The most important day of my life was my wedding day. It was a beautiful outdoor setting. However, all the pictures were in the middle of the action. Those pictures were great, but I’ve always wondered if there was something better for capturing the whole experience?
Fortunately, there is! Drones can capture stunning views with aerial pictures. Today, there are a variety of drone uses, from photographing to replacing fireworks.
Drone Uses – The List
Even if you don’t require a drone for your dream wedding, you might still need one of these handy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in another area of your life!
- For the Military
- For Entertainment & Light Shows
- For Weather
- For Filming and Movies
- For Deliveries
- For Emergencies and Rescue
- For Farming
- For Outer Space
- For Wildlife and Historical Conservation
- For Photography
For the Military
Drones are beneficial for military endeavors since they do not require a person inside the craft. They allow the military to gather intel without sending troops into a potentially dangerous situation. The United States military has been using small, simple drones since the 1940s. Since their invention, drones have gotten dramatically more advanced.
Military drones, like the MQ-9 Reaper, are used in many critical ways. These include checking an area or space to determine safety, bomb detection, air strikes, and many other operations. These situations use drones that are typically short or mid-range. Short-range drones can go up to 90 miles from their controller, and mid-range can go up to 400 miles away.
The military categorizes drones into three size classes. Class One drones are 330 pounds or less. Class Two drones are 330 to 1,320 pounds, and Class Threes are any drone heavier than 1,320 pounds.
For Entertainment & Light Shows
On a more frivolous note, drones are popular for entertainment and light shows. Light shows tend to attach lights to their drones. Multiple drones create a synchronized program to display the lights and images. Entertainment drones typically produce the best visuals at night.
Sporting events also use drones. Drones can hold a camera steady while zipping around the playing field. These devices get different angles or views that would not be possible for a cameraman on foot. The camera can follow the athlete during warm-ups or the game and are also able to capture aerial views of sporting events or fans.
For Weather
Weather drones allow meteorologists and news groups to gather information about a storm, including the potential severity and damage. Weather drones can get accurate and timely weather information from the source of the phenomenon. This prompt data allows for earlier warnings of impending tornadoes and severe storms.
Drones gather data on temperature, humidity, and wind. The expert maneuverability of drones while still maintaining a sturdy and stable flight allows them to collect real-time information on weather conditions and storms. This ability has greatly improved weather forecasts for air traffic operations and severe weather alerts.
For Filming and Movies
Drones are a unique way to capture scenes for a film. A drone allows a scene to be shot through programmed movements and angles. They can also capture views that may not otherwise be available to a cameraman.
For Deliveries
Companies have begun experimentally using drones for deliveries. Due to FAA regulations, it is difficult to get a drone approved for deliveries in urban areas, so most uses of delivery drones are experimental. Big companies are working out kinks in their drone delivery systems to be able to use them in the future for maximum efficiency.
Ideally, drones will be able to transport food and packages right to the customer’s doorstep. This process could be done quickly, in as little as half an hour to an hour. Drones are typically for deliveries close to the store or warehouse. These machines are equipped with sensors to allow them to avoid obstacles and deliver the package to the location.
In Africa, medical workers use drones to distribute life-saving medicines to patients quickly and safely.
For Emergencies and Rescue
Emergencies and rescues are easier with drones. It is not always possible to get to people that need rescue or aid by car or foot. Drones can get to hard to reach places to help the trapped or injured person get the care they need.
In addition to aircraft drones, there are two types of underwater drones. Humans control Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles from shore. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are automatic and do not require a person to direct them. In an emergency, such as drowning, underwater drones are available to help those in need without endangering other lives.
Drones also have the potential to be incredibly useful in fighting fires. Helicopters have helped firefighters put out fires for years, but this still risks the humans flying them. Drones seek to provide a way to help fight fires with an aircraft that does not require a driver on board, minimizing potential catastrophes.
For Farming
Drones are practical and helpful in the agricultural industry. They are less expensive than other aerial options and have a low environmental impact. They save farmers’ time and reduce the physical toll on their bodies.
Drones can complete many agricultural tasks. They help monitor and sustain crop life. Agriculture drones can survey the land, check for disease, and scare away potential threats. Observing the fields and crops allows farmers to analyze the data and estimate crop harvests. They also spray pesticides and seed fields.
Tracking livestock is another way that drones are beneficial. Monitoring and accounting for livestock are made easy with thermal aerial imaging.
For Outer Space
Outer space is another place where drones are becoming more popular. Drones allow us to reach, study, and service areas that would not otherwise be accessible. Drones can be sent into outer space for long periods. They don’t have the same requirements as humans do, and drone use could expand the study of space greatly.
Drones in outer space don’t work in the same way as they do on Earth. We already have drones in orbit around Earth and have successfully landed them on Mars. As space programs figure out logistics and specifics on drones in space, they are coming closer to exploring the far reaches of the universe.
For Wildlife and Historical Conservation
Drones increase our capability to observe and conserve wildlife and historical sites. Drones can give aerial views of historic sites without disrupting their existing structures. Historians can use the images, videos, and data taken from the drones to create models or study these sites.
Drones also track endangered animals. They allow scientists to follow their movements and habits within the ecosystem. Most of this data would not be possible to gain on foot. Thermal sensors allow drones to observe animals even at night. Drones collect data with minimal disruptions to the ecosystem.
Marine biologists track wildlife such as sharks and whales using drones. They can collect data on migration and patterns. It also allows officials to alert swimmers to nearby sharks. Drones collect samples to study underwater ecosystems.
Drones can revitalize damaged or barren land. They drop seeds, fertilizer, and other necessary materials for damaged land to grow back.
For Photography
Photography is rapidly growing in popularity as a use for drones. Modern drones can steadily hold a camera to capture beautiful photos from unique positions. Users can get a bird’s eye view of nature, special events, important buildings or sites, and much more.
Final Thoughts
The military invented drones for tactical use, but UAVs have made their way into the public sphere. Drones are convenient, versatile, and make the everyday lives of many people easier. As our technology continues to advance, you may see drones delivering your packages, taking over unpleasant tasks, or even becoming a little flying friend!
