Advanced technology has increasingly become a great tool to deal with numerous challenges that humankind faces today. From scientific advancements to industrial applications to something as crucial as national security, the prevalence of technology is impossible to miss. It has permeated every sphere of life, and its overall applicability has only made life easier for people.
Nowhere has the presence of technology been more apparent and widespread than in the security and surveillance sectors. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or commercial drones, as they are commonly known, have played a vital role in the technological boom in these specific places.
What are Drones?
As the name suggests, unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is an automated aircraft. What makes them unique is their capability to be remotely controlled. Drones come in various shapes and sizes. While industrial and military drones are much larger and designed for more tenacious objectives, commercial drones are smaller and perfect for urban use.
Drones were initially designed for military activities, but their diverse use in various projects and technological prowess has made them highly adaptable to other essential activities. As they are used for multiple activities, the design and shape of the drones are oriented towards a set of specific purposes. Some of the most common types of drones are:
- Multi-rotor drones
- Fixed wing drones
- Single-rotor drones
- Fixed-wing VTOL
As mentioned above, drones have become an essential component in maintaining the security of a city as governmental and private security services extensively use them.
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How are Drones Employed for Security?
1. City Layout
The first challenge faced by the city’s administrative and security officials is to have an updated map of the place. Without proper mapping, security services will face challenges such as vagrant blind spots, delays in rescue missions, identification of critical areas in an urban setting, etc.
Additionally, real-time updates are hard to come by if adequate space isn’t covered properly. Since government security agencies like police and traffic function on a limited budget, affording helicopters and advanced vehicles can be challenging.
With the applicability of drones, city mapping can become extremely easy and cost-effective. The services of various drones can be employed to scour the city and provide necessary updates at a swift pace.
Reliable educational websites like DroneFlyer constantly offer updated information on the latest implementation of drones across various industries. This allows drone enthusiasts to keep a tab on cutting-edge technology and events related to drones, allowing them to learn about this modern equipment.
2. Hunting Suspects
Drones function as moveable CCTV cameras; hence their applicability for security and surveillance is exceedingly crucial. When it comes to apprehending suspects and culprits, the assistance of drones can provide valuable intelligence and guide the police to spots where they are required.
Drones are challenging to locate with the naked eye and are noise-free, so they are a more potent option for identifying the location of criminals and fugitives than helicopters. Camera enabled with auto-mapping technology can significantly improve the authorities’ chances of apprehending suspects.
In doing so, drones can help prevent heinous crimes and assist the police in making any city safe and secure, regardless of size.
3. Performing Investigations
The surveying and mapping capacity of drones is unparalleled with any other similar apparatus; hence their services can also be included in performing critical criminal investigations. Collecting and identifying evidence can be a challenge for the authorities.
However, with drones, evidence that is missed on the ground can be easily caught in the air. The time constraints previously in place that delayed the investigation of a case can get fast-tracked since drones use 3D imaging and low-light features. Additionally, drones are equipped with 4K videos, and the image resolution is high compared to traditional imaging.
However, the most important advantage of using drones for investigation is the fact that they save so much time, and due to the scale of technology involved, they are highly accurate.
4. Traffic Management
In urban spaces, traffic can impact every one regardless of whether you own a vehicle or not. Additionally, managing traffic can be a real headache for the city authorities, given the sheer scale of the problem involved. Traffic management can often lead to safety and security issues, including crashes and unfortunate accidents.
To prevent all these mishaps, drones are incorporated into the service of traffic officials. Since drones provide an overhead view and are cheaper than other recourses, they can be used in bulk to constantly monitor traffic flow and assist the officials on the ground to maneuver the traffic in an organized manner.
Moreover, drones can monitor car speeds and inform ground staff about violators.
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5. Searching and Rescuing
Drones offer the maximum coverage and control over the skies. Hence, they are the perfect device for the authorities to employ for search and rescue missions. More often than not, rescue operations take place around remote areas with rough terrain.
It gets increasingly difficult to cover the terrain and search for the missing individuals. Additionally, time is an essential factor during such circumstances. That said, drones are quick and can cover a large area quickly. They can also be used at night since drones possess thermal cameras and lighting.
The success of drones in search and rescue efforts has resulted in the device’s widespread applicability for this specific purpose.
6. Assistance to Fire Department
Along with assisting the police and traffic officials, drones can benefit fire departments. The technologies embedded in a drone can be used in many ways or for various reasons. Thermal imaging can be used to discover a fire hot spot or redirect resources to a location where the fire is more severe.
Additionally, drones can collaborate with local police and firefighters to assist the victims accordingly. The fire department is also called into action during natural calamities like hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones to provide rescue and rehabilitation. Drones can quickly identify stranded people and send adequate help during such events.
Conclusion
Drones have exceedingly improved the safety and security of a city. Their application has intensely helped security agencies and ushered in an era of technologically driven surveillance. The scope of drone technology for security is enormous and can be applied in various sectors.
