Photogrammetry

Last year I tried something new with my UAS. Data mapping and 3D models. I used a software called Drone Deploy. It was amazing what can be done. However, I was skeptical about the accuracy. I was given a great opportunity to test it out.

A local business had a pile of sand that had already been surveyed (by ground crews) and a volume calculation was figured out.

Ground Survey

I wanted to compare with what I could figure out with this photogrammetry software. So, I flew the same pile. I took around 150 pictures and combining them with the GPS location and elevation of the UAS you can figure out heights of various points, thus creating a 3D model.

3D Map

With the 3D model, one can create an elevation map. This map shows the different elevations of each point created by photogrammety.

Elevation Map

Zooming in to the particular pile of sand in question, we can draw an area that is to be measured and calculate the volume.

Volume Calculation

In this project, we estimated the volume to be 131,883 cubic yards. It was higher than what the ground calculation estimated. So, we overlaid the ground survey over the aerial map and noticed the differences. 

Ground Survey overlay on Aerial Map

As you can see there are slight variations between the two maps. So, what does this mean? Well, I am pleased to announce that the numbers obtained from the aerial map were closest to the actual volume of the pile. This is the hard part, who really knows? Calculations can be made from scales on the loading belt, but those must be maintained for accuracy. In the end, this sand was loaded into rail cars and shipped out to customers. The pile was getting low, so I asked the client..."Well, who was closer?" It turns out that the aerial volume calculation was closer to the actual product shipped.

I don't get bragging rights, but it is good to know that the accuracy is there for volume calculation on a large scale. Ground surveying has been done for many, many years and their method is tried and true, there is no denying that, but I feel that there may be certain areas that were missed due to the height and shape of the pile. To send an employee up on the pile and put them at risk for injury, may not be worth the hassle.

Also, I was able to get flight and calculations done in less than 24 hours.

If anyone is interested in data mapping, contact us anytime.

Legal Mumbo Jumbo of Flying Drones

Through my business I have come to realize that the legality of flying unmanned aircraft systems does not really resonate to people and companies. I am a Federal Aviation Administration licensed small UAS operator, I am also licensed with Minnesota Department of Transportation, which is currently the law in Minnesota. Last check, March 2017 there are over 500 FAA licensed operators, but only 40 are licensed with MN DOT.

I know it sounds crazy that a small toy, in many instances, must be licensed, but it is what it is and in Minnesota it is a little more complicated (more on that later). I speak on this to many businesses because it is so important as a business owner, president or employee. There have been businesses issued very large fines by the FAA for operating illegally. In June of 2016, a Minnesota man was issued a $55,000 fine for operating a drone illeagly. In 2015, a Chicago company was fined $1.9 million, but was later reduced to $200,000. The issue is, enforcement of illegal use will continue to grow as more operators take to the skies and I don't want to see the legal fees associated with taking on the FAA, nor do I want to see anyone else have to fight this battle.

Recently, I have taken a different approach, and talk as less about the legal mumbo jumbo, but it is still so important. There are many companies operating without the proper licensing and I want everyone to succeed, enjoy and grow the industry. I run into many businesses that say "Well, we have a drone already." Trying to explain to them the licensing and fines that can occur is hard sometimes. I would rather see thousands of companies flourish in the UAS industry rather than see one fail to improper licensing and following the guidelines set forth.

Back to Minnesota. Minnesota is somewhat unique in that any person that operates an aircraft, yes drones are now aircraft, for commercial purposes must be registered with the state, have an operators license with the state and show proof of insurance. This is above and beyond what the FAA requires. The reason for this is because the MN DOT applied current aircraft laws to drones, because there was not anything specific to drones or UAS.

That said, there is a bill currently in legislation that would exempt UAS and current the fees associated with registration to $25, a lower price than the $100 minimum for aircraft from 0 - $500,000 value. This is only for registration and does not affect the commercial operators license or proof of insurance.

So, skills and knowledge of flying UAS are important and they should be founded on a solid base of properly licensed operators.        

Drones In Minnesota

I recently started this blog to share my thoughts on drones, referred to as their proper name, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically in Minnesota, and how they relate to by personal life and business.

About 4 years ago, I purchased a GoPro camera for a trip to Florida. In doing my research I came upon the DJI Phantom 2. The first version of the Phantom 2 carried a GoPro camera that was mounted to a gimbal, and then to the UAS. The later version, Phantom 2 Vision had it's own camera. Maybe this what when DJO learned GoPro was producing it's own drone. It was amazing and I thought, "You know what, this GoPro needs to fly. I was also an avid kayaker and helped guide people down the Minnesota River, so the UAS, GoPros and kayaks all kind of worked together for multiple uses.

Fast forward to today. I have started a company called Aerial Imagery Media. I focus on all areas of UAS. I have not found my niche just yet. I like experimentation and being pushed to do something new or learn a new technique. Most days, I am just learning all I can about UAS, the industry and the laws behind them. For me, the constant change keeps me focused.