Latest Drone Updates: Iceland, Avata 2, and Drone Revolution in Asheville Hurricane Response, Explored!
This week, we're chatting about a sick video showing some FPV cliff and waterfall dives in Iceland using the DJI Avata 2. Holy sh*t, the footage is wild! The video, brought to you by drone enthusiast @gigeorgiev, showcases the breathtaking, chaos-inducing landscapes Iceland offers aerial photographers. Keep this dream destination on your bucket list, drone fans!
Drones also made a huge impact during Hurricane Helene's rampage through Asheville in 2024. The Asheville Police Department relied on 13 DJI Docks to scan flooded neighborhoods from the sky. These drones guided rescue teams, prevented looting, and mapped over 2,000 acres of damage while identifying crucial waterways, submerged vehicles, and debris. As Chief Mike Lamb put it, "The drones didn't just show us the damage-they showed us where to start rebuilding." For more details, check out DJI's article
Say farewell to the iconic Phantom series as DJI retires its last two models, the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced. These drones paved the way for aerial photography back in 2012, eventually becoming a mainstay in the sky. Their "pillow-and-legs" design might be a thing of the past, but their impact will continue to resonate[#LearnMore2].
Buckle up because the Pyramids of Giza might be hiding a massive underground city! Italian and Scottish researchers made this claim using advanced aerial radar techniques. The discovery, made using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), uncovered a network of shafts, chambers, and multi-level complexes beneath the plateau. Keep in mind that the findings are controversial, with some experts questioning the technology's ability to penetrate such depths[#LearnMore3].
Don't miss my panel, "Smarter Inspections: Leveraging Robotics, AI, and Advanced Sensors for Oil & Gas Asset Maintenance," taking place during AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston. We'll be discussing real-world use cases, expert insights, and tips for incorporating drones and robotics into your operations. Swing by room 361-D on May 20, from 3:30-4:20PM CDT for theImplementation & Value Track. Make sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter so you don't miss weekly roundups like this one[#SeeTheProgram]!
- The DJI Avata 2 drone, used for FPV cliff and waterfall dives in Iceland, exemplifies the incredible potential of technology in aerial photography.
- During Hurricane Helene's devastation in Asheville in 2024, DJI's technology-equipped drones were instrumental in guiding rescue teams, preventing looting, and mapping the damage.
- The retirement of the Phantom series, pioneers in aerial photography, offers a glimpse into how far drone technology has come since 2012.
- Groundbreaking aerial radar technology has uncovered a possible underground city beneath the Pyramids of Giza, sparking debate within the archaeological community about its accuracy.
