The use of drones, both recreationally and professionally is becoming more and more mainstream now that the use of drones is not reserved for military use only. Drones, once an almost completely inaccessible option to anyone that didn’t have the monetary resources, are now an affordable option that yields high quality technology, even on a budget. It is a given that most drones today are equipped with cameras, or they come equipped with the ability to attach a camera to the drone. As drone camera technology increases so does their use.

Here are 5 improvements that are becoming a reality and will become featured in future drone camera technology:

Thermal Imaging on Drones

Aerial thermal imaging, also called infrared aerial imaging, is already being introduced for commercial use in areas such as firefighting, search and rescue, police or law enforcement, building and land inspections, utilities inspections, and even agriculture.

Think of the possibilities, an infrared camera can capture images of hot spots in extinguished fires, allowing firefighters to take necessary steps to eliminate the possibility of additional fires. Thermal imaging can help in areas of search and rescue by tracking body heat of humans from a distance.  Thermal imaging by drones can or even help apprehend criminals and fugitives that might be evading police, giving police an advantage, as well as upping the safety of officers in the process.

Thermal cameras are also extremely helpful in building and utility inspections. For example, a high-rise commercial building has a pipe burst and outside walls are affected with water damage 20 stories up. A drone fitted with a thermal camera will be able to take moisture readings and assess damage to those walls from the outside of the building, which would normally require a human harnessed to the side of the building to perform.

It is important to note that concerns have been raised with thermal imaging regarding privacy. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)  is currently developing laws to protect the privacy of citizens from being invaded, whether on purpose or inadvertently, by aerial thermal imaging. Until that time, the use of thermal imaging is not one currently regulated by the FAA.

4K Ultra HD Quality and Beyond

It is well recommended that anyone entering the realm of aerial drone photography should look for an affixable camera with a minimum of 4K Ultra HD quality capabilities. That level of Ultra HD boasts a display of at least 8 million active pixels, which will deliver, at minimum, 4 times the detail as a 1080p HD output. This is beyond what a normal camera phone, will offer even in HD.

This level of Ultra HD output will also support a faster frame rate, higher contrast dynamics and extended colors. Clients who hire a drone operator for aerial photography expect high definition photos, the drones of today are already providing that.

Industries that require Ultra HD aerial photography can be found everywhere.  Such as photography for weddings and events, videos or imagery for real estate, energy, science research, law enforcement, military, advertising, film and television, and many more. You name an industry, there is probably a need for 4K Ultra HD photography and beyond.

You can bet that the drones of tomorrow will continue to advance beyond the Ultra HD options of today.

3D Aerial Modeling Using Drones

3D modeling drone use, though relatively new in technology, is rapidly advancing and aiding in the planning of future developments, especially in real estate. A 3D model made with a drone camera is usually a compilation of a series of images that are taken from a strategic flight path, and then stitched together to create one large cohesive image, or 3D model of the object you are creating.

Currently, aerial mapping of 3D models requires longer flight times, high-definition camera drones, and stability via gimbal technology. The advancements coming with this technology should make production of a 3D models easier, timelier and more cost efficient.

Drone camera technology can currently produce 3D models of structures, crop heights, highway building and construction sites, and more. As technology develops, there will only be a short list of 3D models that can’t be created with a drone camera.

360 Virtual Reality Drone Videos

Virtual reality is the next wave of drone camera technology advancement. This can be found with the 360 VR drone camera. This technology provides a 360-degree view by using a drone equipped with 5 HD cameras on board. Each camera captures images that are then stitched together to provide a seamless, and fully immersive virtual reality experience.

Some 360-degree videos a drone camera could produce include: tours of attractions or sporting events and concerts. Basically any place or thing that you think deserves a fully immersed virtual reality experience, and the sky will be the limit with the technology behind a 360 degree virtual reality drone!

Viewing options with 360VR drone videos are versatile. They have the ability to stream to a smart phone or even virtual reality goggles. In a world where virtual reality is the next level-up of entertainment, this is a technology sure to make leaps and bounds in the near future.

Upwards Pointing Cameras on Drones

Upwards pointing cameras, or vertical drone cameras, are making a stamp on improving the safety of the dangerous work entailed in inspecting the underside of bridges. The challenge in past years with using drones to complete inspections such as these, was the inability for cameras to point upwards while keeping their GPS enabled because signal would be interrupted by the concrete in bridges.

This technology will make the dangerous work of bridge inspection a much safer work space for humans, as they’ll be able to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground while a vertical camera does the work. This will also help with the traffic issues caused when workers need to be present for repairs and inspections, since the drone won’t be an obstruction or issue.

Final Thoughts

While drone technology has advanced beyond expectations in only a few short years, the technology surrounding drone cameras is expected to continue to develop to meet the needs and expectations of consumers who need higher definition aerial shots, 360-degree views, thermal images and much more.