Your Drone Questions. Answered.

Latest Episodes:

YDQA: Ep 101- "What RTK Correction Methods Are Used In Drone Mapping, and When Should Each Be Used?" Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," we tackle the question: What are the different RTK correction methods for drone mapping missions, and when should you use each one?

We explore the differences between Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Process Kinematic (PPK) workflows, breaking down how these technologies improve GNSS accuracy for professional drone mapping.

In this video, you'll learn:

-The fundamental differences between RTK and PPK
-Network-based vs. local base station correction methods
-How to handle mapping in remote areas with poor connectivity
-Why ground control points remain essential even with RTK drones
-The importance of maintaining workflow flexibility in the field
-How modern GNSS receivers can perform multiple functions simultaneously

Whether you're operating in areas with reliable cell service or mapping in the middle of nowhere, this episode provides practical guidance for choosing the right correction method for your specific situation.

YDQA: Ep 100- "How Are Drone Tethers Being Used?" Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered. In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of tethered drones—how they're being used today and where they're headed in the future.

We cover:

What tethered drones are and how they differ from traditional UAVs
Legal and regulatory considerations in the U.S. as of Q1 2025
The main benefits of tethering (continuous power, data streaming, mobility)
Real-world use cases: public safety, temporary security, event coverage, and broadcast
Freefly’s innovative Flying Sun product for mobile aerial lighting
Challenges and technical lessons from building tethered drone systems
The future of tether tech, including UI/UX advancements and industry-specific solutions

YDQA: Ep 99- "What Should You Buy To Do Drone Mapping?" Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered.
Today we are answering the question 👉 "What equipment do I need to start drone mapping?"
Or more specifically… "What drone should I buy for mapping?"

In this episode, we cover:
🚁 Key drone features for mapping (automated missions, mechanical shutter, RTK/PPK compatibility)

🧠 What to consider if you're using consumer-grade drones like the Mini 4 Pro

📸 Sensor types, resolution, and why they matter for mapping quality

🌐 Choosing the right mapping software (DroneDeploy, PIX4D, DJI Terra, etc.)

🧰 Sample gear packages (from entry-level to enterprise setups)

🔌 Must-have accessories like GNSS receivers, RTK modules, and ground control gear

💻 Hardware + computing power you'll need for processing
___
🚨 BONUS: We just launched the Advanced Drone Mapping & Modeling Certificate Program.
Be sure to check out the course here- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/admm/

YDQA: Ep 98- "What Are The Best Safety Practices For Drone Pilots Near Airports? " Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove and special guest Hansel Brand discuss the essential best practices for drone pilots operating near airports.

Learn about:

The importance of communicating with airport managers
Recommended safety distances from airports
Understanding airport traffic patterns
Using CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)
Handling helicopter encounters
The value of visual observers when flying near busy airports

YDQA: Ep 97- "How To Calculate Vertical Positional Accuracy Using the ASPRS 2024 Standards?" Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove provides a follow-up to last week's interview with Ravi Suneja about the ASPRS positional accuracy standards.
Chris walks through a real-world example of calculating vertical positional accuracy using actual drone data from a community college campus.

Learn how to:
-Understand the components of the ASPRS 2024 vertical accuracy standard
See how product fit to checkpoints is measured in practice
--Observe the importance of having 30+ checkpoints for proper validation
Calculate the combined accuracy using both product fit and control network accuracy
-Properly report whether your data was "tested to meet" or "produced to meet" standards

📍 Have a drone question? Submit it at YDQA.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com

YDQA: Ep 96- "What Industry Accuracy Standards Apply to Drone-Captured Mapping Products?" Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

🚁 Drone Mapping Standards Explained: What Every Aerial Mapper Needs to Know!

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Ravi Soneja to dive deep into the critical world of industry accuracy standards for drone-derived mapping products.

Key Highlights:

Discover the latest 2024 ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards updates
Learn the difference between ground control and checkpoints
Understand vertical accuracy reporting for drone mapping projects
Get insights from a professional with extensive aerial mapping experience

What You'll Learn:

The role of ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)
Critical changes in mapping standards for UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems)
Best practices for checkpoint collection and accuracy reporting
Software recommendations for accuracy testing

Recommended Resources:
https://www.asprs.org/

https://www.asprs.org/revisions-to-the-asprs-positional-accuracy-standards-for-geospatial-data-2023

https://www.mckimcreed.com/aerial-lidar-photogrammetry/

YDQA: Ep 95- "What is Drone Soccer?" Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Join host Chris Breedlove as he interviews Eric Richard from Drone Sports, Inc. to explore the fast-growing world of drone soccer - an action-packed, educational sport combining STEM skills with competitive gameplay!

In this episode, you'll discover:

What drone soccer is and how it's played (think Quidditch with drones!)
How this innovative program teaches students technical skills while developing crucial teamwork abilities
The accessible, plug-and-play design that lets students build, program, and repair their own drones
How schools across 35 states are implementing drone soccer in classrooms and as after-school programs
Competition opportunities from local matches to international tournaments
Ways for schools, educators, and parents to get involved

Whether you're an educator looking for engaging STEM activities, a drone enthusiast curious about new applications, or a parent seeking innovative programs for your children, this episode offers valuable insights into a sport that's creating pathways to future careers.

Learn more at dronesoccer.us or contact Eric directly at eric@dronesports.us

YDQA: Ep 94- "How Can Drones Be Used For Golf Course Spray Programs?" Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove interviews Craig Haire from Neptune Turf Solutions and Aerial Drone Dynamics about the emerging use of spray drones for golf course maintenance.

Craig shares his journey from golf course superintendent to specialized spray contractor, and discusses how drone technology is revolutionizing turf management.
Learn about:

The practical applications of spray drones on golf courses
Safety benefits of drone spraying versus traditional methods
Regulatory requirements including Part 137 certification and state licenses
Challenges of implementing this cutting-edge technology
Future possibilities with NDVI imaging and targeted applications

Whether you're a drone pilot looking for new business opportunities or a golf course manager interested in more efficient maintenance solutions, this conversation offers valuable insights into this specialized drone application.

Contact Craig at craighaire4@gmail.com to learn more about golf course spray drone operations.

YDQA: Ep 93- "How are Drones Used in Crash and Crime Scene Reconstruction?" Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Join host Chris Breedlove and special guest Calvin Rikard, a veteran law enforcement officer with 17+ years of collision reconstruction experience, as they explore how drones are revolutionizing crash and crime scene documentation.

In this episode, discover:

-The evolution of crash scene documentation - from 100-foot measuring tapes to modern drone technology
-Critical factors in capturing court-admissible drone evidence
-Best practices for nighttime operations and challenging conditions
-How ground control points and photogrammetry software ensure accuracy
-Opportunities for drone service providers in forensic documentation

Calvin shares valuable insights from his extensive career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and discusses how modern drone technology is making scene documentation more efficient while saving departments time and resources.
Whether you're in law enforcement, a drone service provider, or simply interested in public safety applications of drone technology, this episode offers practical knowledge from real-world experience.

Connect with Calvin:
Duncan Parnell Public Safety: https://www.duncan-parnell.com/public-safety/public-safety-solutions?srsltid=AfmBOoqHj4QSImxyyQ3amj7nFEqzM8jZEGqQMDfs1cgm64kBkgd5b3Ao

📧 Have a question for the show?
Email: chris@dronelaunchacademy.com
Ask a question here: YDQA.io

YDQA: Ep 92- "What Compliance Requirements Apply to My Drone?" Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Are you confused about drone compliance in the United States?
In this episode of Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove breaks down the complex landscape of drone regulations, including:

🚁 Compliance Tiers for Drone Buyers: