Enhancing property security and events has always been an issue for business owners and event organizers. For the latter, monitoring foot traffic can present logistical challenges that security teams might overlook.
Meanwhile, for the former, CCTV cameras can have blind spots on top of their existing limitations. To address both, drones are an excellent complement for every security team.
This article will examine why drones are vital for improving security. We’ll also take a look at the many applications that security drones are used in. Additionally, we’ll look at the features that make drones worth investing in.
Why are Drones Used in Security?
Since the commercial availability of drones, they have seen a wide variety of uses across many industries. They are surprisingly versatile, make different types of visual inspections faster, and reduce safety risks for onsite personnel.
In the security sector, there are a few main reasons why people are investing in drones:
1. Improved field of view
Security drones give users an increased field of view, allowing them to monitor larger areas quickly. They also enable users to monitor areas without being personally present, saving time for teams on patrols.
Speed is another benefit that drones can offer security and surveillance teams. They can arrive at the scene and provide feedback in minutes, making perimeter patrols more effective.
2. Recording evidence
A drone security camera isn’t just a security camera. It can also record events that happen in real-time. Extra body cameras are not just essential for use in managing live events but also for forensics.
Pilots can also use a drone’s recorded flight data to create a baseline during break-ins or security breaches. Backtracking through video surveillance footage makes further investigations easier.
3. Improved situational awareness
Drones offer the best aerial viewpoint available by being in the sky. Additionally, they can collect valuable sensor data that users can share immediately.
Security drones allow users to see everything around a particular location for events like fires or explosions. Users can disseminate that data in real-time, allowing quick responses without risking safety.
What Features Make Drones Excellent as Security Drones?
Unmanned aircraft systems provide the best option for overcoming the limitations that traditional surveillance methods face. Drones are not only cost-effective but incredibly versatile tools with various applications.
There are a few standout features that make drones excellent tools for enhancing security measures:
1. High-resolution cameras
Drones come equipped with high-resolution cameras. However, a drone security camera system can include features like facial recognition technology and object detection.
2. Long battery life
An increased battery life allows for longer flight times, making drones more effective for longer. The extended and uninterrupted flight time will enable drones to collect the most data or cover more areas per flight run.
3. Data storage
A security drone can include many features, ranging from multispectral imaging to facial recognition technology. However, the drone’s data storage capacity enables them to make the most of it.
4. Multi-industrial artificial intelligence
A drone’s artificial intelligence and integrated software capabilities help various industries. In the security industry, it can be used for object detection, facial recognition, and even geo-tagging assets.
What are the Applications of a Drone Security System?
A drone with a camera can cover more ground daily than a security patrol. They can be incredibly versatile in collecting data depending on the task required, making them indispensable tools.
Security drones, in particular, are used in the following industries:
1. Livestock and Agriculture
Drones are often used in livestock management for monitoring farm animals, such as sheep and cows. Large-scale livestock operations depend on drones to find missing animals or detect signs of distress.
Additionally, they are also used in theft deterrence. Simply flying drones on regular patrols can deter potential thieves or vandals. They can also ensure continuous surveillance of vulnerable areas like fences and gates.
2. Environmental protection
Poaching (the illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wildlife) is one of the biggest threats to native species. While strict anti-poaching regulations exist in many countries, they are not always followed.
A drone security system offers the ideal solution for environmental agencies, especially park rangers. They are not only cheap and easy to fly, making them cost-effective. They also come with thermal sensors for detecting poachers.
3. Traffic monitoring
Traffic monitoring is essential for collecting accurate data on road network performance. It supports road safety, performance, and overall maintenance.
However, fixed security cameras are limited, while using helicopters for aerial views can be expensive. Drones can provide aerial views at a more cost-efficient and effective rate than traditional traffic monitoring methods.
4. Energy
Oil and gas industries depend on drones to prevent pipeline sabotage. It also allows for the ease of visual inspections and preventative maintenance.
A drone security system also allows a team to reposition assets safely and efficiently. A high-performance security drone helps establish adequate perimeter detection when monitoring said assets.
5. Event Security
Major events, such as expositions, conferences, and trade shows, require significant logistics. These extend to spectator and crowd control as well as overall safety planning.
Drones are used for performing initial security risk assessments and general security. The data collected by drones during inspection and assessment allows authorities to delegate personnel to ensure complete coverage.
4 FAQs About Security Drones You Need to Know
Drones are great tools for improving a business’s regular operations, from improving safety to accurate data collection. However, knowing a few things before buying drones or signing up for a drone service is essential.
Here are a few frequently asked questions you need to know in advance:
1. Do I need to be certified before flying my drone?
Drone pilots still need to be certified to operate commercially, and there are two ways to fly drones for commercial purposes.
The first is obtaining the necessary permits and certifications for flying drones. Remember that these vary depending on the country, so look up local regulations. Another way is to hire a licensed drone pilot or service.
2. Can you program a predetermined flight route for drones?
Absolutely! Many security drones in the market allow you to program predetermined flight routes for regular patrols.
These drones have software that allows predetermined routes and records and transmits real-time flight data. Doing so both simplifies patrols and fully automates data collection.
3. Is drone performance affected by weather?
Drone performance depends on how the drone is designed. Certain drones can fly in difficult conditions, while others are best flown during clear weather.
4. What happens when the drone runs out of batteries?
Drones have a pre-programmed warning system that notifies the pilot should the battery run low. After that, the drone hovers for a few seconds before automatically landing.
Drones also have an automated return-to-launch function should they leave the controller’s range. The automated function works the same way.
The Bottom Line
Drones’ relatively small size and flight capability allows them to survey distant or otherwise inaccessible areas. In the security sector, drones come equipped with live video cameras, thermal sensors, and LiDAR.
The versatility and cost-efficiency a security drone system provides is a fantastic complement for any business or security team. One drone or an entire fleet can easily make a difference.