YDQA: Ep 110- " How Are Drones Used To Conduct Bridge Inspections?"

Ever wondered how drones are transforming the way we inspect bridges?In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Dr. Joe Burgett from Clemson University to explore the role of drone technology in bridge inspection.What You'll Learn:✅ Why bridge inspections are federally mandated and critical for public safety✅ The difference between routine inspections and detailed inspections ✅ How drones eliminate the need for dangerous "Snooper trucks" and keep inspectors safe ✅ Two different approaches: expensive enterprise drones vs. multiple affordable units ✅ Real challenges of flying under bridges (GPS loss, wind, wildlife, fishing lines!) ✅ The future of digital twins for comprehensive bridge documentation ✅ How South Carolina DOT trained their entire bridge inspection teamConnect with Joe:Joe's Bio: https://www.clemson.edu/caac/about/facultybio.html?id=1805SCiDUC: https://www.sciduc.org/

Join host Chris Breedlove as he explores how drones are revolutionizing coastal environmental monitoring in Maine with Will Kochitzky, Assistant Professor at the University of New England.Key Topics Covered:Centimeter-scale mapping accuracy for coastal change detectionPre and post-storm documentation for FEMA applicationsMaine's proactive sea level rise legislation (1.5 feet by 2050, 3.9 feet by 2100)Equipment recommendations: DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK for photogrammetryInspired Flight 1200A with YellowScan Mapper for LiDAR applicationsSeasonal monitoring strategies to capture winter storm impactsThe importance of relative vs. absolute accuracy in environmental monitoringEpisode Links:https://www.une.edu/people/will-kochtitzkyhttps://iceandclimate.org/media/https://www.une.edu/magazine/2024-edition/mapping-and-revitalizing-maines-coastline

Two major drone executive orders signed June 6th - here's what drone pilots need to know!Chris Breedlove & David Young break down "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty" and "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" - including the big BVLOS timeline that could change everything.KEY POINTS:BVLOS operations: 30 days for proposed rules, 240 days finalStricter enforcement on unlicensed operatorsSupply chain security vs Chinese dronesShould you still buy DJI equipment?New support for American manufacturersCheck these links for more information:1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/unleashing-american-drone-dominance/

The US drone industry is facing its biggest challenge yet. Shipping delays have tripled, orders are becoming $90K gambles, and some overseas suppliers have stopped shipping to America entirely. If you're an FPV pilot, drone racer, or run educational drone programs, this affects YOU directly.🔥 WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Why your drone orders are taking 3-4 weeks instead of 1 weekThe "tariff gamble" - how a $30K order can become $90K overnightWhich drone components are most at risk (spoiler: it's not what you think)What to stockpile NOW before shortages hit hardThe 3 critical components every FPV pilot should buy immediatelyWhy US drone manufacturing is decades behind (and how that's changing)Real examples of companies losing money on warranty claimsWhich components will NEVER be made in America (and why)

Welcome to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations with Kyle Miller, Director of Sales at Censys Technologies.Key Topics Covered:Definition and practical applications of BVLOS operationsCensus Technologies' approach to long-range drone missionsCommon mistakes in waiver applications and how to avoid themThe role of detect-and-avoid technology in BVLOS operationsShielded operations and infrastructure-based risk mitigationFuture of Part 108 regulations and what it means for the industryConnect With Censys Technologies:📧 Kyle Miller: [email protected] 📧 General Info: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://censystech.com/ https://censystech.com/home-censys/107-wavier-service-faa/https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107_waivers

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Matt Nanney from AECOM to explore real-world examples of complex drone operations and how to effectively manage their unique challenges.Matt shares valuable insights from his 16+ years of experience, covering a wide range of advanced drone missions—from post-hurricane damage assessments and rare species habitat mapping to large-scale corridor projects and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. Learn how his team tackles regulatory hurdles, coordinates with multiple agencies, and overcomes obstacles in tough environments like dense forests, disaster zones, and nighttime conditions.Whether you're interested in environmental surveys, infrastructure inspections, or long-range mapping missions, this episode is packed with practical advice on planning, safety, and creative problem-solving in complex drone workflows.👉 Have a drone question you want answered? Submit it at YDQA.io or email [email protected].

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris from Drone Launch Academy breaks down the key PC specifications you should consider for handling data-intensive photogrammetry and LiDAR processing tasks.Whether you’re using software like Pix4D, DJI Terra, Trimble Business Center, or LP360, this video highlights the general hardware requirements most of these programs share—including:RAM recommendations (32GB minimum, 64GB+ ideal for heavy workloads)CPU considerations (newer Intel i7/i9 or equivalent)GPU guidance (NVIDIA preferred for many platforms, but not always required)Desktop vs. laptop performanceWindows vs. macOS compatibilityWhen cloud processing might be a better choiceChris also explains why chasing specs can sometimes lead to overspending—and what actually matters when you're setting up or upgrading your workstation.Topics covered:Minimum vs. ideal system requirementsCommon pitfalls in hardware selectionCloud processing options like DroneDeploy and Pix4D CloudHow to avoid bottlenecks when building your setup🎯 If you're serious about drone mapping, don’t waste time with underpowered hardware. Watch this before buying your next machine.Got a question you'd like answered on the show? Visit ydqa.io or email [email protected].____Software programs recommendations:-https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400004965&spaceId=34&re=ID&lang=en&documentType=artical&paperDocType=paper -https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032612791-https://support.lp360.com/hc/en-us/articles/34736741165843-System-Requirements-https://help.fieldsystems.trimble.com/tbc/system-requirements.htm

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove welcomes Eric Harkins from Back Forty Aerial Solutions to discuss best practices for target placement in both LiDAR and photogrammetric drone mapping missions.Eric shares his extensive experience in aerial mapping and provides valuable insights on:The difference between ground control points (GCPs) and check shotsStrategic placement of targets based on project size and terrainTarget size considerations based on flight altitudeMaterial selection for different project needs and conditionsDealing with lighting conditions in photogrammetryTarget shapes and why certain designs are more effectiveUsing existing features vs. custom targetsCoordinating with field crews for consistent resultsTips for working with previously set control pointsWhether you're new to drone mapping or looking to improve your workflow, this episode offers practical advice to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your aerial surveying projects.For more information or to contact Eric:Email: [email protected]: 803-727-5551https://www.backfortydrones.com/https://www.backfortydrones.com/post/understanding-the-importance-of-ground-control-points-gcp-in-drone-lidar-mappingHave a drone question? Email [email protected] or visit ydqa.io to submit your questions for future episodes!

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host Chris Breedlove interviews Shawn Barry from Oak Island about how drones are transforming ocean rescue operations. As Oak Island's full-time drone operator for public safety, Shawn shares groundbreaking insights on:How drones deploy personal flotation devices (PFDs) to distressed swimmers in HALF the time of traditional rescue methodsReal-world success stories, including 17 ocean rescues and 7 PFD deployments in 2024 aloneThe innovative use of drones to locate missing persons, assist with emergency medical supplies, and provide critical situational awarenessHow Oak Island's unique geography and leadership have positioned them as pioneers in drone rescue technologyShawn explains how their M30T drone platform with specialized attachments has revolutionized their ability to respond to emergencies, from dropping auto-inflating PFDs to distressed swimmers to delivering AEDs to cardiac incidents on crowded beaches. Learn about their innovative rip current warning system and how community education has reduced rescue incidents.LEDA Group: https://www.ledauas.org/ 

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," we tackle the question: What are the different RTK correction methods for drone mapping missions, and when should you use each one?We explore the differences between Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Process Kinematic (PPK) workflows, breaking down how these technologies improve GNSS accuracy for professional drone mapping. In this video, you'll learn:-The fundamental differences between RTK and PPK-Network-based vs. local base station correction methods-How to handle mapping in remote areas with poor connectivity-Why ground control points remain essential even with RTK drones-The importance of maintaining workflow flexibility in the field-How modern GNSS receivers can perform multiple functions simultaneouslyWhether you're operating in areas with reliable cell service or mapping in the middle of nowhere, this episode provides practical guidance for choosing the right correction method for your specific situation.