AV NEWS: The Future of Patrolling the Sky

Just like those before it, 2017 was a year of major growth in the drone industry. We won’t have the numbers for several weeks, but it’s safe to assume that thousands of new drone fliers will be in the air come next year. Industry stakeholders have been working with the FAA and law enforcement, aiming to find a way to keep the skies safe with the influx of new drones. DJI’s recently released AeroScope aims to bring law enforcement some relief. Dubbed the “license plate for drones,” AeroScope is DJI’s solution to identify and monitor airborne drones by using the UAV’s existing software. With the scanner, law enforcement agencies and other authorized parties can see any air-borne DJI drone within 5 kilometers, or just over 3 miles. They can then use that information to either deem the drone safe, or gather more information about the drone and pilot if there is any suspicious activity. To give authorities additional information about yourself when you’re legally flying in a sensitive area, simply update your DJI drone’s firmware. From there you can add who you are and any additional information about why you are there. DJI controls roughly two-thirds of the globe’s recreational drone market. As the debate on the legality of drone registration ensues, the world’s largest manufacturer says they believe operators should have to register their drones – but that the process should be simple, free or cheap, and quick. AeroScope is currently only available for certain authorized agencies, not the general public or private security firms. DJI hopes that this additional layer of security will help mold the public perception of drones in a positive way.