1. Drone aerial photography and videography

The ability to create visually stunning videos is a popular offering to make money using a drone. Being able to capture the perfect shot is a skill that can take some time to develop. Fortunately, with today’s drone technology, taking great pictures and video is easier than ever. With an integrated or attached gimbal to automatically balance the camera, drones are able to take smooth cinematic shots. The automated flying features of many modern drones allow the pilot to focus more exclusively on the composition of the shot and storytelling. For example, tracking a subject can now be performed automatically by the drone, permitting the pilot to focus on the creativity. Networking for your drone business with local realtors, wedding photographers and ancillary businesses in your location can be a great source of ongoing referrals.

2. Aerial mapping and modeling

Providing maps and models to clients has become a staple offering to make money with drones. Clients are expecting you to be able to effectively gather, analyze and export mapping data. There is a demand for orthomosaic maps which are a correctly scaled representation of an area, composed of multiple location-tagged images.

With your drone and volumetric software, you can provide your client with an estimate of the volume of a stockpile of sand, rock or other raw material – such audits would take far longer and be far more dangerous when conducted manually by employees clambering up unsteady stockpiles by foot. Consider developing both a traditional and social media marketing campaign to promote your drone business. Also think about joining business and trade associations to target the right companies in your area.

3. Drone aerial inspections

Traditional methods of inspecting any structure, be it a wind turbine, bridge or railway can have significant risk. A worker manually hoisted from a rope to conduct a wind turbine inspection is intrinsically challenging. Drones bring safety and reduced costs to such tasks.

Conducting roof inspections is also an in-demand offering – a thermal camera attached to a drone can give value by identifying hot- and cold-spots. You can inspect solar farms, wireless communications towers, oil and gas pipelines or other large installations. Inspections are one of the easiest ways to demonstrate return on investment to a client as introducing drones helps prevent accidents, reduces the need for manual labor and replaces the more expensive helicopter and airplane alternatives. The DARTdrones Aerial Drone Inspections Workshop will help you develop the knowledge to begin your exploration of this niche.

4. Agriculture and land management 

Drones can be used to make money in agriculture and land management in a variety of ways. For example, precision agriculture is the ability to increase crop profitability by using less resources. Utilizing drones can be an excellent tool in this endeavor.  Drones can be used for everything from analyzing the soil quality to identifying parasites affecting crops.

In forestry, drones are being used for surveying areas and even for planting trees. Agricultural spraying is also popular with highly specialized drones. Using a drone with or without a thermal camera can be used to search for missing livestock and to monitor game. Consider promoting your offerings to the farming, ranching, forestry and land management communities. Business Insider predicts agriculture to be one of five main segments that will experience significant growth in the next coming years.

5. Mining and quarrying

There are many difficult and dangerous tasks in the mining and quarrying industries. Drones can dramatically improve the efficiency of mines and assist in the management of quarries. All of this is achieved by gathering data very quickly at remote distances. Drones can be particularly useful at the pre-planning steps prior to planting explosives to shatter and break rock. Drilling and blasting can also be made safer by introducing aerial technology. Surveying, 3D mapping and stockpile management are popular uses for drones in the mining and quarry industries.  Drones are being used to fly a quarry, then the images are exported to photogrammetry software to produce models and maps so that accurate measurements can be undertaken within these computer models rather than physically in the field. Consider the mining and quarry industry when searching for opportunities to make money with your drone business.

6. Conservation and ecology

Efforts around the globe are being enhanced by the introduction of drones for land and water conservation. Drones can acquire images of ecosystems from the sky unobtrusively. A drone can capture images of the terrain before and after a natural disaster or can conduct inventory of habitats that are difficult to reach by foot. Drones have been used to track animals and to support anti-poaching efforts and to conduct low cost surveys of forest habitats for carbon assessments. Appropriate software can be used to map habitats and species. A 2003 study by the Wildlife Society Bulletin reported that an unfortunate number of scientist fatalities occurred in plane and helicopter crashes at low altitude – heights required for observing and tracking wildlife. Offering drone services to conservation organizations can be a revenue-generator whilst helping a genuinely worthwhile cause.

7. Surveillance and security

There is a growing interest by clients in the surveillance and security benefits of drones and the situational awareness they can provide in a real-time crisis. As drones are less visible, cheaper and quieter than many equivalent technologies they offer significant benefits for surveillance and monitoring assignments. Drones can also cover a lot of ground quickly and remain unaffected by awkward terrain. Be aware that during operations, it is mandatory that the drone remains in your line of sight at all times unless you have a special waiver from the FAA. Be mindful regarding privacy issues also.

If you are in a smaller jurisdiction where helicopter cover is unaffordable for your local public safety agencies and they are not already served by an in-house drone program, you might consider approaching them to gauge if their needs and your offerings align. DARTdrones specializes in aiding public safety departments adopt drone programs.

8. Construction

Drones can be used in construction for a variety of tasks including facilitating quicker and cheaper surveying. Drones enhanced with Real-time Kinematic (RTK) technology offer even greater accuracy benefits, but this premium capability is not necessarily required for many construction projects. Other popular applications of drones in construction are progress monitoring, personnel safety and marketing.

Be aware that in some cases the collection of the data with your drone is only the beginning – the workflow may entail putting that data into a form that is usable by the client. Of course, as we continually emphasize, you must be conversant with drone rules in your country and locality. Also, do consider investing in a second ‘backup’ drone in case your main aircraft experiences an issue in the midst of an assignment.

9. News gathering and sports

The use of drones in news gathering and sports is gaining momentum. Journalists can benefit from your ability to contribute to news gathering and sharing of breaking stories. Your service can allow the public to see visuals from locations that were once perceived as impenetrable. Drones are becoming an everyday tool, bringing vibrant still images and video to the screen to enhance storytelling. Similarly, drones are being used in sports coaching and training to see tactics from an aerial perspective, thereby giving teams an edge over opponents.

While there are still regulatory matters to be mindful of concerning privacy in news gathering, there remains a great opportunity in this sector so do make your offerings known to the local media.

10. Disaster response and relief

Drones have been pivotal in recent years during a variety of hazards.  Uses have included everything from providing a light source to illuminate an area, to locating lost people with thermal cameras. Drones can be a considerable asset in a catastrophe. As a drone pilot, one of the many services you can offer is to capture damage to critical infrastructure after such events. The first few hours of decision-making and action are crucial when an unexpected environmental incident occurs and drones can be deployed very quickly during such an effort, in comparison to alternative aerial solutions. Of course, if considering offering this type of service you must be endorsed and approved by the relevant local relief agencies – your objective is to work under the auspices of the authorities governing the scenario. Make your capabilities and offerings known to relief agencies in your area to evaluate their needs.

Next steps in making money with your drone business

Asking what the best offerings are to make the most money with your drone is certainly wise. Of the 10 offerings above, it would be prudent to focus on those that are the most lucrative given your location, capabilities and extent of competition. A key to success and business longevity is honing your skills in one key offering and striving to become a recognized local expert. Be sure to develop a strategic business plan including how to market your services. The DARTdrones Starting a Drone Business Under Part 107 can help you with this important initial step.

About the Author

Mike is an instrument-rated pilot and a self-described transportation enthusiast and weather geek. As a former light rail instructor for Harris County Metro, Mike trained new operators to safely operate trains on Metro’s new rail extensions in the city of Houston. Mike returned to Austin and discovered Drone photography. Taking his new hobby to the next level by combining his aviation, rait trainer, and industrial sales experience, Mike Joined DARTdrones to share his passion for aviation with student drone pilots to help them become safe, competent and confident drone pilots.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post The 10 Best Offerings to Make the Most Money With Your Drone appeared first on DARTdrones.

Now that you have figured out the purpose for a security drone and have looked into Part 107 training – you are ready to start looking for the perfect match. Expert security drone instructor, Mike Uleski, has offered his recommendations below.

Quick bio on Mike Uleski:
Mike is an active Sergeant with a public safety department and is cross trained as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and EMT. He has a degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle, a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument ratings, and 17 years of experience building and flying remote controlled aircraft.

Mike’s Favorite Security Drone Models

DJI Mavic Pro

• Price: $999.99
• Weight: 1.6 lbs
• Speed: 40-45 mph
• Flight time: 28 minutes

If you need a small, compact security drone that is loaded with features then don’t bother scrolling down. The Mavic Pro can be folded neatly and transported in a small camera bag and the remote controller can be carried in your pocket. This leaves you with plenty of room to carry additional modifications or batteries that only add to the Mavic’s versatility and flight time.

The Mavic Pro may also be one of the stealthiest drones on the market. Its small build with slanted edges reminds me of a Silent Hawk helicopter. It is also very quiet for a drone which allows it to be used in covert missions.

The Mavic Pro carries a camera that is capable of 4K video. An aftermarket FLIR camera is available to provide thermal capability as well. Also, with the ActiveTrack feature, the Mavic can lock onto a subject and follow it from the sky.

Mike’s expert opinion:

“The Mavic Pro is technology packed and a great option at a lower budget requirement than larger aircraft. In addition, the low observability and quiet flight capability are perfect for security situations where you do not want the drone to be obvious.”

Yuneec Typhoon H- $1499.00 (with RealSense)

• Weight: 4 pounds
• Speed: 40-45 mph
• Flight time: 25 minutes

The Typhoon H allows for the advantages of a hexacopter with increased reliability and redundancy of having six motors with a compact folding package. The ST16 ground station has a built-in 7-inch display that provides real-time flight footage and flight telemetry information. The video is downlinked in 720P for a high definition view.

The ST16 ground station has a built-in 7-inch display that provides real-time flight footage and flight telemetry information. The video is downlinked in 720P for a high definition view. A dual visual and FLIR equipped camera is available allowing for an advanced sensor system for budget conscious agencies.

Adding the RealSense option allows for a powerful obstacle avoidance system that is not only capable of sensing the environment, but also remembering the location of obstacles for future flight paths.

With the retractable landing gear, the camera is capable of 360-degree rotation and an unobstructed view.

The Typhoon H is an excellent choice for daylight operations out of the box, or when the budget allows, the addition of the dual visual/FLIR camera to allow for night operations or fire scene operations.

Mike’s expert opinion:

“The Typhoon H brings the redundancy available with six motors. Also, having the option to add a powerful obstacle avoidance system and advanced visual/thermal camera system makes it well suited for security missions.”

DJI Inspire 1v2.0

• Cost: $1899.99
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Speed: 45-55 mph
• Flight time: 18 minutes

This security drone is the bigger brother of the previously mentioned DJI products. It may be a few years old but it still holds up against the latest products. It has proved itself to be a reliable system for many commercial industries.

The Inspire has a few advantages over its little brothers. This aircraft has characteristics that allow it to operate in steady winds up to 30 mph. Its larger build allows it carry more equipment. Specifically, it can carry different camera systems. The standard camera can be upgraded to the Z3 that has 7x digital zoom, the Z30 with 30x zoom, or an FLIR thermal system. Inspire 1 can incorporate thermal imaging for more effective night time operations, and the latest version of the Inspire platform (Inspire 2) is capable of extended flight times up to 30 minutes – compared to the average 18 minute flights of the original.

Mike’s expert opinion:

“The Inspire 1 is a jack-of-all-trades in the commercial and security drone industry. With power to spare and the ability to quickly change payload system, it is highly capable of many different mission requirements.”

The post Expert Security Drone Recommendations appeared first on DARTdrones.

If you are here, on this page, reading this post, then it is safe to assume you have thought about using a drone for security. Also, it is safe to assume that you are uncertain on which type of drone to purchase. No worries, we’re here to help!

Buying a security drone may seem like a daunting task. There are hundreds of products, reviews and blogs out there telling you which drone is the best. But the truth is that you do not need the “best” drone. What you need is the drone that fits your business best.

What do YOU need?

First, you need to identify the specific reason you need a security drone. What is the purpose? How much land is it going to monitor? How high is it going to fly? What type of camera or imaging system do you need? What flying conditions will it operate in? Do you intend to use the drone for indoor or outdoor monitoring? These are the types of questions you need to answer before purchasing a security drone.

Also, it is extremely important to make sure that you or your pilot is FAA Part 107 certified before operating a drone for commercial purposes.

Things to consider

Keep the following characteristics in mind before purchasing a drone for your business:

• Size – Security drones vary in sizes. Some are as small as soda cans and others are as large as refrigerators. Smaller drones have an obvious security advantage. They make less noise, harder to spot and offer easier maneuverability. Larger drones can carry larger cameras and more attachments but are far less discrete. Small drones are well suited to indoor environments and many are equipped with positioning sensors allowing them to maneuver exceptionally well in enclosed environments without GPS. However, real-world weather conditions often necessitate the use of larger drones to handle changing wind conditions and precipitation (some drones are weatherproof).
• Camera – You are going to need a drone that comes equipped with a high-quality camera. Pretty much all of the drones on the market come with very good cameras but if you are going to be operating at higher altitudes or in foggy climates then you may want to upgrade. Thermal and night vision cameras are also now available as add-on features for many drone platforms. A blurry image of a burglar doesn’t help anyone…except for the burglar.
• Flight time – A security drone that can stay in the air for a good duration of time is something you will definitely want. Otherwise, you will constantly have to land the drone and swap out the battery. This is a problem because a drone on the ground is not capturing any security footage.
• Range –  Large land plots like farms or areas where interference may be expected, such as utility facilities, then you will want to choose one with longer range capabilities and/or a robust command and control communication system designed for industrial environments. If you plan on using the drone to monitor office space or a garage then you may not need the extra range.
• Handling/Stability – If you are inexperienced that you will need to find a drone that is easy to operate. Many people have different opinions on which drone is easiest to fly but it really comes down to preference. You must also take into account your flying conditions. Different drones will be more or less capable depending on wind speeds and various operating altitudes.

Taking the next step

Once you have a full understanding of exactly what tasks you will need your security drone to perform, you can then begin looking for the perfect fit. Check back for Part Two of this blog post in which we will dive into our favorite security drones.

It is important to remember that privacy concerns and laws related to the use of drones are still in a state of discussion and evolution. Before using a drone for ANY surveillance application, it is important to understand the applicable laws in one’s own state and/or municipality.

For more information on becoming Part 107 certified, launching a drone program, or advanced drone training options – please visit www.dartdrones.com or call 800.264.3907

The post Consider This Before Buying a Security Drone appeared first on DARTdrones.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the main points in Speicher’s speech:

We at DARTdrones have taught dozens of companies, police departments, and fire departments about launching and implementing a drone program. Most people tasked with launching their internal drone program are completely overwhelmed by the process and not sure where to start. This list is a quick start guide for a drone program. Pay attention to the order of the list as we put a lot of thought into what needs to be done first, later, and last. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions: 800-264-3907.

1. Identify The Goals for Your Security Drone Program

Your team should identify how exactly they will use drones to help the company grow or improve profitability. Many drone models are built for specific use cases. You wouldn’t want to buy a drone designed for close proximity inspections and then decide later that you need it to be able to fly long distances. The security industry offers dozens of use cases for security drones including:

• Perimeter Control
• Facilities Security Inspections
• Monitoring Intruders
• Prison Security
• Parking Lot Monitoring
• Read More About Use Cases for Security Drones

Think about how your security team will be using drones.

2. Know The Drone Rules

Before beginning the process of launching a drone program, make sure you fully understand how the FAA regulations will affect your company’s drone program. There are dozens of rules and regulations that a drone pilot needs to abide by, but let’s look at some of the most relevant drone regulations for the security industry.

• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate – Most security teams will fall under the FAA’s “Commercial Purpose” category. In which case, the security team members that will be flying the drones will need to have their Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA before they can fly legally. To get the Remote Pilot Certificate, a drone pilot needs to pass the FAA’s Airman Knowledge Exam for Remote Pilots. This exam is taken at an FAA Testing Center and consists of 60 questions. Most people have found that they need to study for between 15 – 20 hours for this exam. Don’t worry, if you are dedicated to passing the exam, you will be able to get it done. Resources: Do I Need To Take the Part 107 Exam? and Classes on Passing the Part 107 Exam
• Night Flights – If you wish to fly commercially at night with your drone, you will need to apply for a night flight waiver with the FAA. This can be a relatively easy process and usually a waiver will be granted within 60 – 90 days.
• Autonomous Flights – Many security drone use cases make the most sense with autonomous flights (when the drone flies a mission ,without a pilot, based on a preset flight). Currently, and probably for the next few years, the FAA does not allow drones to be flown beyond Visual Line of Sight. For now, the security team’s drone pilot needs to be able to watch the drone at all times. Someday in the future, it may be passed by the FAA that the security team can sit in their office while the drone does a perimeter search, but not today.

3. Recognize What It Takes

Starting a drone program is not a quick project that can be completed in a week. A commercial drone program requires extensive planning, maintenance, pilot training, and continued education. Make sure your team understands the effort that needs to go into this program.

4. In-House or Outsource?

Some companies have found launching a drone program more manageable by hiring an already trained and certified drone pilot to complete flights as needed as a contractor. Depending on how often you plan to use your drone, it may end up adding up to be more expensive to outsource. Think about if outsourcing your drone program is a good option for your team.

5. Create a Budget

How much is your company planning to spend on adding drones to the business? Here are some expenses to think about to launch a security drone program:

• Drone: $700 – $30,000 depending on model
• Accessories: $400 – $7,000
• Insurance Per Drone:  $600 – $1,300 a year
• Part 107 Training: $250 – $800 a person
• Part 107 Exam Fee: $150 per person
• Platform Specific Training: $550 – $4,000 per person per day
• Thermal Imaging Camera: $2,000 – $14,000 depending on model

Other expenses to think about include advanced mission specific training, thermal imaging training, maintenance expenses, and upgrading to different drone models over time.

6. Consult Your Company’s Attorney

Before you get too far along the path developing your security drone program, consult your company’s legal team to make sure you are on the same page.

7. Choose a Chief Pilot for Your Security Drone Program

Many companies make the mistake of implementing a drone program without making one person in charge, or the “Chief Pilot”. No matter how many employees will participate in your drone program, one of them should be identified as responsible for maintenance, firmware updates, battery maintenance, and safety. If you already have a manned aircraft pilot on your drone team, they might make a great chief pilot.

8. Decide Which Drone is Right for You

Now that you have a pilot and a foundation set, you need to choose a platform. There are dozens and dozens of different drone models and manufacturers. Your budget should help you narrow down which type of drone your security team will start with. Most of the companies that we work with usually launch a drone program with a DJI drone. DJI currently controls 70% of the consumer drone market and offers excellent entry level to professional drone options.

9. Choose Your Camera

Most drones come with a camera attached. Will your team be using a thermal imaging camera? FLIR has developed thermal imaging cameras specifically for drones.

10. Consider a Training Drone

If your company decides on a $20K – $30K drone, you likely will not want trainees flying for the first time on such an expensive piece of equipment. Many companies purchase a DJI drone for $700 – $1,000 to function as a training platform. Later, new drone pilots can upgrade to the more expensive platform.

11. Purchase Your UAS Platform

Finally! You have jumped through a lot of the hoops and you’re ready to buy your drone. You have plenty of options, make sure you get one that fits your security team’s needs.

12. Decide on the Size of Your Drone Pilot Team

Think about who on your team will be flying the drones. Are there employees who have the spare time to add drone flights to their daily or weekly tasks? Will you need to hire additional employees? Keep in mind that you want your company’s drone pilots to always be current. You don’t want someone getting trained in May and not flying again until November.

13. Take and Pass Your Part 107 Exam

Passing the Part 107 Exam is so low on the list, because you really shouldn’t worry about it until your drone program is a go. Many new drone pilots are finding that studying for 15 – 20 hours allows them to do well on the Part 107 Exam. While there is a lot to learn for this exam (airspace classifications, aviation weather and micrometeorology, communication with airports, etc), don’t get overwhelmed. If you are committed to passing, you will be able to get through it and pass. Check out the DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep Course which we offer both in-person and online courses to help you pass the Part 107 exam.

14. Obtain Aviation Insurance

Traditional liability insurance does not cover aviation, and thus don’t cover your drone. You will need to obtain aviation insurance for your drone. Read more about insurance for your drone here.

15. Complete Equipment Specific Training

Make sure you develop a training program that ensures your pilots have the knowledge they need to fly safely. Our DARTdrones Flight Training courses are designed to train pilots on how to fly their drones safely, legally, and gain a comprehensive understanding of their equipment.

16. Establish a Flight Log

Your company will likely want to keep your drone pilots on a strict flight-logging program. Track how often each pilot hits the skies and how many flight hours each of your pilots have logged.

17. Develop an SOP Manual

A company using a drone for business should create a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual that will be customized to your organization’s flight locations, proximity to airports, number of pilots, and requirements for safety levels. DARTdrones offers consulting services for companies building their SOP manual.

18. Develop A Maintenance Schedule

Under FAA Part 107 Regulations, the commercial drone pilot is required to develop a maintenance schedule. Don’t skip this step as it is a requirement of the FAA.

19. Implement Commercial Drone Software

Software options have been developing rapidly and could change between the time you begin developing your program and when you’re ready to fly. Don’t let the number of software options overwhelm you.

20. Market Your New Security Drone Program

Think about how you announce your new drone program to your company and to the public. Not everyone is excited about a security drone flying near their property. Think about how your customers and employees will respond and try to make an announcement that gets them excited. It could be helpful to find a way show your customers how the drones are going to help them either save time or money.

21. Upgrade Your Security Drone Platform

Once you’ve gotten this far, you’ll know how you can benefit from drones and where to go moving forward. Typically within 6 – 12 months of launching a drone program, companies are looking into and excited about new use cases and new drone models on the market.

22. Advanced Training

Once your company upgrades its platform, the ability to hold heavier payloads becomes a possibility. Get your team trained on thermal imaging, LiDar, or advanced photography once they have learned the basics.

23. Establish Annual Training Requirements

Finally, make sure you have clearly defined annual training requirements. The equipment and industry evolve so quickly you need to make sure annual training requirements are established.

We at DARTdrones have helped dozens of companies implement a commercial drone program from both a training and consultations standpoint. We are always looking for the next challenge, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to ask questions.

DARTdrones, with more than 40 expert pilot instructors, is the national leader in in-person drone training throughout the United States. Contact our team at 800-264-3907 to learn more about launching a security drone program. 

The post 25 Steps to Launching a Security Drone Program appeared first on DARTdrones.

Of course, flying a drone for drone security measures means you’ll need to pass the Part 107 exam because almost all drone security uses wouldn’t be considered “recreational”. (Read more about if you need a drone license here.) Most drone security teams will want to utilize a thermal imaging camera as many of these drone security use cases make the most sense at night. FLIR offers the most popular thermal imaging cameras which can cost $4,000 to $12,000. If your security team will be flying at night, you will also need to apply for a night waiver from the FAA to be authorized to fly at night.

Please note that many of these drone security use cases would make a lot more sense if your unmanned aerial vehicle could fly autonomously, but autonomous drone flights aren’t legal yet. The FAA is continuing to work on regulations for autonomous drone use.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways the early adopters of drone security are revolutionizing the industry.

1. Perimeter Control

Drone security teams protecting large areas of property can patrol the perimeter of a property with an infrared camera on a drone. Some drone security teams are utilizing fixed wing drones to fly large perimeters instead of having the team walk the perimeter. Thermal imaging cameras can spot a trespasser immediately.

2. Facilities Security Inspections

Drones can monitor areas of property that have never patrolled before such as a roof. Ground security cameras in a fixed position can lead to blind spots. Thanks to a drone’s ability to move, security teams can search around corners and get a closer look to avoid blind spots.

3. Monitoring Intruders

If a security team does find an intruder on the property, often times its very easy to lose sight of the trespasser if they hide behind trees. With a thermal imaging camera, your drone pilot can continue monitoring the location of the intruder easily.

Thermal imaging cameras do also work during the day, as seen in this video.

4. Prison Security

Prison guards can monitor the yard more efficiently and safely with the assistance of a drone. A monitor can send a drone to an area if a fight breaks out to assess the situation.

5. Drone Security for Parking Lots

Prisons and other institutions can monitor cars that enter their parking lots through the use of a drone. Drones will give security teams a new tool to keep out contraband, intruders and other problems.

6. Stopping Trespassers from Vandalizing Property

Security drones can help identify trespassers who hope to vandalize property. The presence of a drone security camera may also make trespassers think twice about entering your facility.

7. Securing Large Infrastructure

Security teams fro wind farms and pipelines can use drones to protect large infrastructure. If a company patrols an area with vehicles at night, the headlights easily let intruders know the security team is arriving and give them a chance to hide. With a drone, security teams have a better chance to sneak up on an intruder.

8.  Protecting Cultural Landmarks

Security drones can help security guards monitor and protect people and exhibits at open-air museums. UAVs can help guard historic artifacts and the people admiring them.

9. Monitoring Stadiums and Concert Venues

Currently, the FAA does not allow drones to be flown over stadiums when they are in use. There may be potential to apply for a waiver to use the drone during the event, but if not drones can also be used for security in the offseason or on days when the stadium is not being used. Drones can protect a stadium or concert venue. Drone security teams can patrol parking lots before, back entrances, and large venues during and after events.

10. Campus Security

With small budgets on many campuses, drones can provide a more safe environment thanks to drone technology. Drones can be deployed to areas that have become trouble spots, giving staff more eyes despite having fewer bodies. They might also be able to reach destinations quicker than a security guard can.

11. Loss Prevention for Dock Yards

Security drones can patrol a dock yard for loss prevention, monitoring deliveries and movement. They could also help with border protection at ports.

12. Intercepting Poachers

Drones can stop poachers by helping guide animals out of danger or recording poachers’ actions. Farms and refuges can send out a drone to monitor poachers entering an area.

13. Protecting Live Stock

Poaching isn’t the only agriculture issue drones can help with concerning security. An unmanned aerial vehicle patrolling a ranch or farm could make owners aware of approaching predators.

14. Border Security

Drones can help with several areas of border security. First, they can deter drug smuggling through their monitoring capabilities. Secondly, they can help countries with borders along water spot people coming in on small water craft.

15. Security for Hundreds of Acres

Drones can patrol large land areas that aren’t bordered by walls and fences. This can lower a company’s need for manpower to perform those operations.

16. Protecting Embassies and Consulates

Drones could be used to help secure foreign embassies and consulates. Security teams could monitor the surroundings better than with a camera in a fixed position.

As you can see, security drones have many uses. If you know of more ways you can use a drone for security, let us know so that we can continue to build out this list.

The post 16 Drone Security Use Cases You’ve Never Thought Of appeared first on DARTdrones.