Exploring Drone Application Methods: From Sensing to Action/Interaction

As the infographic above shows, drones can be used in all types of terrains and contexts to carry out tasks more efficiently than a human or other machines. “Drone application method” may sound like heavy jargon, but it helps avoid long formulations such as “the use of drones for photographing sites” (application method: photography) or “drone use for surveying land” (application method: surveying). And although there can be a myriad of highly-specific terms to describe what drones do (e.g. monitor, survey, spray, drop, collect, dispense, etc.), the majority of drone uses can be grouped and structured as described in the following paragraphs.

Sensing Methods: Recording Data Without Physical Contact

One category of drone uses is made up of sensing methods, where data is recorded by the drone without any physical contact with other objects. The most well-known of these is Photography and Filming, which involves the aerial use of cameras to capture images and for the production of aerial videos. Meanwhile, Mapping and Surveying is focused on creating a simple or very accurate representation of a given area to study or measure altitudes, angles, distances. Inspection entails the examination of a given object to find faults, errors, malfunctions, or other specific phenomena that might affect its functioning. Finally, in this group, Localization and Tracking is used to observe, seek and supply the geographical coordinates of activities, persons, or livestock, or detecting certain activities.

Action/Interaction Methods: Engaging with the Surroundings

Another category to classify the use of drones is action/interaction methods. Most prominently in this category, we find two types. Spraying and Dispensing is defined as the aerial distribution of solids (e.g., fertilizer or seeds), or the process of spreading liquid substances (e.g., water, insecticide, or fertilizer). The second and more talked-about method is Delivery, which is, of course, the transportation of packages, food, pharmacies, or other goods either on demand or according to a given schedule.

Within these two groupings, we can nevertheless create “Other methods” such as warehousing, measuring, contact sensing, illuminating, or transmitting. These application methods would fit less neatly into the sub-categories above but are still relatively common drone uses throughout the industry. With all of this said, it is time to turn our attention from specific drone application methods to industry verticals as a whole.

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