Initially developed for military purposes, drones have now found applications in commercial and industrial sectors. . 

Commercial drones are mainly used for aerial photography, surveying, and delivery services while industrial drones are used in construction, inspection, and surveying of oil rigs and pipelines. 

On the other hand, military drones are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and carrying out airstrikes. These drones have transformed the way many industries operate, providing cost-effective, efficient, and safe solutions for tasks that were previously impossible or difficult to accomplish.

With technology continuing to advance, it is expected that the use of drones will only continue to grow and expand.

Commercial Drone Applications

Photography and videography

• Cinematography
  Filmmaking is a field where drones have greatly increased efficiency and output by allowing for the capture of previously inaccessible angles.
• Wedding and Events
  To capture breathtaking aerial shots of the ceremony and reception, drone photography is employed. Weddings and other events that take place in scenic locations can greatly benefit from aerial photography and videography.
• Advertising
  Drones are increasingly being used by the advertising industry. Drone-captured stills and motion are used to produce more impressive and informative content.
• Promotional Photography
  Aerial photography and videography are excellent promotional tools. Drones’ ability to capture stunningly detailed images from above has been shown to increase sales by capturing the attention of consumers.

Surveying and mapping

• Aerial LiDAR
  The combination of drone and LiDAR technology allows for mapping surveys to be generated as 3D models with a precision on the order of centimetres. Flying a drone 100–200 metres above the ground allows for precise mapping and surveying.
• 3D Modelling
  When high-accuracy cadastral maps need to be generated rapidly and easily, even in difficult-to-access environments, survey drones can create high-resolution orthomosaics and detailed 3D models.
• Metro Map
  Drones are used to conduct comprehensive surveys, take measurements and draw boundaries, and georeference the area, all while taking aerial photographs and videos for use in creating metro maps.
• Mining
  Surveying, inspecting assets, mapping terrain, estimating stockpiles, and keeping an eye on things are just some of the many uses for industrial-grade drones on mining sites. They reduce overhead costs and boost productivity by providing birds-eye views of mines from above.
• Landfill Sites
  Mapping with drones is used at landfills to spot problems before they become serious, protecting workers. It finds environmental risks, such as leaching chemicals and gases, before they can cause harm or high costs.

Industrial Drone Applications

Asset Inspection

Drones can perform detailed visual inspections of a wide variety of assets, allowing for the rapid detection of flaws like cracks, structural problems, leaks, damaged tiles, corrosion, and so on.

Roof Inspection

Using this aerial system, inspectors can get to hard-to-reach areas, such as roofs. This not only saves a ton of time but also drastically lessens the likelihood of injury.

Power Station, Transmission and Distribution

By using drones, technicians can inspect transmission lines from the safety of the ground and determine the cause of any malfunctions before ascending to make repairs. As a result, drones speed up and improve efficiency during maintenance.

Telco and Radio Towers Inspection

High-resolution images can be captured during a drone tower inspection, allowing businesses to analyse the reports and make educated decisions based on the findings.

Oil & Gas Industries

Using drones to conduct oil and gas inspections allows for more regular and rapid data collection, which in turn extends the useful life of the assets inspected. With this, we have less downtime and fewer potential dangers.

Military Drone Applications

Surveillance

The military employs drones for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance to spy on the enemy and keep tabs on their movements.

Target Acquisition

Drones in the military are fitted with high-resolution cameras and sensors that can detect and track targets from a distance, providing crucial data to military planners.

Reconnaissance

Military drones can fly reconnaissance missions from the sky, giving troops a better look at their surroundings and helping them avoid harm.

Search and Rescue

Drones used in the military can aid in the search for missing people and provide crucial information to rescue workers.

Supply Drops

Military drones can also transport essentials to outposts housing armed forces.

Border Patrol

Drones used by the military can keep an eye on the border and report back any suspicious activity, which can help cut down on smuggling and illegal immigration.

Humanitarian Aid

Delivering food, medicine, and other necessities to areas hit by natural disasters is a perfect use case for military drones.

Environmental Monitoring

Drones used in the military have found other uses in environmental monitoring, such as tracking wildlife, keeping tabs on deforestation, and measuring pollution levels.

Training

Armed forces personnel can benefit greatly from aerial training with the help of military drones.

Research and Development

Drones used in the military can also be put to scientific use, boosting both technological and military advancement.

Conclusion

The versatility and mobility of drones make them an attractive solution for many industries. 

Drones are now well-known tools for aerial photography, real estate inspections, and delivery services in the commercial sector. In the industrial sector, drones can be used for inspection and maintenance of oil rigs, wind turbines, and pipelines. 

In the military, drones provide real-time situational awareness, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. 

The continued development and advancements in drone technology are likely to open up new opportunities and applications in the future, making drones an indispensable tool for various industries.