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Findings from a study conducted in New Zealand and the UK suggests that drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras could be used to locate and protect endangered Maui and Hector’s dolphins in New Zealand. The application could also be used for conservation measures for other marine mammal species around the …

DRONELIFE was present this morning when DJI announced the global launch of the Phantom 4 RTK mapping and survey drone.  The launch shows DJI’s continued commitment to the commercial market, where they already hold the major market share with the customer favorite Phantom 4, and the new Mavic Pro series. …

Oceans Unmanned Capt. Brian Taggart, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Institute (NOAA) (ret.) has spent a career flying all types of aircraft – manned and unmanned – to gather aerial data for conservation.  Now, he heads the Oceans Unmanned project, an organization developed to use drones to support conservation, education and …

At today’s DroneDeploy conference in San Francisco, a group of industry experts offered three different perspectives on progress in the drone industry. Colin Snow of Skylogic Research, is an influential industry analyst.  His yearly industry benchmark report is based upon actual survey data, and provides a realistic view of year …

Everyone loves a long shot success story – and this one is better than most.  In July of 2016, DRONELIFE wrote about the 18 year old Utah kid who decided to skip college and pursue his dream of building the ultimate drone.  Today, 20 year old George Matus launches the …

The 2018 Hurricane season is already off to a deadly start, and disaster response teams are honing their preparations.  Drones have become a critical part of disaster preparation, response, and rebuild.  While many Floridians are getting ready to evacuate, Miami-based Airborne Response is getting ready to fly. The following is …

The AMA is putting the best face possible on the recently passed FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. The Academy of Model Aeronautics was vocal in their opposition to the section of the Act which repealed Section 336, which provided protections from new regulation for recreational flyers.  While the AMA has …

Drone cell tower inspection – image courtesy of Measure The drone industry is divided over the new FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.  The repeal of Section 336 leaves some in the recreational sector wondering if the hobby will survive: manufacturers and big industry are all for the changes that the …

The new proposed FAA Reauthorization package has been made public.  It’s wordy, complex, and confusing – and the headlines haven’t made understanding what’s inside easier.  There are several points of critical importance for the drone industry to understand.  The proposed Repeal of Section 336, the Integration Pilot Program, the “Safeguarding …

This time it might actually happen.  The FAA has not had a funding bill passed since 2012, which means that they have been working under a series of uncertain extensions for a number of years.  Congress was unable to agree on a package in 2016, when the house called for …