March 5, 2018
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), have a long and storied history in the United States, Some of the first drones ever were developed by the U.S. Military during and after World War 1, including the Kettering Bug. Today the United States still employs drones in Afghanistan and across the world, but drones have a much wider variety of uses, as we are about to see.
Drones in Agriculture
Drones have been used in a number of commercial settings starting around the 1980’s, agriculture not being excluded. Drones have a number of ways they help farmers produce their crops. Drones can be used to gather precise 3D maps for soil analysis, can identify which parts of a field are dry, and can event plant seeds! Drones will be part of the future of farming and is certainly part of its present and past.
Wildlife Conservation
Drones have been used for years now as a means of wildlife conservation. One of the most dangerous jobs for scientists involves monitoring wildlife in a low flying vehicle, but drones remove this need and make it much safer for both the animals and the scientists. Drones have also been used in places like Africa to stop poaching. Drones can cover large distances easily and can spot and monitor poachers, saving animals.
Domestic Government Uses
The Government has been using drones for a range of uses. They’ve been used to monitor the Southern border, hunt down and catch criminals, and have even taken part in search and rescue missions. Drones have been saving not only taxpayer dollars, but lives as well.
Commercial Uses for Drones
Drones have been used in a number of industries. Real estate agents can use them to create gorgeous video tours of their property. Oil companies can use drones to inspect pipe lines in remote areas. Companies like Google and Amazon have already begun drone delivery of packages. It’s not clear where drone technology will take us, the only thing that is clear is we’re just on the cusp of it.
Personal Drone Usage
The ownership and use of privately owned drones has increased dramatically in the last decade. In 2016 the FAA reported that there was 1.5 million hobbyist drones flying over the U.S. They expect that number too eclipse 7 million by 2020. Private owners of drones can run into issues with the FAA and other owners. To inquire about drone insurance, visit our page for more information.
Drones are the Future
As much as drones have been used in the past, they are only going to be utilized more in the future. Their uses are nearly limitless, and the private, government, and personal sectors have found uses. Who knows what the future of drones are? Guess it’s just up in the air.
