July 17, 2025

NDAA Compliant Drones with Cole Martz

44 minutes

In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Dr. Joe Burgett dives deep into the world of NDAA-compliant drones with guest Cole Martz, Unmanned Systems Specialist at Frontier Precision. With major changes at the federal level impacting the use of foreign-manufactured drones, Cole helps demystify what NDAA compliance really means and what drone solutions are currently available for public agencies, enterprise users, and drone entrepreneurs.

The conversation covers practical considerations when selecting NDAA-compliant drones, including sensor specs, interoperability, GNSS geo-tagging, and software compatibility for photogrammetry and LiDAR missions. Cole breaks down key drone platforms, including their ideal use cases, pricing, pros/cons, and hardware flexibility. The episode also explores fixed-wing and hybrid solutions, mission planning software like SPH Engineering’s UGCS, and Cole’s top piece of advice for program managers.

Whether you’re replacing a Mavic 3, starting a public safety drone program, or looking to scale to BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations with fixed-wing craft, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hard-earned field experience.

About Cole Martz & Frontier Precision

Frontier Precision is an employee-owned company with over 37 years of experience serving survey, mapping, engineering, construction, GIS, drones/UAS/unmanned, forensics, law enforcement, forestry, water resources, agriculture, mosquito & vector control, and natural resources professionals throughout the United States.

From one office in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1988, we’ve grown to over 100+ employees in over 23 states, and we’re constantly growing and expanding to serve more customers in more areas. Since our founding, we’ve expanded our footprint to South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Florida (Mosquito/GIS). Additionally, Frontier provides service in the states of Wyoming and Utah, along with our Frontier Precision Unmanned specific offices in Oregon, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Massachusetts, California, Missouri, New Mexico, and Utah.

We pride ourselves on offering unmatched customer service with industry experts who always find a solution to fit your needs. Frontier Precision provides professional consulting services in the fields of engineering, land use planning, surveying, and environmental sciences. Frontier Precision is committed to service and support, with Trimble Certified Service Centers in Bismarck-ND, Minneapolis-MN, Denver-CO, Anchorage-AK, Honolulu-HI, Portland-OR, Seattle-WA, and Boise-ID. We also help you get the most out of your equipment, through Trimble Certified Training Classes.

With Frontier Precision, you’re always assured of receiving the most innovative solutions along with the advice of expert professionals.

Resources discussed in this episode: