's show is about mapping entire towns with drones. Is this a cost-feasible and legally permissible option? Our caller for today, Ryan from Utah wishes to survey an entire town with a drone. Legally speaking, is this even a possibility? Can Ryan get the necessary permissions to fly over people and BVLOS if required? On today's show, we share how Ryan can legally map large swathes of land without filing a waiver at all. We also compare mapping with drones to mapping from planes and reveal if the former can produce more detailed, more accurate maps. Enjoy! Check out our comprehensive drone mapping guide - https://learning.thedroneu.com/what-is-drone-mapping-software/?v=1 Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [01:43]Today's question is about mapping an entire town with a drone [02:43]Mapping with drones vs. Mapping from planes - which is the more affordable option if you are dealing with large tracts of land? [03:23]The new Phase One camera allows you to shoot obliques at 150 MP! [04:34]Can you create more detailed maps with a drone? [04:50]Flying over people without a waiver [06:04]How to map large swathes of land in one go [06:30]Can Ryan legally fly this job without a waiver? [09:29]Tips for filing a waiver [11:02]Does the right drone make it easier for Ryan to legally fly this job? [13:10]How can Drone U's new PROPS program help out Ryan?

Today's show is about running an LLC alongside flying a drone for your W-2 employer. Our caller for today, Adam flies drones as a part of his W-2 job profile. Additionally, he recently started his LLC. Adam is using his personal drone to fly jobs for his LLC and his employer. For accounting and insurance purposes, it is a must that Adam keep the flight data for his business separate. But, given that he is using the same drone, how can Adam do so? Being a drone entrepreneur himself, Paul also has some sage career advice for Adam. Also, towards the end, we discuss if Adam can/should convince his boss to hire his drone business LLC. Thanks for the great question, Adam. Fly Safe! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [02:42]Today's question is about flying drones for your LLC and W-2 employer [03:50]Why is it necessary to keep your flight data separate? [06:30]How separate flight data can help Adam from an insurance and maintenance perspective; what is the best way to keep this data separate [13:53]Logging data in a physical log book [14:32]Should Adam convince his boss to hire his LLC? [25:40]Is it better for Adam to quit his W-2 job to focus full time on his LLC? [27:38]What should Adam do if his boss refuses to entertain his offer?

Today's show is about drone mapping software. Which is the best and most capable software to map a roof? Our caller for today, Garrett from Ohio is confused with the myriad of mapping software out there. He plans on taking up a roof mapping job and is considering using Pix4D. But, should Garrett opt for Pix4DMapper or Pix4D Cloud? Apart from Pix4D, we also discuss other options like DroneDeploy, Eagleview, and the latest entrant in the market, Skydio 3D Scan. You will also learn how your final deliverable and acquisition strategy impacts the choice of your mapping software. And we also share some great resources to help you out. Enjoy! Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now! Check out our comprehensive drone mapping guide - https://learning.thedroneu.com/what-is-drone-mapping-software/?v=1 Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [02:05]Our sponsor for today's show is Drone U's Virtual Mapping Class [02:20]Today's question is about Pix4D [04:40]Is there any major difference between a mapping job and an inspection job? [07:10]Check out our comprehensive drone mapping guide [07:30]How your final deliverable and workflow impacts your choice of mapping software [08:15]DroneDeploy, Eagleview or Pix4D - which is the best drone mapping software for you? [12:40]Is Skydio's mapping software a good option for mapping and modeling? [15:10]Why Pix4DMapper is the best option for Garrett [16:33]What are some of the biggest disadvantages of Pix4DCloud? [17:40]Determining your data acquisition strategy   ??

On today's show, we have Colorado wedding photographer, Kara Cavalca who shares with us her wisdom on how to successfully manage and scale a photography business. Wedding photography is a tough and competitive business. But Kara has managed to grow and scale her one-woman show to the next level. You will learn how she is using an all-in-one software, Sproutstudio to manage all her business needs ranging from invoicing to digital storage. Additionally, this software, which is specially built for photographers is also capable of sending out automated emails so that you can follow up with your clients in a hassle-free manner. Having spent more than four years in this space, Kara shares how she differentiates herself in a crowded marketplace. She opens up her playbook to reveal what it takes to be successful in this business. This show is full of some great nuggets guaranteed to help you out. Enjoy! Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [00:15]Paul welcomes Kara to the show [02:42]How Sproutstudio can be an all-in-one integrated solution to manage your photography business [09:10]Can you drop ship prints using Sproutstudio? [11:53]How has Kara managed to scale her business inspite of being a one-woman show [13:50]Has the customer lifetime value increased after Kara switched over to Sproutstudio? [14:30]Leveraging scarcity and automated emails to increase sales [16:06]Charging your clients for digital storage [18:52]Building automated workflows for scaling your business [21:05]Pricing and working with high margin-low maintenance clients [26:48]What does it take to run a successful wedding photography business? [28:52]Is it a good idea to provide both photos and videos? [33:43]Can you use the same systems to manage your aerial photography business? [37:45]Kara shares her contact information ?

Today's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. Our caller for today, Renn is from Australia and has called in with an interesting question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Renn's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. On today's show, we present two solutions to help Renn out. First, you will learn about a tethered drone system that can be flown from a moving vehicle. The next solution is particularly innovative as this technology can be used to autonomously fly DJI drones. We also speculate how autonomous flying can be used to significantly scale up powerline inspections and drone deliveries among other things. For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now. Thanks for the great question, Renn. Fly Safe! Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [01:22]Today's show is sponsored by our new flight school, PROPS [02:57]Today's question is about landing/launching autonomously from a flatbed truck [04:43]What are some possible end-use cases for launching autonomously from a flatbed truck? [09:10]Paul shares details about a tethered drone system that can be launched from a flatbed truck [09:50]New technology for autonomously flying DJI drones

Today's question is about the new Part 107 rules for drone pilots. Our caller for today, DJ has come up with a great question about the new Part 107 drone rules. DJ is confused by these new rules and wishes to know how they impact him as a Part 107 pilot. The FAA recently announced some significant changes to Part 107 rules which might change the way you fly. On today's show, you will learn how these changes will impact 1) Part 107 Test 2) Part 107 Recurrency 3) Flying at Night, and 4) Flying over Moving Vehicles. We do a deep dive into each of these points so that you don't end up on the wrong side of the law. In light of these new changes, you will also learn why the DJI Mavic Mini 2 is the most valuable drone that you can buy right now. Thanks for the great question, DJ. Fly Safe! New Part 107 Drone Rules Makes Flying Easier - https://www.thedroneu.com/blog/new-part-107-drone-rules-make-flying-easier/ Drone Rule Changes Make Microdrones More Valuable - https://www.thedroneu.com/blog/drone-rule-changes-make-microdrones-most-valuable/ Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [06:05]Today's question is about new Part 107 drone rules [07:23]What are the MAIN changes to Part 107 drone rules? [09:30]Will you be able to fly your drone over moving vehicles? [11:05]Can we expect the FAA to ramp up enforcement? [13:28]FAA replaces recurrency test replaced with recurrent training [16:15]Flying at night to become easier? [17:45]Updated questionnaire for Part 107 beginning March 2021 [18:57]How do the new drone rules affect flight over people? [20:18]Why DJI Mavic Mini 2 is the most valuable drone for Part 107 pilots [25:18]Did FAA just legalize flight over moving vehicles? [27:15]Can you fly over moving vehicles right now? [30:42]How the new drone rules prohibit "sustained flight over vehicles" while allowing traversing

On today's show, we have Andrew Dennison, Director of Enterprise Services at DroneDeploy who shares with us the latest and most exciting trends from the drone mapping world. We start this show with Andrew sharing the workflow used by a majority of DroneDeploy pilots. You will learn how drones are being increasingly used as an image sharing tool in construction. We also discuss the big push towards onsite processings and future trends such as LiDAR. Andrew shares DroneDeploy's big plans for the indoor mapping space. And towards the end, he shares an untapped and lucrative opportunity that will surely interest enterprising pilots. Do not miss this special show. Enjoy! Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps [00:37]Which is the best software for creating orthomosaics? [01:12]Paul welcomes Andrew Dennison to the show [02:07]Should you create DroneDeploy maps without GCP's? [03:35]Using drones a communications and image-sharing tool [04:25]Various use cases for drones in construction [06:16]Can you create a 360-degree pano with Drone Deploy? [09:15]Some great tips for shooting great panos [10:45]How big is the push to cloud in the drone software industry? [13:58]How DroneDeploy is constantly upgrading its photogrammetry engine? [15:57]Does Andrew foresee a sustained trend towards onsite processing? [17:18]Will LiDAR mapping finally take off in 2021? [18:55]Is there an untapped opportunity with mapping facilities? [21:56]Using drone mapping for solar [23:23]DroneDeploy to venture into the indoor mapping space [24:13]Get in touch with Andrew!