Our Service Portfolio:
DroneIT South Africa is a full-service drone solution company. We offer drone pilot training and drone application services and we are licensed and accredited by the Department of Transport and South African Civil Aviation Authority. Our licenses and certificates include:
- Air Service License (ASL) number – G1412D
- UAS Operations Certificate (UOC) – CAA/G1412D
- Authorized Training Organization (ATO) – SACAA/1509/ATO
Asset Inspections
Asset inspections follow a process for which we use software which can be integrated with the company’s inhouse software for digital twinning. The inspection (Drone flight) is a small part of producing useful information. The process starts with the client engagement and the planning process.
The assets to be inspected are geolocated and data about the asset (mast type, height etc.) are recorded and the inspection process planned for optimal efficiency. Previous inspections can be referenced. The inspection is conducted using flight planning software and would be a combination of automated and manual flights.
We use high specification drones with advanced RGB and thermal optics with 20x zoom. The images and videos are captured and downloaded into the cloud system which utilizes AI to analyze the structure and identify faults. This process requires training the system to recognize common faults. The development of a report is an automated process. The client is provided access to our system for the purpose of retrieving data and reports and planning further inspections.
AGRICULTURE
We utilize different drones for range of tasks useful to agriculture. The primary use case is spraying of pesticides and herbicides. Drones whilst marginally more cost effective than planes or helicopters have the advantage of more accurate spraying with higher leaf saturation. This allows for less chemical usage. This has been proven in sugar cane spraying trials.
Another aspect where drones help is precision farming. We use RTK enabled drones can accurately do 2 and 3 D mapping and with the use of multi-spectral cameras (NDVI) for crop analysis which also allows for targeted treatment whether it is supplementary irrigation, fertilizer or targeted pest eradication. For spraying use drones with a 20 or 30 liter carrying capacity.
The process of spraying is highly automated with control of swath, dispensing rate per hectares being accurately controlled. Our drones can operate in moderate winds with an ability to shift flight path based upon chemical drift. In addition to spraying, the drones we use have a seed dispersal mechanism which we are testing for coverage accuracy.
FILM & ADVERTISING
Our specialized drone services are perfect for the Film and Advertising Industry. We can “fly your script” just the way your target customers need it, for eye catching commercials and targeted advertising. Amazing action shots involving 360 degree aerial rotation and acrobatics, our pilots and crew will produce the ultimate aerial experience for your viewers.
Save costs on expensive rigs (Booms, Dollys, tracks etc.) as the drone in the hands of a skilled pilot can emulate a large range of movements. In addition there are a repertoire of shots unique to drone capabilities. These include complex reveals, ascending fly away, descending fly towards, 3600 rotations,Top down perspective, high speed fly through etc.
Drone Surveying
A drone survey refers to the use of a drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to capture aerial data with downward-facing sensors, such as RGB or multi-spectral cameras, and LIDAR payloads. During a drone survey with an RGB camera, the ground is photographed several times from different angles, and each image is tagged with coordinates.
From this data, a photogrammetry software can create Geo-referenced orthomosaics, elevation models or 3D models of the project area. These maps can also be used to extract information such as highly-accurate distances or volumetric measurements. Unlike manned aircraft or satellite imagery, drones can fly at a much lower altitude, making the generation of high-resolution, high-accuracy data, much faster, less expensive and independent of atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover.
SECURITY
DroneiT offer tailored security solutions ranging from shorter range patrols typically for industrial complexes, mines, residential estates etc. and long-range patrols for pipelines, railway lines, borders and Transmission lines.
For the former we use the DJI M300 with a vehicle-based crew and linkage to a security operations center. For long range patrols we select aircraft for the purpose and distance. These craft typically have ADS-B units fitted and collision avoidance systems (ACAS) and in some instances parachutes.
Longer range patrols require licensed BVLOS operators which we provide or train in our training division. All craft are fitted with infrared multi-directional cameras with zoom capabilities and sophisticated software to lock on and follow vehicles or individuals. The infrared allows us to identify and differentiate between animals and humans. DroneiT works with an organizations security team to create a more effective service and adds a high deterrent value.
UTM/U-Space
UAV Traffic Management (FAA UTM framework) or U-Space (European framework) is the next step towards achieving beyond visual line of sight flight operations and full autonomy in the airspace. Our company has a combined 40 plus years of aviation, information and telecommunication experience. The demand for services provided by what we call DRPUAS (Drones Remotely Piloted Unmanned Aerial Systems) is growing, especially as communities, industries and governments realise the potential use cases, economic and climate benefits. As flight operations extend from visual line of sight (VLOS) to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, there is a need for operators, regulators, air traffic navigational services and enforcement to have oversight of the airspace for both manned and unmanned air traffic. DroneIT and its partners are able to support you with the development and implementation of our UTM solution.