Latest Drone Updates: Iceland Welcomes Avata 2, Drone Aid in Hurricane Helene's Asheville Operation, and Further Developments!
New Article:
- Taking a Plunge with DJI Avata 2 in Iceland's Volcanic Wonders
This week, we're diving headfirst into an exhilarating video showcasing FPV dives at waterfalls and cliffs in Iceland, filmed using the DJI Avata 2. Buckle up for an adrenaline rush as drone pilot @gigeorgiev takes us on a thrilling journey! Iceland's unique, volcanic landscapes, glacial rivers, and rugged coastlines make it a eye-catching playground for aerial cinematographers.
Dive Deeper
Ever wondered how drones transformed Asheville's disaster response during Hurricane Helene? Well, wonder no more! Drones played a pivotal role, assisting in live aerial views of unreachable, flooded neighborhoods, guiding rescue teams and preventing looting. In the midst of the chaos, drones mapped over 2,000 acres, providing critical data on submerged vehicles, debris, and damaged waterways to accelerate both emergency response and long-term recovery. Let's delve into this incredible story!
Closing the Phantom Book
Say it ain't so! The iconic Phantom series, launched back in 2012, is officially history. DJI is sunsetting the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced, citing advances in compact, foldable drone technology like the Mavic, Air, and Mini lines as the main reason. Will the Phantom's distinctive "pillow-and-legs" silhouette be sorely missed? We think so!
Secrets buried beneath the Pyramids of Giza
A team of intrepid researchers uncovered a captivating mystery using advanced radar technology. Underneath the famous Pyramids of Giza, they discovered what they call an "underground city" – a vast network of hidden spaces, stretching nearly 1.2 miles (2 km). Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mounted on satellites and aircraft, they generated high-resolution 3D images of subsurface structures, revealing a series of shafts, chambers, and multi-level complexes. While the findings have sparked controversy, one thing's for sure – aerial LiDAR and satellite-based archaeology have made a remarkable leap forward!
Mark your calendars!
Heading to AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston later this month? Don't miss out on my panel, "Smarter Inspections: Leveraging Robotics, AI, and Advanced Sensors for Oil & Gas Asset Maintenance." Get ready to explore how robotics and sensors are revolutionizing inspections in the Oil & Gas sector. Join an array of inspectors as they discuss cutting-edge techniques and share practical tips for integrating advanced tech into your operations. Catch us on Tuesday, May 20, from 3:30-4:20PM CDT in room 361-D on the Implementation & Value Track.
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In the thrilling video of Iceland's landscapes, a drone pilot named @gigeorgiev operates the DJI Avata 2 to capture captivating footage of waterfalls and cliffs. The drone technology’s role in disaster response, such as during Hurricane Helene in Asheville, demonstrated its significant impact by providing live aerial views and critical data that expedited emergency response and recovery. The sunsetting of the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced by DJI is attributed to advancements in compact drone technology like the Mavic, Air, and Mini lines, potentially leaving a discernible void in the industry. Intriguing discoveries beneath the Pyramids of Giza were made using advanced radar technology, revealing a hidden underground city, suggesting a notable leap in aerial LiDAR and satellite-based archaeology.