Drones have come a long way over the past 10 years. What was once considered a novelty or futuristic gadget has now become an innovative game changer that is reshaping the way industries operate. From surveying farmlands to inspecting towering skyscrapers, agriculture and construction are, respectively, leading the way in drone technology adoption—but they’re far from the only industries to do so. These uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have rapidly become indispensable in industries that require efficiency, precision and innovation to take them to new heights—literally and figuratively. See how Vaughn’s engineering and UAS certification programs can help students become prepared to design and operate drones in any field.  

Agriculture: Precision Farming from the Sky

Today’s farmers are turning to the skies for smarter solutions, as precision farming—or precision agriculture—has become a crucial factor for helping them manage their fields. In an era where farmers must produce more crops—but with fewer resources—this high-tech approach of precision farming is making agriculture more efficient, productive and sustainable by optimizing crop yield, reducing waste and managing farmland more effectively.

Let’s look at some key drone applications that are helping farmers increase productivity, cut costs and reduce environmental impact: 

• Crop Health Monitoring—Equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras, drones provide a bird’s eye view to detect plant stress, disease or pest infestations before they are visible to the naked eye, thus minimizing crop loss.
• Field Mapping and Soil Analysis—High-resolution aerial imaging allows farmers to create accurate maps of farm fields to assess soil conditions, moisture levels, topography and any problem areas. This crucial information helps farmers optimize their planting patterns and irrigation planning. 
• Precision Spraying—This application is a real agricultural game changer, as drones provide an environmentally-friendly application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers with pinpoint accuracy. This not only saves money but also supports more sustainable farming practices.
• Aerial Seeding—Drones are equipped with seed-dispensing mechanisms. These disburse seeds over large areas, particularly on land that is hard to reach by traditional equipment or on uneven terrain. This modern technique of precision farming is making reforestation, and soil restoration faster and more efficient. 
• Livestock Surveillance—This technique uses drones to monitor, track, and manage animals across large or remote grazing areas–without stepping foot in the field. This is a cost-effective solution that enhances efficiency, animal health and safety.

Construction: Building Smarter and Safer from the Ground-Up

Drones are leading the way in the construction industry by making operations and procedures smarter, faster and safer. The ability of this technology to provide real-time insights and prevent accidents is not just improving safety, it’s saving lives. From pre-construction planning to final inspections, drones are taking project planning, progress tracking and safety monitoring to a new level. 

Here are but a few key drone applications that are improving operational visibility, enhancing safety and driving efficiency in the construction industry:

• Site Surveying and Mapping—Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras produce 2D Ortho mosaic maps and 3D models that help with faster project planning and more accurate estimating of costs, and all within a few hours—not days. 
• Real-time Progress Tracking—Aerial monitoring provides a detailed snapshot of the site by creating visual timelines and progress reports. These updates give stakeholders critical information to help them make timely decisions—even when they are off-site.
• Structural Inspections for Enhanced Safety—Drones can enhance site safety by inspecting high-risk, hard-to-reach areas like rooftops and scaffolding—without endangering workers. Through routine inspections, drones can identify potential hazards early, which enhances safety at the site and for workers. 
• Smarter Project Management—Drones help project managers with data-driven decision-making that can detect and halt any issues before they escalate. Examples of this include helping to track equipment, materials and supplies on-site, as well as improving logistical planning and reducing the risk of theft or misplacement.
• Site Safety Monitoring—Drones offer a faster, safer and more comprehensive way to monitor working conditions by providing real-time insights and preventing accidents. With the ability to scan large areas quickly, drones can identify hazards, monitor worker activity and ensure compliance with safety protocols in real time.

Want more?

Check out these drone-related careers that pay over $100K.

Listen to our Futureproof Focus Podcast: Women Who Drone: An Inspiring Story of Passion and Empowerment, and Preparing Students for Drone Careers. 

Are you interested in a career with drones? At Vaughn, our Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Design, Application and Operation Certificate can put you behind the controls as a drone pilot, as along with our many engineering degree programs to make your career soar. Apply to Vaughn College today!