Present and Future Benefits of Aerial Imaging

In the last decade, we have seen a growth spike in the global aerial imaging industry. Never has it been this easy to get an aerial view image or even video. It has given content creators a new way to showcase the world.

Software and applications such as Google Earth and maps use this imaging technique to get as clear a picture of a location as possible. This method is used for urban planning and roadway designs. The market for aerial imagining is expected to reach as high as $8 billion at the end of 2030.

Need for Aerial Imaging

Aerial photography or videography is the art of using mobile vehicles such as drones to capture wide-angle ground images. We can look up the words ‘drone photography’ or ‘drone video’ on social media and millions of search results pop up.

Recent years have changed the way photo data is being captured. We have eliminated the need for human effort with these remote-controlled machines doing all the work.

The purpose isn’t just to take cool-looking photographs but study our planet’s geography. We can reach places we never thought possible with the help of drone imaging.

It has also found its uses in surveillance and security systems. Wildlife photography and monitoring and film-making are also employing this method of capturing ground reality.

The demand has also increased in the sector that deals with natural disasters. This way we can get an exact view of any impending damages we might face. We can use this insight into geographical fluctuations to prepare for all circumstances.

Although, the increasing concerns in cyber-security, risks of false data and images along with violation of government regulations may slow down the growth of this sector. We have seen significant advances in the sophistication and details of this technology. Drone images and videos can facilitate all types of business sectors. This will lead to the commercialisation and normalisation of drones in media ventures.

 End-User Benefits

Here are some of the user benefits for different purposes when taking aerial images:

• You can get a synoptic view of any location
• You limit the need to hire people to do this and save cost on photography
• You can set a timer to preserve a moment while the camera takes a picture. It can maintain the ground conditions of the exact moment you want.
• The three-dimensional view is possible for any type of location; mountains, oceans, etc.
• No need to conduct land surveys manually when you can use a drone. This is also a more foolproof method to get accurate data
• Difficult areas can be surveyed easily as it’s accessible from remote areas
• The scalability of the method makes it easier to map as big or as small of an area as required
• The photographs can be made available to the user within a few hours
• Other airborne vehicles such as rockets, winged aircraft and helicopters are also used on which the camera can be mounted
• Commercial and social uses have become common as opposed to just military usage of the technology
• Sporting events and arenas use drone-mounted cameras and can capture the entire scale of the audience present
• Land access and location tracking can be done
• After a piece of land and its inhabitant are hit by a natural or manmade disaster, we can use drone cameras to get a full picture of its after-effects and send help accordingly.
• Disaster management teams are employing these cameras to pinpoint where the supplies are needed and what is the intensity of the damage.

Future Predictions for Drone Imaging

 Laws for the use of this technology will become harsh as it becomes more common. There will be a need for permits and licensing for an individual or a company to use drones.

1. The camera quality, the extent of flight, and other features will see upgrades if more businesses shift to aerial imaging. Using AI technology, these devices will be programmed to avoid any hurdles, avoid any damaging action. This will further eliminate the need for humans to be hired to operate this machinery.
2. We have managed to reach places and locations we never thought possible with drones. We expect to see an increase in getting images that were never possible before.
3. There will be more updates to the sensory responses on the cameras mounted on drones to compete with DSLR camera images. Real estate workers can use this to get clearer pictures of land for allocation and mapping
4. There should be an enhancement in the light fluctuation abilities of the camera. It should be equipped with different lenses to take pictures and collect data in multiple light settings.
5. Since they are battery operated, they would have increased battery span so they can carry missions for hours without having to return to recharge. It has been a challenge for the automation industry to make batteries last a lifetime. This technology will be paired with aerial imaging in the future to run lengthy projects.
6. We have all heard the annoying buzzing sound a drone makes which will have to be fixed if these are to be used for military and security purposes. The newer drones should make no sounds so the surveillance could be carried out smoothly
7. One of the best features of drone photography is to take pictures from angles that make geographical features appear magical. This can be used in the tourism industry to promote the country’s scenic appeal.
8. For the construction industry, not only can you monitor ongoing projects but you can inspect existing structures to look for faults. Taller structures can be kept in check through aerial imaging. Industrial aerial photography is the future of surveillance and detection.
9. Tracking is made easier with the use of drones to see that the objects don’t get damaged by bumping and hitting unwanted hurdles in their path.