Revolutionary Drone Tracking Technology Introduced by DJI

Addressing Critical Safety and Privacy Issues for the Drone Community

Key Takeaways

• DJI has launched AeroScope, a pioneering technology for identifying and monitoring airborne drones.
• This system directly addresses safety, security, and privacy concerns of both drone operators and regulatory authorities.
• AeroScope utilizes existing drone communication links, making it simple and cost-effective for implementation.
• The technology protects pilots’ privacy by avoiding automatic recording of flights in government databases.

Published on 12 October 2017 – The drone landscape is poised for transformation as DJI, a global leader in civilian drone and aerial imaging technology, launches its innovative AeroScope system. This groundbreaking solution stands to enhance safety and mitigate privacy concerns while safeguarding drone pilots’ rights.

Understanding AeroScope

AeroScope is designed to identify and track airborne drones via existing communication frameworks between drones and their remote controllers. This powerful tool disseminates crucial identification information including registration numbers, location data, altitude, speed, and direction. The system allows law enforcement, security entities, aviation regulators and other authorized users to receive and act upon this information seamlessly.

Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs, outlined the necessity of this technology, stating, “As drones have become an everyday tool for professional and personal use, authorities want to be sure they can identify who is flying near sensitive locations or in ways that raise serious concerns.” With AeroScope, DJI aims to meet these accountability demands through a user-friendly, efficient, and economical solution, readily available for immediate deployment.

Real-time Illustrations and Demonstrations

During a demonstration in Brussels, Belgium, DJI showcased how the AeroScope receiver detects a drone almost immediately once it’s powered on, plotting it on a live map alongside its registration information. This license plate-like feature enables authorities to identify registered drone owners promptly, fostering responsible flying practices. In light of increasing governmental demands for remote identification solutions, DJI’s proactive response includes a detailed white paper proposed back in March 2017, outlining the advantages of electronic identification for drones.

Compatibility and Accessibility

AeroScope is compatible with all current DJI drone models—an impressive feat considering DJI’s drones represent about two-thirds of the global civilian market. Because it operates using existing communication channels, drone operators incur no additional costs or burdens associated with modifications or new onboard equipment. Notably, other manufacturers have the opportunity to adapt their models to convey identification information similarly.

Privacy and Data Security

A significant aspect of AeroScope’s design philosophy is its commitment to privacy. The system transmits identification details directly to local receivers, rather than relying on internet-based data transmission. As such, typical flights remain unrecorded in government databases, thereby respecting privacy considerations for both businesses and individuals utilizing drones. Most importantly, this method avoids the cumbersome costs and complexities of creating a centralized database or connecting drones to extensive network systems.

Balancing Interests

DJI’s approach reflects its dedication to constructive regulation, striking an equilibrium between the necessity for authorities to track potentially problematic drones and the rights of drone pilots to operate without excessive oversight. The company has consistently led the drone industry in safety advancements, including geofencing and sense-and-avoid technologies. DJI remains confident that ongoing innovations can effectively address emerging policy concerns in the rapidly evolving drone market.

To ensure transparency and adaptability, DJI’s initial software updates will include customizable identification settings. This will allow customers to choose what information their drones broadcast based on local regulations. Moreover, the AeroScope system will not share any personally identifiable information unless required by local laws.

DJI’s Vision for the Future

“The rapid adoption of drones has created new concerns about safety, security, and privacy, but those must be balanced against the incredible benefits that drones have already brought to society,” Schulman emphasized. “Thoughtfully implementing electronic drone identification can help address policy challenges while ensuring drone pilots experience efficiency without invasive oversight.”

For additional details regarding AeroScope and its functionalities, DJI encourages inquiries via aeroscope@dji.com.