Event 38 and PLACE Partner to Map Turks and Caicos Islands Using E400 Drones
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
mapping drone manufacturer Event 38 Unmanned System announced the successful deployment of an E400 fixed-wing mapping drone to collect aerial imagery and mapping data in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which have been unmapped for at least a decade. In just a few days, the drones collected enough data to generate an orthomosaic of both islands totaling 238 square kilometers. This project was carried out by PLACE, a global non-profit organization that grants access to mapping data by providing ultra-local and precise optical images.
“It can be difficult and expensive to bring planes into the areas where we work. It can distort the image,” said PLACE founder Peter Rabley. “Some countries dislike the fact that he has to pay a fee to an external satellite company for his one use of the mapping data and cannot create derivative works without paying an additional fee for a new license. I have.”
Event 38 founder and CEO Jeff Taylor said: “The E400 met all our requirements, including an industry-leading flight time of 90 minutes, plus vertical take-off and landing capability. We also intended to make the E400 as user-friendly as possible, which includes hot-swap payloads, low-maintenance electric powertrains, and open-source integration.Significant research and data-gathering projects.”
“The E400 is a complete game changer in terms of democratizing mapping in African countries and small island nations,” said Rabley. “It is very manageable in terms of operation and maintenance and has a low threshold for talent.”
PLACE conducted its first mapping project with the E400 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, an archipelago nation in the Caribbean. Old map data and existing satellite data for the island were inadequate for local applications such as hurricane preparedness and mitigation. The Event 38 team provided his PLACE with training in drone use and maintenance, which was used to map the entire two islands.
In just two days after the team finished collecting the aerial imagery, they were able to generate a highly detailed orthomosaic. The E400 will give the Turks and Caicos Islands government access to data with sufficient accuracy and resolution to initiate several important projects, including a major upgrade of the property tax system and improved climate mitigation modeling and planning. I was able to do. This data is now being used for future census and other important activities.
Its mission to utilize the E400 in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the first for PLACE, which has already purchased two additional models. In places and cities with rapidly growing populations, especially those at risk from climate change, access to updated mapping data is essential. Up-to-date and accurate data will enable governments to advance the development of public services and structures such as climate change mitigation, sewage system upgrades, mobility enhancements and health services.
“Based on what we learned during our time with PLACE in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we have made many exciting changes to both the E400 and our workflow to extend our reach to remote areas where cellular service may be limited. We’re making the whole platform better: , repair facilities, and accessible weather data,” Taylor said. “We have already invested in a lightweight carrying case and his ADS-B transponder to improve image geotagging workflows for large missions, with further upgrades underway.”
“PLACE’s goal is to democratize and localize data collection, and the E400 makes it much more affordable,” said Rabley. “The data is instant and owned by the government, so there are no licenses or usage restrictions.”
“Event38 is extremely proud to support PLACE’s important work and mission,” added Taylor. “I’m looking forward to seeing how other customers use her E400.”
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
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