Environmental issues are some of the most pressing problems facing the human race. The planet is our most treasured asset, and protecting it from the dangers of environmental degradation is vital to our future. That is why the fields of environmental protection and monitoring are such important scientific industries.
Any tool that can be used to advance these industries is notable, and there is one technology that has an ever-increasing number of researchers, conservationist organizations, and environmental engineers paying close attention. This technology that’s making a positive impact on these industries might be a familiar one: drones.
If you’re wondering the benefits drones have on the environment, there are several reasons these unmanned aircraft play an important role in monitoring and protecting the environment.
Drones offer quick, easy, and cost-effective insights, compared to slow terrestrial surveying equipment, lower-resolution satellite imagery, and expensive manned aircraft. Below, we give a comprehensive breakdown of how drones protect the environment.
Table of Contents
Observation
Whether you are dealing with delicate marshlands, large forests, or any other type of natural land, a site observation is always beneficial to get a sense of the issues at hand. A comprehensive look at the entire environment you are observing is important, and this is where drones’ environment protection potential comes into play.
The introduction of drones in recent years has opened up many new possibilities in the ways we view the environment and collect data. Previously inaccessible areas by foot can now be looked at by air, with no worries of damaging ecosystems.
It is also less invasive to have drones observing an environment than humans stomping around a potentially fragile and delicate ecosystem. Even highly trained scientists with years of expertise can unwillingly disturb an environment, but with drone technology, scientists can observe these areas without having to fully be in them, making it easier and safer to observe these environments.
Preplanning
Before a project begins, a planning stage is performed to describe the end goals and how they will be achieved. In most cases, many parties will be involved including investors, environmental agencies, communities, and governments.
The use of drone visual data in proposals or meetings greatly improves the way messages are interpreted and can achieve a universal call to action. Drones add a much more visual element to these planning processes.
Many researchers are adapting to the new benefits this technology provides, making the drone and environment connection stronger. The pre-planning process involves convincing others that a project is viable, and using drones as a selling point certainly helps.
As well, the risk of scientists and researchers having to enter into unknown environments in the pre-planning process is greatly reduced with drone technology. With drone environmental monitoring, scientists can scout out areas for environmental projects before entering, making the pre-planning process safer and more effective.
Drone Footage Helps Secure $2.3 Million in Funding to Repair Shooting Island's Shoreline - Ocean City, NJ
Progress Monitoring
Staying on schedule is a crucial part of keeping the project from going over budget. Periodic drone images are useful tools for project managers to monitor current progress or environmental changes and plan accordingly. New updated pictures can be taken monthly, weekly, or daily depending on the speed of the project.
Scientists can use drones to monitor the environment, which allows them to stay current with their research. For a project where scientists are monitoring seasonal changes in wildlife movements, or something similar, having a drone that encompasses a certain area allows them to monitor these progressions without impacting them in any way.
Progression monitoring is essential to environmental projects as there are always multiple parties involved in projects of certain magnitudes. Progression monitoring allows project managers to stay informed and keep all other relevant parties informed through the visual data drones offer.
Species Examination
Achieving estimates on wildlife and plant populations has become more efficient and accurate with drones.
Vast stretches of land that would take days or weeks to observe by foot, can be viewed within hours or minutes. Zoom cameras allow for close-up viewing so researchers can achieve the data needed without disturbing the subjects.
A big aspect of drone environmental protection is that it allows researchers to get all this data without interfering with the results. Animals react differently if there are humans around. Even the most experienced scientists can inadvertently change the data by being spotted by animals, which changes behaviors.
Environmental drones won’t impact animal behavior in the same way, because they won’t be easily noticed by animals. This allows scientists to get data that is more real and natural because the results they get come from something that doesn’t alter the animal’s behavior.
Video Credit: DJI
The Possibilities are Limitless!
New use cases for drones in environmental protection and monitoring are continuing to be uncovered with every new project. The benefits drones have on the environment are numerous, as they give researchers a brand new tool to conduct their research more effectively and they have the potential to completely reshape how the average researcher conducts environment protection and monitoring research.
When it comes to using drones to optimize the potential of your next project, it’s best to work with experts that have years of experience in the industry. With The Drone Life, you’re gaining access to licensed industry professionals who have years of experience operating drone-based projects to drive results.
At The Drone Life, we’re experts on all aspects of this business. We are experienced drone pilots who are also fully informed on drone environmental laws, so your project is ensured to remain in compliance with local regulations.
Environmental protection and monitoring are one of science’s most essential tasks, and with drone environmental monitoring, it’s easier and safer than ever before. If you’re about to begin a project and want to see the great results drones can provide, Schedule a consultation with a drone expert to find out!
