Ask Drone U
722 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★ - 414 ratingsWe’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we started the Ask Drone U podcast in 2015. Since then, we are one of the largest, most popular DAILY drone podcasts out there. Each episode features an actual question submitted from someone just like you! We wish we could answer everyone’s question(s), but we’ll do our best to get through as many of them as we can. So plug in those headphones because it’s time to learn together about everything drone: FAA, insurance, business strategies, videography, drone tips, flight techniques, drone tricks, expert advice, cameras, gimbals, and so much more. #askdroneu
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Episodes
ADU 0989: How Do I Maintain Line of Sight When Subject Tracking With My Drone?
June 05, 2019 06:01 - 18 minutes - 43.5 MBToday's question is about subject tracking with your drone. How do you fly fast, super-close, AND safe when subject tracking with your drone? Our caller for today, Jeremy has a great question about subject tracking with your drone. To master this advanced skill, Jeremy is unsure how he can maintain a deadlock over his subject without losing control over the drone's orientation. And, can Jeremy capture the required footage without compromising on safety? Subject tracking is a drone applicati...
ADU 0988: Are Drone Feeds Encrypted?
June 03, 2019 12:49 - 13 minutes - 30.6 MBToday's show is about drone feed encryption. How easy is it for someone to nefariously connect to your drone feed and access your data? Our caller, Ron from Dallas has a great question about drone feed encryption. Is your drone data really secure? Can you beef your encryption and data security by buying an enterprise level drone? You will be surprised to know that most drone feeds are not encrypted. In fact, using a Flysight monitor, you can pick up different drone feeds to easily access so...
BONUS: Drone News – DJI News, US Army selects Parrot, AeroMexico 747 Collision, DJI Manifold
June 01, 2019 07:32 - 21 minutes - 48.7 MBDJI News, Aeromexico 747 Collision, DOD Selects Parrot to Develop Spy Drone, DJI Manifold Supercomputer for Autonomous Operations, DHS voices Data Security Concerns for DJI Our first new drone story this week is about the Aeromexico Boeing 737 plane that was initially reported to be damaged by a drone collision in December 2018. NTSB, after extensive investigations, have debunked this theory. According to NTSB, 737's radome (a dome-like shell at the nose of the aircraft), already weakened due...
BONUS: Drone News | DJI News, Mavic 2 Pro, Drone Advisory Committee, FAA’s New Drone Rules
May 27, 2019 12:49 - 30 minutes - 69.6 MBDJI News, Mavic 2 Pro Hack, Drone Advisory Committee, FAA's New Drone Rules for Hobby Pilots In our first drone news story this week, we talk about data security issues with DJI drones. Recently, DJI was in the news for the wrong reasons as there were allegations against the Chinese manufacturer of stealing sensitive data and passing it on to the Chinese government. While the allegations proved to be baseless, this has affected the manufacturer's reputation and sales. Is there a foolproof an...
ADU 0986: Drone Crash? Here’s What You Should Do Next
May 25, 2019 07:43 - 18 minutes - 41.6 MBReporting a Drone Crash to the NTSB and FAA In this show, Bill English from NTSB shares WHEN and HOW to report a drone crash. Tune in for detailed, step-by-step instructions. What should you do if you crash your drone? If you are Part 107 pilot flying a drone, you must be aware that your bird can cause significant damage to person and property in the event of a crash. Because drones are classified as aircraft, a drone crash needs to be investigated by the NTSB. But, should you report every ...
ADU 0985: How to Avoid Personal Liabilities in a Drone Business LLC
May 24, 2019 07:23 - 24 minutes - 55.9 MBCan you Get into Trouble for Using your Personal Funds in Your Drone Business? Today's question is about limiting liability in a drone business. Are you risking liability if you use your personal funds to manage an LLC? Our caller, Scott from Denver, CO, has come up with an excellent drone business question. In the past, we have talked about the benefits of forming an LLC for your drone business. Scott is wondering if he can use his personal funds to run his drone business LLC. Can Scott get...
ADU 0984: Drone Roof Inspections | Showcasing Models in Pix4D
May 22, 2019 11:27 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBHow to Showcase your Drone Roof Inspection Model Today's question is about drone roof inspections. Which tools can you use for showcasing a drone model to your client? Our caller, Scott from Denver, is a regular ADU listener and is into drone roof inspections. What is the best way for Scott to present his drone models to his clients? Can you view full resolution inspection images at a click of a button? To answer Scott's question, Paul pulls up a point cloud of the Sloan Park baseball stadi...
ADU 0983: ContextCapture vs Pix4D – Which Is the Best Software for Drone Mapping?
May 22, 2019 09:18 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBIs ContextCapture a Good Alternative to Pix4D? Today's show is about Bentley ContextCapture vs Pix4D. Which is the best software for drone mapping and modeling? Our caller, Bryan, is a construction management professional who has been using Pix4D for his drone mapping needs. Bryan is struggling to export his mapping data from Pix4D to AutoCAD. Bogged down with Pix4D's complexity, Bryan is wondering if Bentley's ContextCapture is a good alternative. To help out Bryan, we first compare Contex...
ADU 0982: DJI Phantom 4 RTK | Is the Drone Mapping Workflow Significantly Different?
May 21, 2019 08:03 - 24 minutes - 56.8 MBIn today's show, we discuss the mapping workflow for DJI Phantom 4 RTK. How does the drone mapping workflow differ from non-RTK drones like the Phantom 4 Pro? Our caller, Lorenz from Wisconsin, is using a DJI Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping. Lorenz is wondering if he needs to make any significant changes to his mapping workflow. Are there any issues specific to Phantom 4 RTK users that Lorenz needs to be aware of? In this very detailed show, DJI Phantom 4 RTK users will learn the most accur...
BONUS: Drone News | DJI Spark 2 in 2020?, DJI Spark 2 Specs, New FAA Drone Hobby Rules, Osmo Action Camera, US-China Trade Wars
May 17, 2019 19:44 - 31 minutes - 72.7 MBAre the DJI Spark 2 Rumors True? Our Biggest Drone News story this week is about the DJI Spark 2. Initially, we had reports that DJI will be coming out with a new and improved version of this much-loved drone. You can also check out our review of the original DJI Spark. Drone enthusiasts who were disappointed to find last week that DJI Phantom 5 rumors were totally false were certainly heartened to hear these news. However, the latest developments suggest that plans to launch the DJI Spark 2...
BONUS: Drone News | DJI Spark 2 in 2019?, DJI Spark 2 Specs, New FAA Drone Hobby Rules, Osmo Action Camera, US-China Trade Wars
May 17, 2019 19:44 - 31 minutes - 72.7 MBAre the DJI Spark 2 Rumors True? Our Biggest Drone News story this week is about the DJI Spark 2. We have confirmed reports that DJI will be coming out with a new and improved version of this much-loved drone. You can also check out our review of the original DJI Spark. This is a heartening development for drone enthusiasts who were disappointed to find last week that DJI Phantom 5 rumors were totally false. DJI Spark 2 Release Date The release date for the DJI Spark 2 has been already pushe...
ADU 0981: Can I Fly My Drone Along the US-Canada Border?
May 17, 2019 07:26 - 13 minutes - 31.9 MBCanada Drone Laws for Part 107 Pilots Today's question is about flying your drone along the US-Canadian border. Do Canada drone laws permit Part 107 pilots to cross over and fly in their airspace? Our caller, Tyler from Michigan is planning on filming a marathon with his drone. Because Michigan shares a border with Canada, Tyler might need to cross the US border and fly in Canadian airspace. But, do Canada drone laws allow US pilots to fly in their airspace? Great question, Tyler. While Can...
ADU 0980: How Do You Acquire the Most Accurate Data for Drone Mapping?
May 16, 2019 11:51 - 18 minutes - 42.6 MBToday, we discuss workflow for acquiring the most accurate drone mapping data. We also compare DroneDeploy and Pix4D to reveal the best mapping software for professional drone mappers. Our caller Chris wants to take up drone mapping jobs with his Matrice M210. Firstly, Chris is wondering if he can use drone mapping software like Pix4D or Deploy with his Matrice M210. Chris is also looking for some tips & tricks which will help him acquire the most accurate mapping data. To answer Chris's qu...
ADU 0979: Best Websites and Other Tips for Selling Your Drone Footage
May 14, 2019 20:24 - 22 minutes - 52.9 MBWhat is the BEST and SAFEST way to sell my Drone Footage Online? In today's show, we share some of the best websites for selling your drone footage. You will also learn how to set up a completely autonomous sales workflow for scaling up your drone business. Our caller Desi is an avid ADU listener. Having listened to our past shows, Desi knows the importance of protecting her drone footage using copyrights. Today, Desi wishes to know the best and safest way of selling her drone footage online...
ADU 0978: Should I Form Business Partnerships to Grow My Drone Business?
May 13, 2019 14:25 - 18 minutes - 43.6 MBDrone Business | How to Form Business Partnerships Today's question is about the Pros & Cons of forming business partnerships in your drone business. How do you protect yourself, especially if a business partnership goes sour? Our caller, Ana, a drone business owner is wondering if she can potentially partner up with other drone service providers and surveying companies to grow her drone business. Cautiously optimistic in her approach, Ana is well aware of the negative repercussions in case ...
BONUS: Drone News | Drone Delivery, DJI News, DJI Rumors, DJI Phantom 4 RTK, Drones in Hollywood, Drone Laws
May 11, 2019 07:46 - 31 minutes - 73.2 MBIn today's drone news show, we discuss drone delivery services, the latest DJI news, DJI rumors, Drones in films and much, much more. Will we see a new DJI drone on May 15th? Tune in to find out! Will New Firmware Upgrades for Phantom 4 Pro RTK Enhance Drone Mapping? Our first DJI News is about the Phantom 4 Pro RTK. DJI has introduced new firmware upgrades for their mapping drone, Phantom 4 Pro RTK. These new firmware updates introduce new flight modes, one of them being terrain awareness. ...
ADU 0977: What Happens After You Pass Your Part 107 Recurrent Test? Should I Even Bother Taking the Test?
May 10, 2019 09:07 - 36 minutes - 85.1 MBPart 107 License Renewal Today's question is about the Part 107 recurrent knowledge test. With FAA's utter lack of enforcement, why should you even bother renewing your Part 107 license? Check out our show to find out WHY! Our caller, Joe from Nebraska has come up with a question that has resulted in many animated (and sometimes heated) discussions within the drone community. Recently, Joe gave his Part 107 license renewal test. On clearing the test, Joe just received a confirmation on an in...
ADU 0976: Is DJI Mavic 2 Pro the Best Drone for Posting on Social Media?
May 08, 2019 16:27 - 14 minutes - 32.5 MBWhat Is the Best Drone for Posting on Instagram, YouTube, and the Other Social Media Platforms? Today's show is about the best drone for posting to Instagram and other social media. We discuss the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Phantom 4 Pro, and Autel Evo, and recommend the best option for you. Our caller Richard is from the beautiful country of Ireland. Wishing to capture the beauty of his country through aerial photography and videography, Richard is looking for a capable drone that is ea...
ADU 0975: How to Start a Drone Business | Marketing and Pricing Strategies
May 03, 2019 17:44 - 18 minutes - 43.2 MBEffective Marketing and Pricing Strategies for a Drone Business Today's question is about how to start a drone business. What marketing and pricing strategies should drone pilots adopt in the initial stages of their business? Our caller, Ian, is an ambitious 15-year old who is planning on getting his drone pilot license next year. Ian is worried that clients will not take him seriously because of his age. Should Ian under-price his services to build up his client base? What other strategies ...
ADU 0974: Drone Mapping | Drones in Construction, 4D BIM, Pix4D
May 03, 2019 07:19 - 28 minutes - 66 MBHow Can I Segue into the Drone Mapping Business? What Are Some Client Deliverables That I Should Be Aware Of? Today's show is about using drones in construction. You will learn how to use drone mapping for creation of 4D BIM models, hyperlapses, and volumetric measurements. Our caller, Trent, after attending our Austin mapping class is thinking of starting a drone mapping business. Trent already has some clients in the construction and real estate industry for whom he is doing aerial photogr...
BONUS: How Raptor Maps Solve Systematic Problems for Solar Farms via Drone Thermal Mapping
May 02, 2019 07:49 - 27 minutes - 64.3 MBDrones are efficiently and autonomously inspecting Solar farms from install to maintenance via thermal drone mapping software Raptor Maps. Our interview discusses the best drones for solar inspections and how to best utilize Raptor Maps for solar inspections. How does Raptor Maps Work? While drones provide an acquisition mechanism, Raptor Maps utilizes traditional aerial photogrammetry with radiometric thermal mapping to produce interactive maps for solar farms to inspect when problem areas. ...
BONUS: Drone News | DJI Phantom 5, Mavic 2 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro, Drone Deliveries, Drones for Good
May 01, 2019 08:29 - 31 minutes - 71.5 MBBIGGEST Drone News Story of This Week: Has DJI Killed the Iconic Phantom Series? Will We Ever See a DJI Phantom 5? And a Showdown: The Mavic 2 Pro vs. Phantom 4 Pro In our BIGGEST Drone News story this week, you will learn if DJI has KILLED their plans to launch the DJI PHANTOM 5. Has DJI permanently shut down their iconic Phantom series of drones? This news might upset a lot of dronies, who like us are huge fans of the Phantom's versatile capabilities. We also speculate if DJI plans to upgr...
ADU 0973: 14 CFR Part 107 | How Can I Fly Commercially Without a Drone License?
April 29, 2019 19:58 - 19 minutes - 44.8 MBCan an Unlicensed Drone Pilot Fly Under the Supervision of a 14 CFR Part 107 Licensed Pilot? In today's show, we discuss IF an unlicensed drone pilot can fly under the supervision of a 14 CFR Part 107 licensed pilot. If yes, what are the dangers of doing so? Our caller, Adam, is wondering if a 14 CFR Part 107 license is necessary for commercial drone pilots. Adam's peers informed him that he could fly without a drone license, as long as a licensed pilot supervises him. Tempted at the prospec...
ADU 0972: What Are the Drone Laws for Flying in Restricted Areas like Virginia and DC?
April 26, 2019 19:21 - 15 minutes - 36.9 MBToday we discuss drone laws in restricted areas like Virginia and DC. How can you fly in such sensitive and controlled areas? Our caller, Mo offers ground and aerial photography for real estate and construction in Northern Virginia. However, Mo is unable to take on many drone jobs because of heavy flight restrictions. Can he find a way to resolve this issue which is hampering his drone business? Mo faces an uphill task, which can, however, be resolved by a systematic approach. Paul shares d...
ADU 0971: Drones for Beginners | Phantom 4, Mavic 2 Pro, Inspire 1 vs Inspire 2
April 26, 2019 08:20 - 19 minutes - 44.3 MBCan I Replace a Phantom with a DJI Inspire or Mavic 2 Pro? In today's show, we reveal some of the best drones for beginners and discuss their pros and cons in great detail. Our caller, Chris from California is a Part 107 certified pilot. Chris, who is on the verge of starting his own drone business is confused by the different drone options available in the market. Which is the best drone for beginners like Chris? Is there a versatile, all-in-one drone that will allow you to take on a wide r...
ADU 0970: LiDAR Drone for Search and Rescue
April 24, 2019 07:00 - 8 minutes - 20.6 MBCan a Lidar Drone Penetrate Snow, and Help in Search and Rescue? In today's show, we reveal whether a LiDAR drone can penetrate snow, and facilitate a successful search and rescue. Our caller, Scott from Denver has come up with a rather unique question today. Scott's question is about using a LiDAR drone in search and rescue. LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging, unlike photogrammetry, can penetrate dense vegetation to accurately map earth's topography. However, can a LiDAR drone penetrate s...
BONUS: Can Drone Pilots Create Drone Maps Without Being a Surveyor?
April 23, 2019 08:20 - 28 minutes - 66.1 MBIn today's show, we discuss whether current drone laws permit pilots to take up land surveying jobs. This question comes in all time; how can drone pilots create aerial maps without being a surveyor? Walter Lappert has been flying drones for a long time, and he has also been involved with many high-level photogrammetry projects over the years. Last year, the North Carolina Board of Surveyors decided to go after Walt's drone mapping business. After months of back and forth infighting, the bo...
BONUS: Drone News – Mavic 2 Firmware Update, Notre Dame Cathedral Fire, XDynamics Evolve, Drones for Good
April 19, 2019 18:50 - 19 minutes - 45.4 MBIn this week's drone news, we first discuss the devastating fire that ravaged the beautiful 850-year old Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. According to reports, DJI drones were used to help firefighters in their efforts. Drone images were able to capture the extensive damage caused to the cathedral's roof and help direct firefighters to the most significant threat. In our next big drone news story, we share details about the recently released Mavic 2 firmware update. Why is DJI coming up with ...
ADU 0969: Where Can I Fly My Drone? Should I Rely on Drone Apps for Checking Airspace?
April 18, 2019 19:33 - 5 MBIn today's show, we share how you can ACCURATELY check airspace. Can you rely on apps like Skyvector and Kittyhawk for checking airspace? Our caller, Dave from Michigan, is confused, and we don't blame him. He is attempting to figure out if he can fly his drone near the South Haven Airport in Michigan. Dave referred to multiple drone apps like Kittyhawk, Airmap, and even UAV Forecast - and each app depicted airspace differently. What should Dave do now? To answer Dave's question, we first d...
BONUS: Drone News This Week – Parrot Anafi Thermal, FAA’s 2019 NPRM, Shotgun Russian Drone, Hobby Pilot Flouts TFR, Drone Deliveries by Google, Drones for Public Safety
April 16, 2019 02:03 - 23 minutes - 53 MBWe start this week's drone news by announcing the LAUNCH of the new Parrot Anafi Thermal. Priced far lower than DJI's Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual, the Parrot Anafi Thermal comes with a Sony and FLIR sensor. How does the Parrot Anafi Thermal compare to the Mavic 2 Dual in terms of build and specifications? Is the Parrot Anafi Thermal a good option for drone pilots and public safety officials? Next, we urge listeners to comment on FAA's 2019 NPRM that might make it possible to conduct night ops an...
ADU 0968: As a Part 107 Pilot, Can I Use FAA’s Logo to Market My Drone Business?
April 10, 2019 04:20 - 13 minutes - 30.7 MBIn today's show, we reveal if a Part 107 pilot can use the FAA's logo for marketing his/her drone business. Our caller, Glen is an FAA-certified, Part 107 pilot. Marketing his FAA certification will surely help Glen get more business. But, does the law permit Glen to use FAA's logo on his website and other marketing material? We answered Glen's question in great detail and lay out the various Do's and Dont's for Part 107 pilots. This show shall be particularly interesting for drone pilots w...
ADU 0967: Freefly ALTA 8 Pro or DJI – Which Is Better Option for Drone Mapping?
April 08, 2019 16:45 - 14 minutes - 32.6 MBToday's question is about the Freefly ALTA 8 Pro. Should you choose the Freefly ALTA 8 over DJI for drone mapping? Our caller, Ken from NJ has come up with a great question once again. Ken is curious if the Freefly ALTA 8 is suitable for drone mapping. Is it true that you can fly waypoint missions with the Freefly ALTA? And, should professional drone mappers consider buying this expensive drone over proven DJI products like the Inspire 2 and Matrice 600? We answer Ken's questions by discuss...
BONUS: Drone News This Week – Drone Incidents in the UK and New-Zealand, NAB 2019, Drone Deliveries by UPS and Matternet, Drone Hits NYPD Police Officer, Tello Iron Man
April 06, 2019 14:32 - 20 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this week's drone news, we discuss some of the most exciting and exciting drone developments from across the globe. Our first big story is about a safety report citing the massive increase in drone incidents across the UK. According to this report, 125 dangerously close encounters were reported in 2018 - a massive spike over 2017. Is that data alarming? We recall the "alleged" sightings in Gatwick, Heathrow, and Newark to discuss how there is a tendency to make drones the scapegoats witho...
ADU 0966: PC or Mac – Which Is the Better Option for Video Editing and Drone Mapping?
April 02, 2019 13:00 - 12 minutes - 29 MBIn today's show, we compare the Pros & Cons of using a PC over Mac. Which is the right choice for video editing and drone mapping? Our caller, Rob from Louisiana is a Mac user. As a drone pilot, Rob is wondering if he is better off using a PC instead. Your choice of hardware depends mainly on the type of drone jobs you are planning on taking up. And a good computer set up is crucial if you wish to make money in video editing or drone mapping. Is Mac a better choice for video editing and oth...
ADU 0965: I Can’t Unlock My DJI Drone. What Should I Do?
April 01, 2019 17:03 - 14 minutes - 34.3 MBIn today's show, we share how you can unlock a DJI drone. Alternatively, we also discuss if you should consider switching to a non-DJI drone like the Autel Evo to circumvent this issue. Our caller is frustrated since he is unable to unlock his DJI drone. As you may now, DJI updated their geofencing to Geo V2.0 which places greater restrictions on drone pilots. Now, drone pilots who have upgraded to Geo V2.0 on their DJI drones need LAANC & DJI approval to fly near an airport. Understandably,...
BONUS: Drone News – DJI Terra, New FAA Protocols, Agricultural Drones, Drone Deliveries and More by Ask Drone U
March 30, 2019 03:41 - 26 minutes - 62 MBIn this week's drone news, our first big story is about DJI Terra, a new mapping application that might prove to be a serious contender to existing market players like Pix4D and especially DroneDeploy. This new, desktop-based mapping application by DJI allows drone pilots to create 2D and 3D models. Does, DJI Terra work with all DJI drones? And, how does DJI Terra compare to Pix4D in terms of pricing and capabilities? Our next story is about FAA introducing new protocols for drone pilots. Wi...
ADU 0964: Inspire 1 vs. Mavic 2 Dual – Which Is the Better Drone for Roof Inspections?
March 28, 2019 05:02 - 15 minutes - 36.7 MBIn today's show, we discuss if it is worthwhile to spend thousands of dollars to add the Mavic 2 to your arsenal if you already have an Inspire 1 or similar drone. Is the Mavic 2 a more practical option for roof inspections? Our caller, Rick already owns an Inspire 1. He is wondering if it is necessary to buy an expensive camera like the Zenmuse XT for roof inspections. Is the Mavic 2 with its small camera sensor adequate for inspection jobs? We discuss the pros & cons of each drone system t...
ADU 0963: What Is the Best Portable Charging Solution for Phantom 4 Pro and Matrice 600?
March 26, 2019 21:55 - 16 minutes - 37.9 MBIn today's show, we discuss the best portable charging solution for Phantom 4 Pro AND the Matrice 600. We share different charging options, consider their capabilities, and compare prices. Our caller, a construction management professional from Maryland, is looking for a portable charging solution to ensure seamless operation. Whether you are a Part 107 pilot or a hobbyist, you are going to need backup batteries, and a way to charge them when your drone is up in the air. And, to charge a lar...
ADU 0962: How Do I Get Airspace Authorization for a Contract Towered Airport That Is Not LAANC Approved?
March 25, 2019 21:37 - 14 minutes - 33 MBIn today's show, we share how you can get airspace authorization for a contract towered airport. Does the authorization process for a contract towered airport differ from that of an FAA towered one? Our caller, John, is in a fix. John needs to fly near a small regional airport that is contract towered. He already applied for a WAAS authorization through the FAADroneZone. But when he called up the tower operator, he was informed that operators of contract towers do not have the authority to g...
BONUS: Drone News – Remote ID Postponed, GPS 2019 Week Rollover, Drone Fighting Competition, Operation Zenith in the UK, New DJI Camera, Flight Simulator and More by Ask Drone U
March 23, 2019 02:39 - 19 minutes - 45.9 MBIn this week's first story, we share that implementation of Remote ID has been delayed by three months. Those that regularly listen to our show might be aware that a short while back, FAA had come out with an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) that might impact night operations and flying over people in a big way. However, to turn this proposal into reality, implementation of Remote ID is the first regulatory hurdle that needs to be cleared. Our next story is about GPS 2019 Week Rollover o...
ADU 0961: How Does Maps Made Easy Compare to Pix4D?
March 21, 2019 23:58 - 26 minutes - 59.9 MBIn today's show, we reveal the pros & cons of different drone mapping software. Specifically, we compare Pix4D, Maps Made Easy, and Drone Deploy. We have talked about Pix4D many times in our previous shows. John, our caller for today, is wondering if Maps Made Easy is a good option compared to Pix4D. To answer John's question, we first breakdown drone mapping software into three main categories: 1) Acquisition 2) Processing 3) All-in-one. Can you use Maps Made Easy for data acquisition AND ...
ADU 0960: How Can I Convince My Employer to Hire a Part 107 Licensed Pilot?
March 21, 2019 03:36 - 20 minutes - 47.5 MBIn today's show, we reveal the dangers of hiring unlicensed drone operators without a Part 107 license. Our caller, a Part 107 certified pilot is facing a rather unique predicament. His employer, a roofing company is using an unlicensed pilot for some inspection work. How can our caller convince his employer to hire him, a Part 107 pilot instead? Our caller should first try and educate his client about the risks of hiring non-Part 107 pilots. Anyone flying without a Part 107 license is risk...
ADU 0959: Can You Remove Inaccuracies by Using Drones in an ALTA Survey?
March 19, 2019 18:57 - 16 minutes - 39.1 MBIn today's show, we share the benefits of incorporating drone technology in an ALTA survey. Our caller, Randy, has a question about ALTA surveys. Randy is wondering whether a significant proportion of ALTA surveys are incorrect. And if so, what is the margin of error? While it is not possible to define the margin of error, we share how human inaccuracies in traditional surveying results in poor quality data. How can you expect to get accurate survey data when surveyor associates (without su...
ADU 0958: Are Part 107 Rules Applicable to Law Enforcement Officers?
March 18, 2019 17:49 - 14 minutes - 34.5 MBIn today's show, we reveal if Part 107 rules and regulations apply to public safety officers. Our caller, William, is wondering if public safety officers are subject to the same rules and regulations as other drone pilots. Do public safety officers need to procure Part 107 waivers for flying at night or flying over people? To answer William's question, we first discuss the TWO ways public safety officers can set flight: by getting a Part 107 license or a COA. But, is getting a Part 107 easi...
BONUS: Drone News – DJI News, DJI Halts Phantom 4 Production, Impossible Drones
March 15, 2019 18:22 - 19 minutes - 45.6 MBDJI Halts Phantom 4 Production, US-1 by Impossible Aerospace, Drones for Herding Sheep and Spotting Koalas, Free Solo Movie and More by Ask Drone U In this week's drone news, we share some important DJI News. Our first big story is about the Phantom 4 Pro. DJI has officially stated that the Phantom 4 Pro is out of production. Why has DJI halted production of their most popular drone? Could it be their recent scandal involving corporate fraud? Or, is DJI gearing up for the Phantom 5 launch? I...
ADU 0957: As a Professional Drone Mapper, How Do I Differentiate Myself from the Competition?
March 14, 2019 20:25 - 24 minutes - 56.1 MBIn today's show, we discuss different strategies that skilled and experienced drone mappers can employ to make their business stand out from the competition. Our caller, Glen, is a professional drone mapper with extensive experience and deep technical knowledge. Glen is livid that inexperienced drone pilots are taking on complex mapping jobs that they are not equipped to do. How can Glen advertise his skills and convince the client to hire him instead? An effective way of addressing Glen's ...
ADU 0956: How Can I Use Drones for Golf Course Marketing?
March 14, 2019 03:47 - 28 minutes - 65.6 MBIn today's show, we discuss how you can use drones for golf course marketing. Our caller sees a massive opportunity in doing flyovers for golf courses. Most of the golf courses in his city are using shoddy marketing footage prepped by novice drone pilots. How can our caller best showcase his creative flying skills to convince the golf course to hire him instead? To answer the caller's question, we first discuss how our caller can provide better value to golf courses. You will learn which d...
ADU 0955: DJI Osmo vs. Ronin-S – Which is the Best Option for Shooting Real Estate Interiors?
March 11, 2019 15:35 - 11 minutes - 25.6 MBIn today's show, we discuss the best option for shooting real estate interiors. Does the Ronin-S have a clear edge over the Osmo when it comes to shooting interior footage? Our caller has been shooting real estate, events, and weddings for nearly twenty years now. He is wondering if Paul still uses the DJI Osmo for shooting real estate interiors. Paul reveals that he has switched over to the Ronin-S, and states his reasons for doing so. You will learn why the Ronin-S is excellent for shootin...
ADU 0954: What Is the Most Practical and Cost-Effective Workflow for Survey-Grade Drone Mapping?
March 09, 2019 05:50 - 18 minutes - 41.6 MBIn today's show, we reveal the most cost-effective workflow for drone mapping. You will also learn the pros & cons of different drones in terms of their mapping ability. Our caller wishes to generate survey-grade maps and models WITHOUT spending thousands of dollars after high-grade drone equipment. With the GPS technology necessary to complete these types of jobs being prohibitively expensive, this is undoubtedly a difficult task. But not an impossible one. To answer this question, we shar...
ADU 0953: How to Select the Best Hardware and Software for Drone Mapping and Inspections
March 07, 2019 22:03 - 23 minutes - 53.7 MBIn today's show, we discuss the hardware and software options for drone mapping and inspections. Our caller, Donahue, is calling from outside the United States. Donahue is interested in taking up cell tower mapping jobs with his new Inspire 2 Pro. He also wishes to provide his drone services to the construction and surveying industry. Is the Inspire 2 Pro the right drone for Donahue? And, which is the best mapping application given his rather unique requirements? To answer this question, we...