Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this special nighttime episode filmed outdoors at a hotel in Cleveland, we’re diving into an essential topic for drone mapping—understanding the difference between RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic).

If you’re not familiar with these terms, they’re methods used to improve the accuracy of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data in drone mapping. We’ll cover why corrections are needed in GNSS data, especially when creating high-precision maps.

You’ll learn how RTK works by providing instant corrections, connecting to reference stations, and achieving near-centimeter accuracy. Then, we’ll discuss PPK, which involves post-processing corrections after flights using raw GNSS data and a nearby reference point on-site. Both methods help ensure that mapping coordinates align accurately with the real world, a crucial factor in professional surveying, engineering, and mapping projects.

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we’re diving into a question we hear a lot: Is the FAA tracking my drone? The short answer? No, the FAA is not actively tracking your drone like it does with manned aircraft. But there’s something called Remote ID that you might have heard about. We’ll explain what Remote ID is, how it works, and what information it broadcasts.

Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for your drone, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals to broadcast details like your drone’s location, speed, altitude, and a unique ID number. If you’re flying in regular, low-security areas, the FAA is likely not tracking you. However, in high-security areas or places with a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) – like major sports events – law enforcement might monitor Remote ID signals to ensure safety.

We also discuss the purpose of Remote ID, its limitations, and real-world examples of when it’s been used by authorities. If you’re curious about privacy and safety when flying, this episode is for you. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on all things drones!

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Nate Howard, Survey Manager at Kiewit, to dive deep into the use of drones in construction and surveying. David and Nate discuss how drones are transforming the way construction sites are surveyed, monitored, and managed.

Nate introduces Kiewit, a top-ranked contractor and engineering firm, and shares insights from his extensive experience in the construction world. He explains how Kiewit first incorporated drones using a DJI Phantom 4 to photograph job sites, and quickly realized the potential for using drone photogrammetry to produce detailed 3D maps. Nate highlights the massive efficiency gains, with drones completing work in 45 minutes that previously required multiple crews working over several days.

David and Nate cover a variety of applications for drones on construction sites, including tracking weekly progress, calculating earthwork quantities, enhancing public relations by providing visuals for owners and the public, and ensuring safety by checking slope compliance in excavations. Nate provides real-world examples of these applications and shares the challenges and benefits of integrating drone technology into construction workflows.

Tune in to learn how drones are revolutionizing the construction industry and get expert advice on leveraging drone technology for surveying and mapping.