Drones Glossary
The height of a drone measured from the surface directly below it, rather than from sea level. For example, if a drone is flying 100 feet above a hill that’s 50 feet tall, its AGL is 100 feet, helping pilots maintain safe distances from obstacles.
A sensor in a drone’s flight controller that measures changes in speed and direction to stabilize the aircraft during flight. For instance, it helps prevent tilting in windy conditions by providing real-time data to the autopilot system.
Any incident during drone operation, from activation to deactivation, causing injury, death, or property damage over $500. An example is a drone collision mid-flight leading to equipment loss.
A method where multiple visual observers are positioned along a drone’s flight path to maintain line of sight when the drone operates beyond the pilot’s direct view. For example, used in long-distance inspections to comply with regulations.
The communication pathway that transmits command, control, and telemetry data between the drone and the ground control station, ensuring real-time monitoring and operation. For example, it includes radio frequencies or satellite links for BVLOS flights.
A propeller design that mounts directly onto the motor shaft without gear reduction, providing efficient power transfer for high-speed applications. For example, commonly used in racing drones for quicker response times.
A drone frame configuration where arms are spread wider apart to reduce propeller visibility in FPV video feeds, improving footage quality. For example, popular in cinematic FPV drones to avoid “prop wash” in shots.
A navigation technique estimating a drone’s position based on previous known location, speed, and direction, without external references like GPS. For example, used as a backup in GPS-denied environments like indoors.
The rate at which a drone lowers its altitude vertically, measured in meters per second, affecting landing safety and battery efficiency. For example, slower descent speeds are preferred in windy conditions to maintain control.
A precise servo motor using digital signals for faster and more accurate control of drone components like gimbals. For example, offers better holding torque compared to analog servos in payload stabilization.
A technique using GNSS and IMU data to accurately position aerial images without ground control points, streamlining mapping processes. For example, reduces post-processing time in surveying by directly assigning coordinates to photos.
A system using multiple antennas to select the strongest signal, improving FPV video reception. For example, switches between antennas to minimize dropouts during flight.
A leading Chinese drone manufacturer (Dà-Jiāng Innovations) known for consumer and professional UAVs like the Matrice series. For example, dominates the market with features like intelligent flight modes for photography and inspections
Specific operational settings in DJI drones for different flying scenarios, including P Mode for standard GPS-assisted flight, S Mode for high-speed maneuvers, and A Mode for altitude hold without position lock. For example, P Mode activates all sensors for precise hovering in photography.
A mobile application for controlling DJI drones, providing live video feeds, flight planning, and settings adjustments. For example, used to monitor telemetry and update firmware on models like the Phantom series.
A hardware feature in flight controllers allowing efficient data transfer for protocols like DShot, avoiding CPU bottlenecks. For example, required for remapping motor outputs without signal conflicts in custom setups.
Refers to the number of sensors in a flight controller, such as 6DOF (gyro + accelerometer) for basic stabilization or 9DOF (adding compass) for orientation. For example, 10DOF includes a barometer for altitude accuracy in autonomous flights.
The transmission of data from the drone to the ground station, including video feeds and telemetry. For example, critical for real-time monitoring in surveillance operations.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies autonomously or via remote control, used for tasks like photography, surveying, or delivery. For example, ranges from hobby quadcopters to industrial models for agriculture.
A digital ESC protocol for faster and more reliable motor control signals, reducing latency compared to analog options. For example, supports features like bidirectional communication for RPM telemetry in racing drones.
Proprietary radio protocols from Spektrum for reliable RC control, using spread spectrum technology to minimize interference. For example, DSMX offers frequency hopping for better signal integrity in crowded environments.
A modulation technique spreading signals over a wide bandwidth for robust transmission in DSM protocols. For example, enhances resistance to interference in drone control links.
An in-camera effect achieved with drones where the camera moves toward or away from a subject while zooming in the opposite direction, creating a disorienting visual warp. For example, used in cinematic drone footage to emphasize depth or tension in scenes.
The use of drones for transporting packages or goods autonomously, often in logistics or e-commerce applications. For example, companies like Amazon use it for last-mile delivery to reduce time and costs.
A professional organization hosting competitive drone racing events with standardized high-speed UAVs. For example, pilots compete in obstacle courses using FPV for immersive control.
A propulsion system enclosing propellers in a duct for increased thrust efficiency and reduced noise, used in advanced UAV designs. For example, improves safety in urban drone operations by containing blades.
The camera’s ability on a drone to capture details in both bright and dark areas of an image simultaneously. For example, high dynamic range (HDR) helps in aerial photography under varying light conditions like sunrise surveys.
A fixed-wing drone by senseFly designed for extended range mapping, supporting payloads for photogrammetry, 3D modeling, multispectral, and infrared imaging. For example, ideal for large-area surveys in agriculture or construction.
Electrical disturbances from sources like power lines or magnets that can disrupt drone signals and operations. For example, causes signal loss near cell towers, requiring shielding in drone designs.
The range of wavelengths used for drone communications, including radio waves for control and data transmission. For example, drones operate in specific bands to avoid interference with other devices.
An electronic circuit that regulates the speed and direction of a drone’s motors, connected to the flight controller and power supply. For example, in quadcopters, one ESC per motor ensures precise control during maneuvers.
The creation of detailed terrain maps showing height variations using drone-collected data. For example, useful in surveying for flood risk assessment or construction planning.
A collision-tolerant drone for indoor inspections, featuring intuitive controls and protective casing for confined spaces. For example, used in industrial sites like power plants to navigate tight areas safely.
A control surface or term referring to pitch movement in drones, tilting the nose up or down for ascent/descent. For example, in fixed-wing UAVs, elevators on the tail adjust altitude during flight.
Security method to protect drone data transmissions from unauthorized access, ensuring privacy in communications. For example, encrypts video feeds in commercial drones to prevent hacking during surveillance.
The maximum flight time a drone can achieve on a single battery charge or fuel load. For example, high-endurance drones like fixed-wing models can fly for hours, ideal for long-range mapping tasks.
Advanced commercial-grade UAVs tailored for specific industries, often with specialized features like thermal cameras. For example, used in infrastructure inspections or search and rescue with robust, scalable designs.
UAV platforms and services for business and industrial use, emphasizing reliability and regulatory compliance. For example, includes customized systems for agriculture or public safety operations.
The buoyant gas-containing structure in lighter-than-air drones or blimps, providing lift via helium or hot air. For example, used in surveillance drones for extended hover times without heavy batteries.
Cameras capturing visible and thermal images for day/night drone operations. For example, enables heat detection in search and rescue missions under low visibility.
A company providing ArcGIS software for mapping and analytics, often integrated with drone data for GIS planning. For example, processes aerial imagery into custom maps for urban development.
Refers to the period following major shifts in drone design, like the adoption of new undercarriage configurations post-WWII, but rarely used as a standalone term in modern UAV contexts.
Drone operations where visual contact is maintained through aids like binoculars or observers, extending beyond standard VLOS. For example, used in linear inspections like pipelines with multiple spotters.
Designated no-fly areas for drones around sensitive sites like airports or military bases to ensure safety. For example, enforced by geofencing software to automatically restrict access.
A type of non-volatile memory in drone electronics that stores data like calibration tables even when power is off, allowing individual bytes to be read, erased, and rewritten independently. For example, used in flight controllers to save settings without needing constant power.