The structure that has stood in the epicenter of Paris for almost 900 years, famous for it’s French Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, gargoyles, and of course Victor Hugo’s inspiration for The Hunchback Of Notre-Dame was almost no more.  Earlier this month the world watched on in horror as the iconic Catholic cathedral Notre-Dame was engulfed in flames.  Through news and social media broadcasts the world watched, hoping that the building would not be destroyed.  When it’s legendary spire came crashing down through the smoke and blaze it seemed as though all hope was lost.  But thanks to amazing modern technology Notre-Dame was given a second chance.

The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, though it was most likely caused by an electrical malfunction.  The fire was able to ravage so intensely because of the centuries old oak timber in it’s construction.  It served as perfect kindling.  While the ancient timber helped fuel the fire, it was the help of a modern day gadget that helped put the flames out.  France’s Ministry of Defense sent drones to aide the Paris Fire Brigade in their attack on the blaze.

The specific drones deployed were by drone company DJI, the Mavic Pro and Matrice M210, two of the most technologically advanced drones available today.  The Mavic Pro is a quadcopter that can stay airborne for around 30 minutes, reaching speeds just under 45mph.  It is able to fly and track objects autonomously due to 10 highly sensitive sensors positioned around it’s incredible sturdy body.  It it also equipped with a high definition, high zoom camera that will deliver real time images to anyone on the ground.  The Matrice is relatively similar, with a few added bonuses.

It has a stabilizing tracking system that allows it to lock onto and focus on a moving object.  It also has an upward facing gimbal mount that allows a camera to capture images above the drone, perfect for inspecting the underside of structures.  In fact, with this drone you can attach a camera from multiple positions allowing you to capture nearly 360* angles.  But what is most impressive, especially on that fateful day in Paris, is the drone’s ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.  This drone can handle rain, wind, sub-zero temperatures, and the extreme heat of a fire.

Though Paris is normally a no fly zone for drones, DJI was able to unblock the GEO blocking system to rapidly help the fire brigade.  Because of the precision and speed of the drones, firefighters were able to pinpoint exactly where to target their efforts.  Using a helicopter or plane would not have been as effective as they cannot get anywhere near as close to the issue as a drone, nor could they relay real time images to firefighters on the ground.  A spokesperson for  the fire department said that “It is thanks to these drones, this new technique absolutely essential today, that we could make the tactical choice to stop the fire at a time when it would potentially occupy the two belfries.”

If it hadn’t been for the assistance of the drones, a modern day miracle, the ancient building would not have been saved in time.  It could have very likely crumbled to the ground.  Lt. Col. Gabriel Plus of the Paris Fire Brigade said, “It’s a miracle that the cathedral is still standing, and that all the relics were saved.”  With technology on our side, we are able to preserve our past.

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