Mention the use of drones and a likely image that comes to mind is one used by the military. Or perhaps you recall Amazon’s announcement that the Seattle-based company planned to explore using drones to deliver packages.
These examples illustrate the varied applicability that drones—or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—have. Indeed, UAS increasingly are used as a standard part of business operations by a broad range of industries, including businesses across the Gulf South.
As Business Report details in a feature from the current issue, one Louisiana business at the forefront of UAS use is LandBros, an aerial photography company with operations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Brothers Danny and Kevin Landry established LandBros in 2014 with the goal of using drones to offer higher-quality aerial photographs and reduce workplace risks, among other services.
LandBros specializes in the commercial and industrial construction industries, but works in other fields, such as commercial real estate development, as well. Clients range from large publicly held corporations to local two-person development companies. LandBros shoots both still photographs and video.
LandBros recently received an exemption to fly drones under 55 pounds for commercial use from the Federal Aviation Authority, which regulates aircraft operation in the national airspace. Although other companies have permission to operate drones for commercial use in Louisiana, LandBros is the only Louisiana-based company to receive an exemption to date, according to Landry. Unlike military drones, which have fixed wings and front or rear propellers like a plane, the drones used by the Landrys—made by consumer manufacturer DJI—are remote-controlled, low-altitude quadcopters with integrated cameras controlled from the ground.
The use of UAS has had a significant impact on the aerial photography industry, Landry says. For starters, the planes traditionally used in aerial photography legally are limited in how low they can fly, meaning that photos are taken from an altitude of at least 1,000 feet. LandBros’ drones, however, fly only up to 400 feet. The result is better quality images for clients.
“It’s a different product than traditional aerial photography,” Danny Landry says. “We get higher detail. The pixel-to-inch ratio is higher because we’re closer to the object.”
Overcoming misconceptions about drone use can be a challenge, Landry says. Because drone use in commercial business remains an emerging industry with evolving technology, the Landrys have to spend time educating potential clients about the benefits of drone-based aerial photography.
“They may not understand the technology and how it can help them, how it can save lives, reduce risk and reduce costs,” Landry says. “Companies at the forefront of technology are already using us, but it is still an emerging industry in Louisiana. It won’t be too long before everyone is doing this, though.”
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