Ask Drone U

Today's question is about using the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping. Compared to the Phantom 4 Pro, is the Phantom 4 RTK a better option for drone mapping?

Our caller, Chris from North Carolina has a question about using the Phantom 4 RTK in drone mapping. We have always maintained that the Phantom 4 Pro is the "Honda Civic of Drones". You can use the Phantom 4 Pro across a gamut of applications ranging from photography to drone mapping. Now, is the Phantom 4 RTK more accurate compared to the Phantom 4 Pro when it comes to drone mapping? Is it worth spending thousands of dollars more to buy the Phantom 4 RTK?

To answer, Chri's question we first explain the basic of Real Time Kinematics or RTK. Next, we explain the different variables that affect drone mapping accuracy when using RTK drones. Considering these variables, in which situations will the use of Phantom 4 RTK result in a more efficient workflow and a more accurate output? Other topics discussed on today's show include the importance of using natural markers, difference between relative accuracy and absolute accuracy, the pros and cons of using different RTK drones, the use of natural markers in drone mapping, and much, much more…

We hope you enjoy this show. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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

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Timestamps

[02:40] How to measure accuracy in drone mapping

[07:45] Today's question is about using the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping

[08:34] How your application determines the choice of your drone equipment

[09:05] In which situations should you use the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping?

[09:19] Paul explains why you can make accurate RTK corrections in a state like Florida

[10:08] Paul explains RTK in simple terms

[10:43] In which situations is the workflow for RTK drones simpler?

[11:38 ]What are some variables that affect your mapping accuracy when using RTK drones?

[12:50] What is the difference between relative accuracy and absolute accuracy?

[13:29] So, can you get more accuracy by flying the P4P RTK?

[14:03 ]What is ground sampling distance (GSD)? Which are the three factors that affect your GSD?

[17:46] Should you use the P4P RTK if you are surveying large tracts of land?

[19:40] Do you always need GCP's for 3D modeling?

[24:00] Is it a good idea to refer natural markers when creating a drone map or model?

[25:19] Is it a good idea to use the M600 RTK for drone mapping?

Today's question is about using the Inspire for building and solar inspections.

Our caller for today, Eduardo is thinking of using the DJI Inspire 1 with the X5 for building and solar inspections. But, is it possible to capture accurate datasets using an outdated drone like the Inspire 1? And is the X5 a good drone camera for inspections? Do you need a dual camera setup (both EO and thermal) for this job?

We discuss all this and much more in today's show. Thanks for the great question, Eduardo. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[10:23] Today's question using the Inspire 1 for building and solar inspections

[12:00] Do you need two cameras - EO and thermal for solar inspections?

[12:50] Is it a good idea to use the X5 camera for building inspections or solar inspections?

[14:52] Which camera should you pair with the Inspire 1 for conducting roof inspections?

In today's show, we are joined by Angad Singh of Pix4D to discuss their new app, Pix4Dcatch. This app gives you the ability to 3D scan objects using Apple devices.

Regular ADU listeners might be aware that we are huge proponents of Pix4D's drone mapping software. Their latest product, Pix4Dcatch goes a long way in simplifying 3D modeling, and gives users a much-needed, affordable alternative. In today's show, you will learn how public safety and small businesses can benefit by using Pix4Dcatch.

Tune in to learn more about this amazing app that puts the power of 3D scanning into your pocket. Fly safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[00:40 ]What are some common challenges that mappers face during data acquisition?

[03:40] Making data acquisition super simple; Angad explains how Pix4Dcatch works

[05:25] What is Paul's favorite feature on the Pix4D Capture?

[06:13] Angad explains how Pix4Dcatch can be used for crime scene reconstruction

[08:12] How using Pix4Dcatch can make your overall drone model better

[09:38] How the ability to recognize and calibrate colors in Pix4D can help you in accurate MTP construction

[11:20] What are some different uses of Pix4Dcatch for small businesses?

[13:28] Is it becoming cheaper to model using LiDAR and photogrammetery?

[14:13] Does Pix4Dcatch work with iPad Pro LiDAR unit?

[14:47] How Pix4Dcatch can be used for facility inspections

[15:52 ]How does Pix4Dcatch compare to Matterport?

[18:18] What is the ONE thing that the Pix4Dcatch can be immensely useful for?

[20:03] How can general contractors utilize Pix4Dcatch?

[21:07] Can you add annotations and share models using Pix4Dcatch?

Drone Helicopter Crash in Canada, Amazon Drone Delivery Yet to Take Off, How to Film a Protest Without a Waiver, Changing Dynamics of the Drone Industry, Drones for Good

Our first story is about a drone crash. This collision happened earlier this year in British Columbia when a Royal Canadian Mounted Police helicopter crashed with a police surveillance drone. Ironically enough, both the helicopter and drone were being used on a joint mission. The RCMP SkyRanger R60 surveillance drone is a tethered drone costing nearly $100,000. Luckily, no one was injured in this helicopter-drone crash. This incident certainly highlights the importance of communication procedures between manned and unmanned aircraft's.

Our next story is about the drone delivery industry. Back in 2013, Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos famously predicted that drone delivery would become commonplace by 2018. We are in 2020. And Amazon drone delivery is yet to take off in a substantial manner. However, in a delightful little story, we share how Wing Aviation used their drone to deliver textbooks to school kids in the Montgomery school district.

Other topics discussed in today's story include the changing dynamics of the drone industry, latest updates on the 2018 Gatwick fiasco, filming a protest with a drone, and much, much more…

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[00:36] Police helicopter collides with a $100,000 tethered drone in Canada

[02:53] Wing Aviation uses drones to deliver textbooks to more than 600 school kids in Montgomery county school district

[05:02] Years after Jeff Bezoz's prediction, Amazon drone delivery yet to take off in a substantial manner

[08:18] How to film a protest without a waiver

[11:20] Department of Homeland Security invites comments from people regarding the use of drones in emergency situations

[14:10] Parrot calls out DJI in their marketing campaign for their new drone

[17:20] Has Autel scored a definite legal victory over DJI?

[21:29] Couple arrested during Gatwick fiasco in 2018 gets awarded 200,000 pounds

[25:57] Drones help rescue father and daughter after canoe capsizes in San Joaquin river in Central California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1h8XQ-qBsg

Today's question is about the Mavic Air 2. Specifically, are there any issues with Mavic Air 2's gimbal that you should be aware of?

Our caller for today, Bob has a question about the Mavic Air 2. This new DJI drone has caused immense excitement within the drone community inspite of the ongoing pandemic. However, Bob has heard from certain drone pilots that the Mavic Air 2's gimbal tilts up and down when ascending or descending in point of interest mode.

Are these rumors true? Are there any other Mavic Air 2 issues that you should be aware of before buying this drone? Additionally, we also discuss the commercial viability of this new DJI drone. Thanks for the great question, Bob. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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 the DJI Mavic Air 2 Brutally Honest Review that Paul references in the above podcast.

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[02:47] Today's question is about the Mavic Air 2

[04:16] Were there any issues with the old Mavic Air's gimbal?

[04:53] Can you hack the Mavic Air 2?

[05:28] Does the Mavic Air 2 gimbal tilt up and down in particular flight movements?

[06:16] Is the Mavic Air 2 a commercially viable drone?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKbFDjQQ2a8

Today's show is about the commercial viability of technical drone services like NDVI inspections and drone mapping. From a purely commercial perspective, are technical drone services more lucrative compared to creative drone services?

Our caller for today, Jun is a drone photographer and videographer from Los Angeles. In the wake of the pandemic, as opportunities in the creative field have dried up, Jun is wondering if providing technical drone services would benefit him commercially. Specifically, Jun is considering NDVI inspections and drone mapping/modeling.

How can Jun do an accurate cost-benefit analysis before he starts offering a new service? Sure. You might be able to charge what seems like an attractive rate. But, you will have to invest in expensive drone equipment, accessories, and training before you start taking these jobs.

Topics discussed in today's show include pricing strategies, and how to protect and grow your drone business in the wake of the pandemic. Thanks for the great question, Jun. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[01:27] Today's question is about pricing technical drone services

[03:24] How to do an accurate cost-benefit analysis before offering a new drone service

[04:55] How to price technical drone services

[10:30] Check out our Drone Business Course for some nuanced information guaranteed to help you and your business

Expert Tips for Using Your Drone to Measure the Height of a Building

Today's show is about using your drone for measuring the height of a building. What is the easiest and most accurate way of doing so?

Our caller, Brendan is an architect who is using his Phantom 4 Pro to measure the height of a building. For this, Brendan is currently relying on the altitude displayed in the app. However, is the altitude displayed in your drone app accurate? Is it better to use drone mapping for making sure measurements?

For all this and much more, tune in to this short and informative show now. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[01:14] Today's question is about using your drone to measure the height of the building

[04:10] Is the altitude displayed on your drone accurate?

[06:02] Can you use drone mapping to get accurate Z-axis measurements and measure the height of the building?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UahSDse0ilA

Flying Your Drone Near Birds and Endangered Species

Today's show is about flying near endangered species. Are there any drone laws that prevent you from doing so?

Our caller for today, John is trying to grab some picturesque shots near a tall building. However, the building's website mentions that the building falls in a no-fly-zone due to residential falcons. The building authorities are referring a citation by DEC, a local organization.

So, can local organizations prevent you from flying over their property? Are drones a threat to birds and other endangered species? Can you use any tools so that you do not disturb the birds with your drone? For all this and much more, tune in to our latest show today!

We hope you enjoy this show!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[02:12] Today's question is about flying around endangered species

[03:30] Does any drone law prevent flying around endangered species?

[05:20] Who controls the airspace? Can local organizations prevent you from flying over their building?

[09:20] Can you keep the birds away by fitting any tools to your drones?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psjUE96Di8Y

Our first story this week is about the forthcoming drone conferences in 2020 and 2021. Taking into account the current situation, DJI has decided to go virtual with Airworks 2020. And drone pilots will be glad to learn that they won't have to shell out hundreds of dollars to attend this conference. Now, you can attend this conference for just $35. It shall be interesting to see if other conferences like the FAA Symposium and CES shall follow suit by making these conferences more affordable in these trying times.

Next, we discuss how some irresponsible drone pilots have taken to skies to film protests being held in cities across the US. While we strongly condemn the sad death of George Floyd, flouting drone laws and flying recklessly is both dangerous and downright foolish. Listeners will learn how a drone flying over a protest came unnervingly close to an LAPD helicopter.

We also have some interesting news to share about the current state of the drone industry. As US-China tensions reach an all-time high, certain factions in the government are discouraging the use of DJI drones. But, can any industry incumbents really match DJI in terms of production capabilities and affordability? When the Skydio 2 came out, many in the industry (including us) were hopeful that Skydio would be able to fill DJI's rather large shoes. However, as per the latest industry reports, Skydio is finding it

Other topics discussed in today's show include Airmap's California offices being burnt down, Zipline's drone delivery operations in North Carolina, new Parrot Anafi drone with dual camera in summer 2020, and much, much more…

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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!

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Today's question is about calibrating your drone camera before a mapping mission.

Our caller, Gaurav, a long-time Drone U member has come up with a great question that has not been asked on ADU before. Gaurav's question is about drone mapping. Specifically, do you need to calibrate your drone camera before a mapping mission?

Along with your IMU and compass, will calibrating your drone camera help you as well? Tune in to find out. Thanks for the great question, Gaurav. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes - and make the most of this downtime! - https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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!

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/droneuInstagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

[05:50] Today's question is about calibrating your drone camera

[07:15] Do I need to calibrate my drone camera before a mapping mission?

[08:30] What is the benefit of calibrating your IMU? How often should you calibrate your IMU?

[09:13] Expert tips for compass calibration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbzxU72-S4U