While reading through the AR Drone
senseFly is also working with another
USA site I happened upon an interest-
Parrot Group partner, Pix4D, which has
ing announcement, ‘senseFly profes-
has developed a suite of software which
sional UAV from $8,999‘. I immediate-
can create a flight path and take 2D
ly linked to the SenseFly site and was
geotagged images and then process
pleasantly surprised to discover details
them into 3D maps. When senseFly’s
on the eBee, a new UAV to be launched
UAVs are allowed into civilian airspace,
at the beginning of 2013.
there are a myriad or uses:
On further investigation I have learned that the Parrot Group have partnered with senseFly and invested $5.3 million to help senseFly grow. I understand their plan is to develop a high volume manufacturing capability and fund rapid growth and new product development.
- Aerial photography - Mapping - Mine and quarry surveys - Emergency response - Agricultural and cattle monitoring - Remote sensing - Surveying (general and archeological) - Urban and regional planning - Infrastructure management
The eBee is the first such product from this joint venture. The 3’ wingspan eBee can fly for 45 minutes in 45km/hr winds, and will enable users to take their own aerial photos and produce precise ortho-mosaics and 3D models.
For drones like the eBee to be feasible, civilian airspace needs to be opened. Then the sky begins to offer unique perspectives to view and understand our environment. I feel it won’t be too long before aerial images and data can
Unfortunately the US is excluded from
be captured at low cost, anywhere and
the global network of resellers because
at any time without the use of complex
of FAA regulatory limitations. The eBee
infrastructure or long preparation times
is being targeted at the special needs
and then transformed into accurate
of mining and surveying professionals
and useful management tools, maps
because of its wind resistance and ro-
and surveys.
bustness, high precision 3D image processing and mission planning software. www.sketchUcation.com
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