UAS and the Environment: The Next Frontier

By Bill Rogers, Co-Founder and CEO

It’s hard to believe we’re in our fifth year of business at Skytec. I often joke that one year in our technological niche should be measured in dog years compared to other industries. So much changes so quickly!

What started as an idea to get our hands dirty figuring out the best uses for unmanned systems has morphed and evolved into so much more, including refining our use of LiDAR and other remote sensors. We recently wrote about unmanned systems being used to monitor wetlands sites, and that story is just one example of innumerable ways we can use technology to protect our greatest resources.

A Changing Tide

We’re in the midst of sea change in our attitude toward the environment — and toward the companies and brands we support as consumers. Most companies are already paying attention to millennials, a generation that accounts for more than a quarter of the global population and who stand to be worth, collectively, as much as $31 trillion, according to UBS.

Characterized by their connectivity and awareness of global problems, millennials tend to be belief-driven buyers compared with other generations. Millennials are willing to use their money to support companies that promote the greater good. Belief-driven buyers want to trust brands they support, and they want those brands to express their values.

If companies are aiming for a robust and loyal customer base, it’s crucial to capture the interest of this powerful audience. Similarly, we want this generation, and the brightest minds, working for our companies.

But where is the data science that your company is being a good steward of natural resources or sustainability initiatives and doing its fair share to protect the environment — and tap into the belief-driven buyers?

Detailed Environmental Data

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and remote sensing technologies play a critical role in the front lines of these interactions and in building companies that consumers trust. In our fifth year of operation, Skytec’s environmental surveys — like the wetlands case studies — and detailed mapping have become a specialty. Many of our clients have an environmental cause to prepare for, monitor, or align with, whether stream restoration, superfund sites, brownfield sites, or wetland mitigation.

Across all industries, we still find tremendous value in delivering on detailed inspections, high-end photogrammetry, thermal or multi-spec data sets. However, our environmental focus can’t be overlooked. Skytec’s UAS and imaging capabilities also enable us to provide clients with highly detailed, accurate data for environmental purposes.

It’s become one of our specialties that distinguishes us from competitors — and it’s not easy work. Beyond our dedication to having the best aircraft and sensors, the Skytec team is out in the elements in every environmental condition, from high winds and unstable ground to snakes and wild dogs.

Our tools and depth of experience put us at the crossroad to support clients as the consumer focus shifts. We’re eager to use highly specialized tools and data science to help clients protect and improve these vital resources.

Ready to change the way your company evaluates environmental problems and solutions? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us to learn more.