Asset Management with Microdrones

There’s no limit to the creativity of engineers, when it comes to new mobile mapping platforms. One of the latest UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) is the Microdrone.

The Microdrone was developed by German Company microdrones GmbH. It has been used for a variety of monitoring and surveillance applications, as well as for aerial photogrammetry and infrastructure inventories. It is a mature product and has been sold to users all over the world.

Essentially, the Microdrone is a miniature helicopter with four small, independent rotors. These rotors are computer controlled by small electric motors. Tilts of the rotor blades and heads allow the Microdrone to move in the air in any direction you desire.

The main benefits of the Microdrone over other mapping platforms are:

• It is very stable, which means it can capture high quality images and videos without expensive stabilization lenses.
• It is easy to fly using remote controls. New users can fly the drone in less than 1 hour.
• Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, like the Gatewing, it can move very slowly, even hover over a spot. The navigator can easily move the drone in any direction at any time.
• It can carry relatively heavy loads, up to 1.2 kg or almost 3 lbs.
• The motors are very quiet and efficient. Drones have recorded flight times of more than 70 minutes.

The major applications of Microdrones include aerial photography and video, inspections and surveillance. However, a number of engineering companies have used them for mapping for diverse applications, such as archaeology, mining, journalism, public safety and transportation.

Let us know what you think about this system! How would you use it in your department?