FAA regulations still require drone operators to fly drones within line of sight. This can be a limiting factor for companies; however, there is now a mobile strategy that can overcome the restriction.

While drone deployment is still in early stages for many companies, an important trend to watch is the falling price of LiDAR.So, why would companies using drones prefer LiDAR over more traditional photogrammetry? Much of the decision rests on how much imagery detail a drone mission needs to capture.

The prominence of forest fires has increased the use of UAVs and other geospatial technologies to help fight fires and help plan logistics. One approach to this hybrid geospatial blend is the teaming of drones with satellite imagery.

Drones are already paying dividends to farmers with their ability to assist in planting and monitoring crops. But now, farmers are beginning to use these UAVs in off-season work as well. The result has been an almost year-round potential to employ drones—and this gives farmers a superior return on their technology investments.

What are some of the hurdles in drone adoption for the surveying industry? Re-education and cost might be a couple of them.