AeroScope: Orchestrating the Sky

Key Takeaways

• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, highlighting the importance of aerial safety.
• DJI’s AeroScope technology enhances the safety and monitoring of drone activity in congested airspace.
• Aerial Armor successfully deployed AeroScope at the Fiesta, tracking 40 drones during the event and providing crucial data for public safety.
• DJI emphasizes the growing need for drone identification systems as regulations evolve worldwide.

Every autumn, the desert skies of Albuquerque, New Mexico, come alive with vibrant colors as more than 500 hot air balloons ascend, creating a stunning aerial spectacle. This grand event, known as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators who gather to witness this extravaganza, touted as one of the most photographed events globally.

With such a large gathering, ensuring safety becomes a crucial task. To enforce airspace security around the Fiesta, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration imposes Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). However, as drone usage has surged, organizers recognized the importance of monitoring these flying devices to protect both the balloonists and attendees from potential hazards.

“As the popularity of drone photography grows, it’s vital to know who is operating them nearby,” explained Sam Parks, Director of Operations for the Balloon Fiesta. “Coordinating with authorized operators and communicating with others is essential to maintain safety with so many large objects in the sky. We needed an effective way to integrate drone operations with our event, so we enlisted a company to assist us.”

The solution came in the form of DJI’s AeroScope, a state-of-the-art remote identification system designed to monitor and track DJI drones in the vicinity. This sophisticated technology captures the connection between a drone and its controller, displaying vital information on a map, such as the drone’s location, altitude, speed, direction, and even the pilot’s details.

In 2018, Aerial Armor, a DJI Enterprise dealer from Phoenix, Arizona, was tasked with the deployment of AeroScope during the Fiesta. They set up two antennas with an impressive range, capable of detecting drone signals from up to eight miles away and relaying the information to the safety command center.

“We are proud to have collaborated with the Balloon Fiesta to showcase the DJI AeroScope platform,” said Brandon Lugo, Operations Manager for Aerial Armor. “Our deployment contributed significantly to public safety and heightened awareness about unauthorized drone activity. We are eager to see how AeroScope evolves, continuing to advocate for responsible drone operations.”

During the nine-day event, Aerial Armor successfully tracked 40 different drones, some of which had multiple sightings. Drones were reported launching both from within the Fiesta grounds and from surrounding areas. Any concerning flights prompted immediate notifications to Fiesta officials and local authorities for further investigation. Aerial Armor later shared a comprehensive report showcasing how AeroScope provided actionable insights to enhance safety.

“Globally, governments are seeking remote identification for drones to better manage airspace,” noted Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs. “Implementing such features is expected to become mandatory soon. AeroScope demonstrates an effective identification solution that respects pilots’ privacy while providing crucial oversight—akin to a license plate system for drones.”