Construction companies benefits of aerial LiDAR surveys

Terra Drone Indonesia has successfully completed two pilot projects that demonstrate how construction companies can benefit from drone surveying and mapping services. Using drones equipped with LiDAR technology, it has carried out survey-grade topographic mapping for two different dam construction projects in West and Central Java.

Topcon announces next generation flight planning software

Topcon Positioning Group has announced the next generation flight planning system for its rotary-wing aerial UAV offering – Intel® Mission Control Software. The new software is designed to facilitate automated flight planning, managing missions, and data handling for the Intel® Falcon™8+ Drone – Topcon® Edition and its available payload options. topconpositioning.com

Delair introduces open payload version of long-range UAV

Delair has introduced a new model of its popular long-range UAV, the Delair DT26, which offers an easy-to-integrate architecture for adding user-specified sensors and other payloads to the platform. The new model features a removable container which can hold up to 3 Kg of extra payload and be connected to a power supply of up to 140W. It allows drone users to quickly add specialized sensors for specific imagery needs, such as ultra-high resolution, multispectral and hyperspectral, thermal and oblique imaging capabilities. An optional cargo rack can be used to transport any type of items up-to 3 Kg over the long distance range the UAV supports.

Zing launches public beta for free drone delivery iPhone app

Zing is inviting drone pilots around the globe to beta test their new Zing Drone Delivery iPhone application.

The application allows drone pilots to use any DJI drone to make autonomous deliveries. To use the Zing Drone Delivery application all you have to do is connect your drone, tap a coordinate on the map, then tap launch. The drone will fly ascend to 200 feet then fly to that location autonomously. After arriving at the location, the drone will descend to about 30 feet before giving the pilot manual control for a safe final descent. Once the delivery has been completed, the pilot taps a button to return to home as usual. The app includes an abort button to resume manual control at any time during the flight.

Cepton launches high scan rate long-range LiDAR for UAVs

Cepton Technologies has unveiled the newest product in its SORA family of scanning LiDAR sensors. It is purpose-built to deliver long-range, high-resolution imaging for drones.

First fully-automated and intelligent drone delivery service

DHL Express have entered into a sstrategic partnership with EHang to jointly launch a fully automated and intelligent smart drone delivery solution to tackle the last-mile delivery challenges in the urban areas of China.

Using the most advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in EHang’s newlylaunched Falcon series, featuring the highest level of intelligence, automation, safety and reliability, the new intelligent drone delivery solution overcomes the complex road conditions and traffic congestion common to urban areas.

As a fully-automated and intelligent solution, the drones, which can carry up to 5kg of cargo per flight, take off and land atop intelligent cabinets that were specifically developed for the fully autonomous loading and offloading of the shipment. The intelligent cabinets seamlessly connect with automated processes including sorting, scanning and storage of express mail, and will feature hightech functions such as facial recognition and ID scanning. www.dpdhl.com

FAA highlights changes for recreational drones

While recreational flyers may continue to fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace without specific certification or operating authority from the FAA, USA, they are now required to obtain prior authorization from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace around airports. Furthermore, they must comply with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions when flying in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

The new requirement to obtain an airspace authorization prior to flying a drone in controlled airspace replaces the old requirement to notify the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower prior to flying within five miles of an airport. Until further notice, air traffic control facilities will no longer accept requests to operate recreational drones in controlled airspace on a case-bycase basis. Instead, to enable operations under the congressionally-mandated exception for limited recreational drone operations, the FAA is granting temporary airspace authorizations to fly in certain “fixed sites” in controlled airspace throughout the country.

Another new provision in the 2018 Act requires recreational flyers to pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. They must maintain proof that they passed, and make it available to the FAA or law enforcement upon request. The FAA is currently developing a training module and test in coordination with the drone community. The test will ensure that recreational flyers have the basic aeronautical knowledge needed to fly safely.

Some requirements have not changed significantly. In addition to being able to fly without FAA authorization below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, recreational users must still register their drones, fly within visual line-of-sight, avoid other aircraft at all times, and be responsible for complying with all FAA airspace restrictions and prohibitions. https://www.faa.gov