Drones are known as fun devices for aerial photography. However, many industries have started to see their value as tools. Modern drones are now used as data-gathering equipment.
Whether in agriculture or real estate, drones can efficiently collect information from hard-to-reach places. They can survey vast areas and monitor conditions to provide insights that are difficult or pricey to obtain.
With the global drone market growing by 2% yearly and estimated to hit $260 billion by 2030, the role of drones in data collection is only expected to increase. Discover how drones are utilizing data to transform key industries in this article.
Read on.
How Data-Driven Drone Technology Reshape Industries
The drone market has grown significantly, with its revenue climbing from $2.9 billion in 2018 to $4 billion in 2023. It is even projected to be almost $5 billion by 2029. This rise only shows the growing importance of drones in different industries.
How do drones collect data for various sectors? Drones have advanced sensors and cameras that capture high-quality images, videos, and other relevant information.
Once the data is collected, drones process and analyze it using onboard systems. Some drone models transmit the data to cloud-based platforms for further analysis.
By providing real-time insights, drones let businesses make smarter and faster decisions. Their ability to gather and analyze large volumes of information drives growth and innovation for many organizations.
Film and Entertainment
Drones have become valuable tools for enhancing production quality. The primary data drones collect includes high-resolution images, video footage, and geographic information to map shooting locations.
Such data allows filmmakers to plan scenes more precisely—letting them identify the best angles, lighting conditions, and overall layout for each shot. Drones can also collect weather and environmental data to help crews adapt quickly to changing conditions.
In the production of HBO’s Game of Thrones, drones were responsible for aerial footage and other data for the show’s epic visual scenes. The drones scanned entire landscapes to collect data on elevation, topography, and lighting conditions. This information was used to create realistic CGI elements.
🎉 Fun Fact To prevent spoilers or leaks during the filming of Game of Thrones, the crew used a special device called a “drone killer.” This device detects and takes down unauthorized drones flying near the set. Fans or photographers sometimes use drones to capture footage and reveal secrets from the show. By shooting drones down, the crew ensured that no one could spoil upcoming episodes. Some companies, like Sentrycs Integrated Counter Drone Solutions, offer similar integrated counter-drone solutions. Sentrycs offers cutting-edge technologies that detect and neutralize potential threats posed by unauthorized drones, creating a safer environment for businesses and infrastructure. |
Technology
The tech industry uses drones to automate tasks and streamline processes. In software and hardware testing, drones help by gathering real-time data, inspecting infrastructure, and assisting in tests. Drones are also used to collect data for machine learning algorithms.
Moreover, drones are vital for assessing network coverage, especially in inaccessible areas. They help tech businesses optimize connectivity, troubleshoot issues, and expand coverage.
Verizon is one of the companies that uses drones to assess and enhance network coverage. Drones are fundamental in Verizon’s strategy for monitoring and expanding its 4G LTE and 5G networks.
Verizon deploys drones to inspect cell towers and get real-time signal strength and network performance data. The drones also assist in mapping out optimal tower locations for more efficient network deployment and coverage testing.
🎉 Fun Fact Even tech giants like Google explored the use of drones in Project Loon. This project aimed to provide internet connectivity to remote areas using high-altitude balloons and drones. The project’s main goal was to expand Google’s internet services to regions that lack the necessary infrastructure. Although Project Loon was discontinued in January 2021, it demonstrated how drone applications could revolutionize almost everything—even internet connectivity. |
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the industries that benefit most from drone applications. Drones collect and deliver crucial data that can save lives.
One of the main types of data that drones gather is geographical information and weather conditions to ensure safer and faster delivery of medical supplies. Drones can also capture real-time data on disaster zones or accident scenes to help healthcare teams prepare and respond accordingly.
Zipline is a healthcare company that uses drones to deliver blood, vaccines, and other medical supplies. It provides services to remote areas in Rwanda and later expanded to countries like:
- Japan
- Kenya
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Ivory Coast
- United States.
The drones deployed by Zipline are guaranteed to be eco-friendly. They are powered by rechargeable electric batteries and emit 30 times less carbon dioxide than other electric vehicles. Besides being sustainable, Zipline drones are capable of delivering 150 blood products per day.
The data gathered by the drones is crucial in the operations. Zipline collects real-time data on delivery routes, flight times, and demand patterns. This information helps ensure that medical products are delivered where and when they are needed most.
Plus, Zipline helps hospitals avoid supply shortages by collecting data on healthcare needs. By delivering medical supplies quickly, Zipline can track patient outcomes to show how timely deliveries can lower death rates and improve treatments.
Finance
One key use of drone technology in the finance industry is in asset inspections for insurance companies. Drones can quickly gather visual data on properties, buildings, or accident sites to help assess damages. This speeds up the claims process, letting insurance companies settle claims faster and more accurately.
Drones are also used to survey large areas of land or construction projects, which provides data that banks and financial institutions use when evaluating loans for real estate or large-scale development projects.
State Farm Insurance is one of the first major insurance companies in the US to get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deploy drones after natural disasters.
After hurricanes or other natural disasters, drones capture images and videos of homes, roofs, and infrastructure that are hard to reach by traditional means. The data collected by the drones are used to create property assessments and help adjusters estimate repair costs or claims.
Agriculture
In the agriculture industry, drones are changing the way farmers operate. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, drones gather data on soil health, crop growth, and moisture levels.
Drones can take aerial images that help identify areas that need more attention, like sections with poor irrigation or pest infestation. They also provide real-time data on temperature, wind, and rainfall—which helps farmers make timely decisions about planting, watering, or applying fertilizers.
John Deere is a major player in agricultural machinery that has integrated drone technology into precision farming. Its drones collect data on crop health, irrigation needs, and areas affected by pests. The data is processed through John Deere’s precision farming platform to provide farmers with actionable insights.
Construction and Infrastructure
Drones have become valuable for the construction and infrastructure industry. They help in collecting and analyzing data for project management and site efficiency.
Drones capture images and videos of construction sites to give businesses a complete view of a project and its progress. They also collect 3D mapping data and create detailed models of the terrain.
Furthermore, drones gather data on structural integrity by inspecting buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to identify cracks, weaknesses, or other issues that need attention.
Komatsu, a leading construction machinery manufacturer, collaborated with Skycatch to launch the “Smart Construction.” This initiative uses drones to automate earthwork and monitor progress at construction sites.
Using 3D mapping technology, drones collect high-resolution aerial imagery of construction sites and convert this data into detailed 3D models and topographical maps. This real-time data is integrated into Komatsu’s construction equipment for automated and precise earthmoving operations.
Oil and Gas
It might seem unexpected, but the oil and gas industry is also starting to adopt drone technology. Drones gather visual and thermal imaging data to monitor pipelines, refineries, and offshore platforms.
They can detect leaks, structural weaknesses, and corrosion in infrastructure that might not be easily visible to the naked eye. In addition, drones collect environmental data like gas emissions or temperature changes to help companies identify potential hazards.
British Petroleum (BP) used drones to inspect pipelines in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Drones with high-definition cameras and thermal imaging sensors fly along pipelines to detect leaks, corrosion, or damage that could lead to costly repairs or environmental disasters.
The data collected by drones helps BP identify issues early on, allowing the company to perform preventive maintenance before a problem worsens. By using drones, BP improves safety and efficiency and reduces the costs and risks associated with traditional inspection methods.
💡 Did You Know? Shell, one of the biggest companies in the oil industry, used drones to oversee the construction of its Shell Polymers Monaca facility. The drones captured detailed aerial images of the infrastructure. The collected data were then used to create precise 3D models of the massive 1.62 km² site. Using drones allowed Shell to monitor the project’s progress with incredible accuracy and identify potential issues early. |
Law Enforcement
Drones are being used to gather data related to public safety and police operations. Drones provide access to live video feeds during emergencies or police operations.
Some drones are equipped with thermal imaging sensors that can detect heat signatures. This feature makes it easier to locate suspects, missing persons, or individuals who need help.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uses drones to monitor large public events like protests and festivals. The drone data shows crowd movements, potential problems, and emergencies. With such information, police can respond more quickly and send help where needed.
Real Estate
In the real estate industry, drones collect data that helps buyers and sellers make more informed decisions. Drones provide detailed views of properties, land, and surrounding areas. This data includes property dimensions, terrain information, and neighborhood layouts.
Drones can also gather environmental data, such as lighting and weather patterns. With the help of drones, real estate agents and developers can even offer virtual tours to give potential buyers a complete view of properties without needing to visit in person.
Zillow, a leading online real estate marketplace, makes the most of drone technology. It uses drones in its Zillow Offers program for aerial home appraisals. Drones allow Zillow to capture high-quality images and data of any property. The aerial perspective helps Zillow in making better offers to sellers.
Also, Zillow uses drones to gather data about the surrounding neighborhood. Drones capture aerial views of nearby parks, schools, and shopping centers to give potential buyers a clearer view of the local community.
Environmental Conservation
Drones help in gathering important data to protect natural habitats. They collect aerial images, videos, and environmental readings like temperature and pollution. This allows conservationists to monitor forests, wildlife, and oceans easily.
The data drones collect allows scientists to understand the effects of climate change and human activities on the environment. It also allows conservationists to respond quickly to problems like illegal logging or poaching.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) uses drones as a tool for anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring. Using infrared cameras, drones can detect heat signatures from animals and poachers. Rangers on the ground can receive immediate alerts about potential poaching activities.
Drones also gather images and videos of animals that researchers can use to estimate population sizes and track movements. This information helps in studying migration patterns and developing strategies to protect endangered species.
Business and Logistics
In business, drones are used as tools to collect and utilize data to streamline operations. They typically gather data on inventory levels, warehouse conditions, delivery routes, and package locations.
Some drones with sensors scan barcodes or RFID tags in warehouses to provide real-time updates on stock levels. They can also collect traffic patterns, road conditions, and weather data to optimize delivery routes.
By utilizing real-time data brought by drone technology, businesses can make faster decisions, reduce errors, and increase the speed of deliveries. A leading example of this is Amazon Prime Air.
Through its delivery operations, Amazon uses drones to deliver packages to customers in under 30 minutes. These drones collect real-time data on weather, air traffic, and obstacles. This data is used to optimize flight paths, ensuring fast and efficient deliveries.
Conclusion
Drones are transforming how data is collected and used in various industries. From healthcare to logistics, drones provide real-time information that improves efficiency, speeds up processes, and enhances decision-making.
As drone technology continues to evolve, one key question remains: Should more businesses embrace drones to stay ahead? The opportunities seem endless, and those who adopt early may lead the way.
FAQs
What industries use drones the most?
Drones are widely used in agriculture, logistics, mining, film production, public safety, and defense. These devices assist in aerial surveys, monitoring, mapping, and capturing high-quality images or videos.
How do drones use data?
Drones capture aerial images, videos, thermal readings, 3D models, and more. The data is processed through various platforms to generate actionable insights.
What is the biggest advantage of drones?
The biggest advantage of drones is their ability to access hard-to-reach areas efficiently and safely. They provide real-time, high-quality data from difficult terrains, reducing human risk and operational costs.
With a master's degree in telecommunications and over 15 years of working experience in telecommunications, networking, and online security, he deeply understands cybersecurity's value and importance. Max leverages his vast experience and knowledge to research the latest cyber threats, scams, malware, and viruses in-depth.