In our annual Leaders Forum, we ask the experts to look ahead into 2024. Today it’s RPAS with Graeme Carleton.
After working in the aerial mapping service industry at the commencement geospatial career, Graeme Carleton’s passion for the emerging technology, using remotely piloted aircraft systems for survey applications, led him into solution sales. He leads the national team at C.R. Kennedy, ensuring new and existing clients have access to the latest and best solutions in market.
Spatial Source: What are the challenges are facing the sector, and what are the solutions?
Graeme Carleton: The market is crowded with many manufacturers of both hardware and software, all positioning themselves for a viable share. The challenge is being aware of the many options on offer, testing and evaluating, then choosing those to represent and bring to market. Our clients rely on our knowledgeable staff to present the best options possible to suit their unique business needs and applications.
SS: Which technologies or innovations are going to make their mark in 2024?
GC: The evolution of compact, light and less expensive airborne LiDAR payloads will most certainly lead to increased demand and subsequent uptake into surveyors’ RPAS fleets. LiDAR such as the Leica BLK2FLY, CHCNAV Alpha Air and DJI Zenmuse L2, allow for fast capture and minimal post-processing to increase efficiency substantially versus photogrammetry, and we can produce some very detailed models, even over vegetated environments. Evolving regulations for licensed ReOC (Remote Operators Certificate) holders for Extended Line of Sight (EVLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations will enable aerial mapping to be carried out with even more scope and with larger distances covered. This is supported by technology advancements, such as the DJI Dock range of remotely operated RPAS, and the long-range Wingtra VTOL drone.
SS: What’s on your wish list for 2024?
GC: Continual review and changes managed by CASA, in regards to removing confusion and arguably exorbitant costs for applications and approvals for operations outside the standard operating conditions. Whilst airspace safety is paramount, the technology advancements are tracking well ahead of the supporting regulations. This has resulted in lower adoption rates than we hoped for and some balance in this area would deliver great benefits to our clients.
SS: What are your customers and collaborators looking for in 2024?
GC: Like most recent years, our customers require solutions that enable them to deliver upon projects more efficiently, cost effective and safely. This is a responsibility we hold and promise to our clients. As we are at the forefront of the technology wave, we conduct our own research and tests before we offer a portfolio of options to market. The trust in this process and what we put forward is paramount to mutual success.
SS: What are your company’s plans or priorities for 2024?
GC: Our priority is stay ahead of the technology within our industry. We will continue to empower our employees, invest in new and emerging technology.
We work very closely with our existing clients and also give great focus on prospecting for new clients to align and work together. Our leading suppliers, Leica Geosystems, DJI, CHCNAV, Riegl, etc, continue to release innovative hardware and software. This is the key to the success of our business and clients. We will further develop these relationships so we can continue to offer our customers the best possible solutions in industry.
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