GPS World

Tag: GSS

  • Airbus Mobilizes Satellites to Help Locate Missing Airliner

    Airbus Defence and Space has mobilized five observation satellites to aid in the search for the missing Malaysian Airlines plane. The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8 during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

    The day after the aircraft disappeared,the very high-resolution Pléaides 1A and 1B satellites, the high-resolution SPOT 5 and 6 satellites, and the synthetic aperture radar satellites TerraSAR-X were programmed to take images of the search zone. All the data collected are analyzed by Airbus Defence and Space maritime experts and provided to the Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency (MRSA).

    The Pléiades images are also transferred via CNES, and TerraSAR-X images via DLR, to the Chinese Meteorological Administration, which requested the Disaster Charter activation on March 11.

    Since Sunday, March 9, the experts of Airbus Defence and Space have been analyzing the images taken by the optical and radar satellites. The radar satellites like TerraSAR-X are able to identify layers of hydrocarbon as well as any oil slick or metallic objects floating on the sea. The resolution of the optical satellites Pléiades 1A & 1B (50 cm after resampling) and SPOT 5 and 6 allow for identification and characterization of small objects over large surfaces.

  • Topcon Unveils New Features for MAGNET Enterprise

    MAGNET Enterprise - tablet_Topcon

    Topcon Positioning Group announces two new updates for MAGNET Enterprise — the cloud-based solution for managing field and office data in a web browser environment.  New to the system is the introduction of MAGNET Enterprise Mobile, an application for mobile devices, as well as new project management functions.

    MAGNET Enterprise Mobile is designed to allow users to take the central hub of the MAGNET system of solutions with them on the go. Oscar Cantu, Topcon software marketing manager, said, “The MAGNET Enterprise Mobile app takes the powerful software solution for exchanging data between the office and field through a cloud-based Company Account and puts it in the pocket of the user for easy access wherever they travel.” The app is available on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads.

    Another addition for both the full web browser solution, as well as the mobile version of MAGNET Enterprise, is the introduction of new project manager extensions.  Customers will have new functions for coordinating and overseeing their projects including: an overview dashboard for all active projects, a proposal writing and task-creation operation, task assignments, a project-specific dashboard, project calendar, project status reports, and user schedule and timecard applications.

    “MAGNET Enterprise has proven itself as an ideal solution for project managers overseeing the progression of multiple projects, managing company assets, safely storing and retrieving project related files and orchestrating daily efforts within their secure cloud-based Company Account.  Now, with the addition of these tools, MAGNET customers will meet deadlines, gain productivity and collaborate like never before,” said Cantu.

    “The project management oriented functionality, coupled with the introduction of the MAGNET Enterprise Mobile app is another step forward in the MAGNET system of solutions that brings together all facets of a company for unmatched collaboration.”

  • TomTom Launches Speed Cameras Service in Brazil

    TomTom has today announced its speed cameras service is now available in Brazil. Drivers will benefit from up-to-date warnings of nearby fixed and red light cameras, as well as speed enforcement zones.

    Car manufacturers can integrate the service in their in-dash and mobile navigation systems, TomTom said. Backed by OpenLR* technology, TomTom is able to pinpoint more than 17,000 speed cameras across Brazil.

    “Drivers in Brazil are now better equipped to make smarter decisions on every journey, keeping to the designated speed limit and avoiding costly fines,” commented Ralf-Peter Schaefer, VP of Traffic at TomTom. “The launch of this service adds to the real-time information available to Brazilian drivers; TomTom recently launched its world-class traffic information in Brazil, helping drivers avoid frustrating traffic jams and reach their destination faster.”

  • MicroSurvey Releases 2014 Survey Drafting Software

    MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014.
    MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014.

    MicroSurvey announces the release of MicroSurvey inCAD 2014 and MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014.

    MicroSurvey inCAD 2014 is a plugin that transforms AutoCAD into a survey and design powerhouse, MicroSroSurvey said. It adds the MicroSurvey feature set to the latest Autodesk software — including AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014, and AutoCAD Map 3D 2014 — to offer a complete survey drafting toolkit, including COGO, DTM, traversing, adjustments, volumes, contouring and more.

    MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014 is a standalone application powered with Autodesk technology that includes the latest AutoCAD OEM 2014 enhanced with the suite of MicroSurvey tools. Like inCAD 2014, it incorporates the full suite of survey drafting tools. MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014 includes a licensed copy of AutoCAD OEM 2014, and it opens and saves AutoCAD 2014 drawing files, so implementing it in existing AutoCAD environments is without conflicts.

    Both releases are built specifically for the demanding needs of land surveyors, contractors and civil engineers, and include many new features requested directly from customers. “Several years ago we implemented a transparent and easy to use online feedback forum where our customers could submit their ideas and suggestions for improvements to our products,” said Darcy Detlor, president of MicroSurvey. “The feedback system lets our users propose their feature requests and allows them to cast votes on any request that has been submitted. Requests with the most votes are given the highest priority and get our attention, ensuring that we are working on features that our customers really want.”

    MicroSurvey focused its development efforts on adding several new geodetic tools, hundreds of new coordinate systems, and geoid files. Users can now store and edit points using their latitude and longitude values, view combined scale factors and convergence angles at any point in their drawing or project database, and transform between ellipsoidal and orthometric elevations using geoid files. Other powerful new productivity tools include a 2D draw mode for creating a 2D drawing while maintaining 3D elevation data, as well as rescaling tools for changing the base drawing unit of an entire drawing or specific text.

    Both MicroSurvey inCAD 2014 and MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2014 are available in two feature levels — Premium and Standard — giving users the choice between two tiers of features to ensure they are getting precisely what they need.

    Free trial versions of the software can be downloaded from the MicroSurvey website.

  • Trimble Launches Online Platform for Geospatial Professionals

    Trimble-InSphere-O

    Trimble has introduced the InSphere platform for geospatial information management, a cloud-based software platform for central management of geospatial applications, data and services. Trimble says InSphere offers an innovative approach for central management of geospatial operations to improve workflow, maximize efficiency and transform the way geospatial professionals work and access critical operational information.

    The framework provides access to multiple applications, including three productivity apps: Trimble InSphere Data Manager, Trimble InSphere Equipment Manager and Trimble TerraFlex to simplify field data collection. In addition, Trimble Access Services provide a seamless data connection between surveyors in the field and managers in the office, the company said. InSphere allows organizations to manage everything in one place, accessible anytime and virtually anywhere.

    Geospatial customers in a range of industries — including surveying and engineering, natural resources management and mapping — now have easy access to productivity-enhancing applications. The secure, cloud-based system is easy to deploy and configure to meet the needs of any organization, Trimble said.

    “The centralized management, streamlined access and tailored toolsets of Trimble InSphere are designed to boost overall operating efficiency,” said Alain Samaha, business area director of software for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “Because geospatial information has the potential to transform organizations, we are simplifying access so the benefits of this information can be shared more readily with those who need it.”

    InSphere Data Manager. The Trimble InSphere Data Manager application improves access to geospatial information for the whole organization. Accessible anytime and anywhere through a desktop or mobile device, Data Manager allows organizations to manage geospatial data in one place, for easy access to previous project information and time saved in project management.

    The Trimble InSphere Data Manager can be used on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
    The Trimble InSphere Data Manager can be used on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

    InSphere Equipment Manager. The Trimble InSphere Equipment Manager application allows organizations to centrally manage their field devices. At a glance, surveying and mapping companies, can track equipment location, and view the current status of warranty, firmware and software for their fleet of field equipment.

    Trimble TerraFlex. Trimble TerraFlex is a scalable cloud-based solution for everyday mobile field data collection. TerraFlex addresses a wide variety of field requirements including attribute-rich GIS data collection on a variety of common field devices. With an online data repository and streamlined toolset for creating custom digital form templates, TerraFlex keeps the data flow standardized and streamlined for effective project organization.

    Trimble Access Services. The perfect complement to Trimble Access field software and Trimble Business Center desktop software, Trimble Access services assist users with day-to-day workflows. Users can wirelessly transfer survey files between the field and office to ensure access to the most up-to-date data.

  • FOSS4G Europe Conference Set for July

    The FOSS4G (Free and Open Source for Geospatial) Europe Conference, Europe’s largest ever event on free geospatial and location-based software, will be held at Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany, from July 15 through 17, 2014. Also at this conference, the winners of the NASA World Wind Europa Challenge will present their innovative apps to the public.

    More than 500 delegates are expected. The FOSS4G-Europe conference not only attracts software developers and open-source service companies, but also industry and governmental agencies, who increasingly recognize the value and cost savings potential of open-source software. “We are proud and excited to have the honour of organizing the first pan-European FOSS4G,” said Conference Chair Prof. Dr. Peter Baumann, head of the Large-Scale Scientific Information Systems (L-SIS) Research Group at Jacobs. Adds Organizing Committee Chair and L-SIS group member Susanne Ebrecht, “This event actually will contribute to bridging gaps between open-source and commercial software worlds.” The main financial support is coming from the transatlantic Big Geo Data initiative, EarthServer, funded by the European Commission. Additionally, sponsors are being invited from industry, government, and other organizations.

    FOSS4G is a conference series held under the auspices of OSGeo, a worldwide acting, independent, nonprofit legal entity established to support the collaborative development of open source geospatial software and promote its widespread use. Its international Board of Directors is elected by OSGeo Charter Members, one of whom is Prof. Dr. Peter Baumann. Following an outstandingly successful FOSS4G-CEE, for Central and Eastern Europe, in Bucharest in the summer of 2013, it was decided to widen the scope to a pan-European event next year. With more than 500 participants, this will be the largest event of its kind in history, only surpassed by the global FOSS4G conference. As part of this activity network, continental FOSS4G events are being held in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

    The NASA World Wind Europa Challenge is an annual programming competition organized by NASA, Patrick Hogan, and Prof. Maria Brovelli, University Como, Italy. The challenge is to develop solutions that serve the spatial data needs of the European Community and respond to the INSPIRE Directive. Solutions sought will use NASA’s World Wind, an open-source virtual globe like Google Earth. Data used should relate to INSPIRE, the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe. Examples of applications include a wildfire management tool, a tool for urban management, and tools for weather display and climate research.

    The term free and open-source software denotes computer programs that, together with their blueprint (called the program’s source code), can be distributed without ownership limitations and can be modified and improved by anybody. This prevents from software vendor dependencies and typically leverages resources from developer communities whose passion it is to continuously improve freely available software. As universities frequently are engaged in open-source projects, it is not uncommon that such projects actually define the state of the art. Prominent examples include the Apache Web server and the rasdaman array database system.

  • FAA Enforcement Action Dimissed against Commercial Drone User

    March 7, 2014 Update: WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Federal Aviation Administration today issued a notice appealing a decision by an NTSB Administrative Law Judge in the civil penalty case, Huerta v. Pirker. “The FAA is appealing the decision of an NTSB Administrative Law Judge to the full National Transportation Safety Board, which has the effect of staying the decision until the Board rules. The agency is concerned that this decision could impact the safe operation of the national airspace system and the safety of people and property on the ground.”

    ————————————

    PirkerCover

    On March 6, 2014, Federal Judge Patrick Geraghty dismissed a case the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) brought against Raphael Pirker, accusing Pirker of illegally using a drone to make a video of the University of Virginia. The FAA attempted to levy a fine of $10,000 against Pirker, described in an article published in Geospatial Solutions in December 2013.

    Brendan Schulman, Pirker’s attorney, told Geospatial Solutions, “The FAA’s position on this is based on a policy statement, not an enforceable regulation.”

    Judge Geraghty agreed, stating the following in his finding (download the PDF):

    1. Neither the Part 1, Section 1.1, or the 49 U.S.C. Section 40102(a)(6) definitions of “aircraft” are applicable to, or include a model aircraft within their respective definition.

    2. Model aircraft operation by Respondent was subject only to the FAA’s requested voluntary compliance with the Safety Guidelines stated in AC 91-57.

    3. As Policy Notices 05-01 and 08-01 were issued and intended for internal guidance for FAA personnel, they are not a jurisdictional basis for asserting Part 91 FAR enforcement authority on model aircraft operations.

    4. Policy Notice 07-01 does not establish a jurisdictional basis for asserting Part 91, Section 91.13(a) enforcement to Respondent’s model aircraft operation, as the Notice is either (a) as it states, a Policy Notice/Statement and hence non-binding, or (b) an invalid attempt of legislative rulemaking, which fails for non-compliance with the requirement of 5 U.S.C. Section 533, Rulemaking.

    5. Specifically, that at the time of Respondent’s model aircraft operation, as alleged herein, there was no enforceable FAA rule or FAR Regulation applicable to model aircraft or for classifying model aircraft as an UAS.

    Upon the findings and conclusions reached, I hold that Respondent’s Motion to Dismiss must be AFFIRMED.

    IT IS ORDERED THAT:

    1. Respondent’s Motion to Dismiss be, and hereby is: GRANTED

    2. Complainant’s Order of Assessment be, and hereby is: VACATED AND SET ASIDE

    3. This proceeding be, and is: TERMINATED WITH PREJUDICE.

    ENTERED this 6th day of March, 2014, at Denver, Colorado.

    Patrick G. Geraghty
    Judge

  • Esri Interactive Map Provides Geographic Look at Ukraine and Crimea

    Esri has made available an interactive map of Ukraine that explores the events, locations and differences in languages in Crimea and Ukraine.

  • GIS in the Cloud

    Geospatial Capability Without the Heavy Overhead

     

    Capistrano

    In the early 1990s, when I was the GIS manager for the Atlanta Regional Commission, I saw many counties and municipalities get into financial and political trouble by jumping into expensive “Cadillac” GIS operations without understanding the pitfalls. Occasionally the euphoria of the cutting-edge technology gave way to panic, as some local governments lost their GIS managers to fatter paychecks, leaving a GIS that no one could operate. That’s why I recommended that GIS newbies take baby steps first, starting with simple low-cost systems such as ArcView I and II fed with free GIS data from state or federal agencies. As their experience and comfort level grew, they could then ease into six-figure GIS operations with full aerial imagery collects. Although, to a lesser extent, the same pitfall still exists today.

    A somewhat analogous situation existed in the early days of the Internet with organizations wanting their own websites. To have a website, an organization had to hire or have in-house HTML programming talent. The process was slow and expensive, and changes to the website could only be made by the HTML programmers. Today, numerous services such as www.wix.com or www.web.com permit anyone to build and update their own websites in the cloud without HTML experience.

    The same kind of capability was needed for geospatial applications. ESRI, Intergraph, TerraGo, Google and others have provided online geospatial tools, but not the kind of environment that would encourage mass adoption. Digital Map Products, Inc., of Irvine, California, sort of backed into the vacuum with several web service solutions (LandVision, GovClarity and CommunityView) that embed GIS functions into real-world workflows to deliver geospatial capabilities for non-GIS professionals.

    These services grew out of years of experience in the geospatial data business. In 1990, DMP started work as a data collector and integrator of parcel-level data. DMP developed public-private partnerships with county governments to continually update and share this valuable GIS data with a variety of public and private users. As a result, it now maintains one of the largest nationwide parcel boundary databases available. From these beginnings, DMP started creating applications around the data and deploying them through the Internet for the real-estate industry and local governments. DMP products became an authoritative and continuously updated source of parcel data that was quickly adopted by many counties, municipalities, home builders, commercial brokers, utilities and even some federal agencies.

    Experience with cloud-based geospatial delivery services such as LandVision caused DMP to realize that it had a potentially powerful capability that could be expanded to meet broader local government needs. This led to the development of an entirely new generation of services, GovClarity and CommunityView, which drilled even deeper into the day-to-day work processes needed by governments.  These two cloud-based services provide GIS capabilities that could only be matched by a strong in-house GIS team with considerable hardware and software support. GovClarity provides enterprise GIS tools and capabilities to municipal employees, while CommunityView improves public service by providing map-based query tools and information open to all public users.

    Talking with several users of the three services, I learned that GovClarity and CommunityView are seeing increased adoption by local governments. Just like current website publication services, the DMP cloud-based services are providing GIS capabilities to customers without the headaches and expense of maintaining their own in-house GIS team. DMP does the heavy lifting by combining established geospatial services such as Bing and Pictometry, overlaying locally produced data, and then delivering the total package with custom-designed interfaces. The service, delivered through the local government’s website, is designed to be intuitive even by non-GIS staff members and constituents.

    The City of San Juan Capistrano, California, is a good example that you can view for yourself. The site integrates Bing ortho imagery with street centerline data, and parcels and links to oblique views from Pictometry. There are numerous local data layers such as tracts, neighborhood associations, trash pick-up, hiking trails, and many others. The interface is limited but very easy to navigate for non-GIS users.

    A nice feature is linked videoclips of their trails so a user can do a virtual walk/ride through in preparation for actual use (see image below).

    Capistrano video link

    For those who want to extend the capabilities of GovClarity and CommunityView, DMP provides API access to its underlying platform for further customization. There is even a capability to connect GovClarity to ArcGIS to leverage all GIS assets within the organization.

    Talking with San Juan Capistrano’s City Engineer, Ziad Mazboudi, PE, about his experience with GovClarity and CommunityView, he cited several uses and benefits that the city experienced. GovClarity is being used as a GIS viewing and analysis platform by all departments without the need for separate GIS software or dedicated GIS staff. Users can view imagery and city data, do measurements, and update both feature and attribute data. The city has one GIS technician who builds local data layers that are uploaded to DMP for inclusion in GovClarity and CommunityView. Additionally, use of both ortho and oblique imagery with change detection has proved to be a powerful tool for code enforcement. As you can imagine, GovClarity is also a strong visualization environment for commission and public meetings. They project maps, ortho and oblique imagery on a big screen as an interactive viewing environment so everyone can see and quickly comprehend the issues being discussed.

    CommunityView is the city’s public access site. The city has terminals at the front counters of many public offices that permit citizens to view and print maps and imagery. This has significantly reduced the time and difficulty answering questions and responding to the public. The same site is available 24/7 through home computers, and has resulted in strong customer satisfaction.

    Many large counties have sophisticated geospatial operations, but the bottom line being the bottom line, those kinds of systems are not always practical for small municipalities and agencies. Ziad was pleased to report that building the city’s geospatial capability using a traditional in-house GIS department would have cost four to five times as much as the DMP cloud service.

    Does DMP have a perfect solution? I don’t know, but time will tell. A downside is the need to maintain Internet connectivity, but DMP is working to build a work-around by caching data locally for limited periods of time in its mobile and tablet-based applications. DMP may or may not be a perfect solution, but the company seems to have hit a sweet spot with local governments and other clients by meeting their needs with a low-cost, low-risk and easy-to-use option. I believe DMP is worth your serious consideration.

    R/Art

    P.S.  I’m going to attend GEOINT in Tampa next month. If you see me, please stop and say hello. I enjoy meeting my readers.

     

     

  • GammaTech Offers 15.6-Inch Semi-Rugged Notebook

    GammaTech_S15H_Side_LR.jpg

    GammaTech Computer Corp., an international manufacturer and supplier of notebook and tablet computers, has added the S15H: a 15.6-inch semi-rugged Durabook notebook with high-definition resolution that takes full advantage of the Intel Haswell CPU. The S15H is designed for rugged applications and environments.

    “The S15H was designed to fill a need for a 15-inch monitor in the marketplace,” said Paul Kim, GammaTech vice president of marketing. “Many companies and organizations have legacy software programs that were designed for 15-inch monitors with no way to run them. The S15H provides a solution to this problem, while eliminating the need and expense of modifying how legacy systems display.”

    The S15H notebook’s full high-definition (1920 x 1080 resolution) 15.6-inch LED display with Intel compliant high-definition stereo audio, built-in microphone, and Intel integrated graphics controller, plus nVidia Optimus technology ensures incredible image detail and crisp reproduction, even for the most graphic-intense situations, including 3D, GammaTech said.

    Replacing Intel’s Ivy Bridge, the Haswell CPU is the first SoCs that is made specifically to take advantage of Intel’s 22nm process technology. It features a new core, new graphics, and substantial changes to the platform in terms of memory and power delivery as well as power management. That means consumers or businesses using the GammaTech S15H notebook can expect faster computing and graphics, and longer battery life in a sleek form factor, GammaTech said.

    The use of a USB 3.0 connector allows the S15H notebook to transfer data very fast, GammaTech said. With a “SuperSpeed” transfer mode, USB 3.0 is capable of transferring data at up to 5Gbit/sec., more than 10 times as fast as the 480 Mbit/sec. top speed of USB 2.0. Plus, with its increased bandwidth, USB 3.0 is able to use two unidirectional data paths: one for receiving data, the other for transmitting. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices.

    The Durabook S15H notebook has a magnesium alloy case 20 times stronger than ABS plastic. The unit is tested to military standard 810G for drop and shock resistance. Its keyboard, buttons and indicators are spill resistant. Its flexible HDD cable design absorbs shock from drops, providing protection for important data, while anti-shock mounting technology around the LCD helps protect the display from accidental damage.

    Other rugged features include an exclusive optical disk-tray lock that prevents unintentional tray eject from drop and vibration; double-protection smart battery circuitry, which prevents damage caused by current or voltage surges and overheating; and smart battery calibration that helps fight the loss of battery capacity after repeated charge-discharge cycles.

    The Durabook S15H notebook comes with an Intel 4th Generation iCore CPU M series with Intel HM86 chipset. Two dual-channel DDR III SODIMM slots provide 2, 4, 8, or 16GB of memory. An internal optical media device accommodates a DVD super-multi drive (DVD-R/CD-RW/DVD-RW/DVD+RW_DL/DVD-RAM).

    The S15H notebook can be used virtually anywhere thanks to wireless communications such as integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, an Intel Mini-Express wireless LAN network connection, and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. A WWAN 3G module is also available. The SIM card is secured behind a security-screwed door.

    System security is provided by internal TPM 1.2 data security protection, as well as a Kensington lock connector and both administrator and boot password control.

  • National Atlas and Map to Merge into One Source

    USGS_National_Map-O

    During this year, National Atlas of the United States and The National Map will transition into a combined single source for geospatial and cartographic information. This transformation is projected to streamline access to maps, data and information from the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP). The move will prioritize the the agency’s civilian mapping role and consolidate core investments, the agency said.

    The USGS will continue its long history of providing topographic maps, geospatial data and other geographic information by offering a range of scales and layers of geospatial information on The National Map Viewer and through US Topo maps. As a result of the conversion to an integrated single source for geospatial and cartographic information, nationalatlas.gov will be removed from service on September 30, 2014.

    USGS_National_Map-T“We recognize how important it is for citizens to have access to the cartographic and geographic information of our nation. We are committed to providing that access through nationalmap.gov,” said Mark DeMulder, NGP director.

    “We value the National Atlas customers and stakeholders and want to make this transition as easy as possible,” explained Jay Donnelly, the National Atlas Program Manager. “We will post updates to The National Map and National Atlas Websites as this transition unfolds, including information on the future availability of the products and services currently delivered by nationalatlas.gov.”

    Further information is available at http://nationalatlas.gov/transitionfaq.html.

  • FAA Says Commercial Drone Operations Are Illegal… Public Says So What?

    March 6, 2014 update: On March 6, 2014 Federal Judge Patrick Geraghty ruled against the FAA in its case against Rapheal Pirker, opening up commercial use of drones in the U.S.

    March 3, 2014 update: On February 26, 2014, the FAA published “Busting Myths about the FAA and Unmanned Aircraft” in an effort to clarify its position on commercial use of drones in the U.S.

    Forgive me for circling back on the the topic of drone use for commercial mapping in the U.S., but I’m drawn to it like a bee to honey. Perhaps it’s because I used to fly airplanes, or because drone technology encompasses a lot of the technology I’m involved with: GNSS, inertial navigation, GIS, imagery. Be that as it may, the most intriguing aspect of this issue in the U.S. is that seemingly law-abiding citizens are knowingly (or unknowningly) disregarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) firm stance that no commercial drone operations are allowed.

    According to the FAA, it doesn’t matter if the drone flies under 400 feet. It doesn’t matter if an operator only flies the drone above his/her own property. It doesn’t matter if the drone operator doesn’t charge for the service. If its business-related (such as mapping your fields), it’s illegal, according to the FAA.

    But, who cares?

    Late last year, Fox News published a story about a farmer in Idaho who uses a drone he built to monitor activities on his farm. According to the report, he’s not waiting around for the FAA “to work out rules for drones.” Countless U.S. start-up companies are promoting their mapping drones by either selling drones (MarcusUAV, Honeycomb, VoltAerial Robotics, Precision Drone, etc.) or selling services to process data collected by drones (such as DroneMapper).

    Last week, online magazine Politico published an article appropriately titled “FAA Risks Losing the Drone War.” The article summarizes that as much as the FAA wants to tell you it’s illegal to fly drones commercially, people are doing it anyway. They aren’t sneaking around trying to hide it! High-profile people have openly used drones without regard to the FAA’s opinion. Martin Scorsese reportedly hired a drone service company to shoot one of the scenes in the 2013 movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

    Last year, NBC News published an article entitled “Damn the regulations! Drones plying US skies without waiting for FAA rules.” In the article, they quote an anonymous operator.

    “Honestly?” said one commercial operator, who requested anonymity to protect his business. “My hope is that I’m far afield enough and small enough potatoes to the FAA that I can fly under the radar on this one.”

    I think that’s the most honest statement I’ve read so far, and that’s probably the attitude of nearly every operator who is flying drones commercially in the U.S., even as they attempt to justify how they are legally (or illegally) dancing around the FAA rules.

    The FAA has to take the majority of the blame for letting this happen. Perhaps it’s intentional? A “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy? There seem to have been very few enforcement actions taken by the FAA. In November 2013, I requested a list of enforcement actions from the FAA regarding UAVs. Despite giving me delivery dates, nothing has arrived and I’m told I won’t likely see anything from the agency. In an article published by BusinessWeek last week entitled “The FAA Finds Commercial Drone Flights Hard to Police,” BusinessWeek reports that the FAA informed the magazine that it took action “17 times in 13 months ending July.” Furthermore, the article quotes a former FAA employee involved with drones as saying “The reality is, there is no way to patrol it.”

    March 3, 2014 Update: On February 26, 2014, the FAA published “Busting Myths about the FAA and Unmanned Aircraft”.

    Thanks, and see you next time.

    Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GPSGIS_Eric