Key Takeaways:
- DJI and AirMap have forged a partnership to enhance airspace safety for drone operations near wildfires.
- Real-time wildfire alerts are now integrated into DJI’s GEO geofencing system, providing drone pilots with up-to-date hazard information.
- The collaboration aims to minimize interference with firefighting efforts, ensuring that unauthorized drones do not compromise aerial operations.
- This initiative addresses the urgent need for timely wildfire data, as traditional notifications by the FAA may not capture rapidly emerging fire situations.
DJI and AirMap Join Forces to Combat Drone Interference During Wildfires
In an exciting development for the drone industry, DJI, the prominent manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, has teamed up with AirMap, a leader in airspace intelligence and navigation services. On Wednesday, they announced the integration of real-time wildfire alerts into their geofencing data—a move designed to protect the integrity of firefighting operations by keeping unauthorized drones at bay.
AirMap’s new functionality allows users to receive immediate updates about ongoing wildfires directly from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s incident command system. This information is rapidly disseminated to drone operators via AirMap’s iOS and web applications, as well as through the AirMap API and the GEO geofencing system incorporated in the DJI GO flight control app. Importantly, this data reflects a more current landscape of active wildfires than the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) currently issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“AirMap delivers dynamic airspace intelligence to unmanned aircraft to provide the safest operating environment possible,” stated Ben Marcus, CEO of AirMap. He highlighted the effectiveness of their partnership with DJI, explaining that over 70 percent of drones operating in the United States now have access to real-time wildfire alerts.
DJI Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, Brendan Schulman, further reinforced the importance of this initiative, noting, “DJI wants to equip its customers with safety-critical information that will help our first responders, whether or not a TFR has been issued.” The integration into the GEO system is a valuable safeguard, preventing DJI drones from unwittingly entering a wildfire zone without authorization.
The Risks of Unauthorized Drones
Drones flying unauthorized near wildfires can pose significant dangers, not just to the drones themselves, but also to firefighting aircraft such as planes and helicopters. There have been instances where aerial firefighting efforts had to be halted due to the presence of unmonitored drones. Recognizing this risk, AirMap’s new alerts aim to inform pilots about potential hazards and restrictions, assisting them in making informed decisions about whether it is safe to fly.
During peak summer fire season, the Department of the Interior reports an alarming average of 300 new wildfires each day, a figure which can surge over 500 on especially active days. The speed at which wildfires can start and escalate often outstrips the time required to communicate and post a TFR, resulting in a gap in timely critical information. In fact, many fires are extinguished before TFRs are even issued, with specialized firefighting aircraft often called into action.
Enhancing Safety with Geofencing Technology
DJI’s commitment to safety is exemplified in its ongoing development of geofencing technology. By incorporating AirMap’s real-time wildfire alerts into the GEO geofencing system embedded within the DJI GO app, drone pilots are better equipped to avoid entering restricted airspace near not only wildfires but also other sensitive locations like airports, prisons, and nuclear power plants.
DJI pioneered geofencing technology three years ago and has consistently refined its functionality to ensure optimum safety in aviation.
For more details on DJI’s geofencing system, please visit DJI FlySafe, and for information on AirMap’s airspace intelligence services, check out AirMap’s website.
Inquiries and Contact Information
For further information regarding this collaboration, interested parties can reach out to:
- Adam Lisberg, DJI North America Communication Director – adam.lisberg@dji.com
- Jillian Switzer, AirMap Communications Director – jillian@airmap.com
This partnership between DJI and AirMap is a significant advancement in ensuring the safety and efficiency of drone operations in the face of devastating wildfires.
