Terms & Glossary for Electronic
Aerial Photography: The process of taking photographs from an elevated position, typically using drones equipped with cameras. This allows for capturing images from unique perspectives and heights.
Altitude Hold: A feature that allows a drone to maintain a constant altitude, making it easier to control and stabilize, especially useful for capturing steady photos or videos.
BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight): Refers to drone operations that are conducted beyond the operator’s line of sight. BVLOS requires special permissions and is typically used for long-range missions like mapping or surveillance.
Calibration: The process of configuring the drone’s sensors, including the compass and accelerometer, to ensure accurate flight and navigation.
Cinematography Drones: Specialized drones used for filming high-quality video footage, often equipped with advanced stabilization systems and high-resolution cameras.
Controller (Transmitter): The handheld device used to pilot a drone, typically featuring joysticks, buttons, and a screen to monitor the drone’s status and view the camera feed.
DJI: A leading manufacturer of drones, known for producing popular models like the Phantom and Mavic series, which are widely used in both consumer and professional markets.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller): A component that regulates the speed of a drone’s motors, crucial for controlling the drone’s movement and stability.
FPV (First Person View): A method of drone piloting where the operator uses goggles or a screen to see the live video feed from the drone’s camera, providing an immersive flying experience.
GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system that allows drones to determine their precise location, enabling features like waypoint navigation and return-to-home.
LiPo Battery (Lithium Polymer Battery): A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in drones due to its high energy density and lightweight properties.
No-Fly Zone: Areas where drone flights are restricted or prohibited, often due to safety, security, or privacy concerns. These zones can be enforced by software within the drone.
Payload: The equipment or cargo carried by a drone, which can include cameras, sensors, delivery packages, or other specialized tools.
Quadcopter: A type of drone with four rotors, which is the most common design for consumer drones due to its stability and ease of control.
ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle): A term that includes drones, referring to any vehicle that is operated remotely by an individual, typically via a controller or computer interface.
Telemetry: The data transmitted from the drone to the operator, including information such as altitude, speed, battery level, and GPS location.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): The technical term for a drone, which refers to any aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board.
Waypoint Navigation: A feature that allows a drone to follow a pre-programmed path by flying to a series of set points (waypoints), useful for tasks like surveying or mapping.
Yaw: The rotation of the drone around its vertical axis, controlled by the rudder input on the controller, which changes the direction the drone is facing.
This glossary includes common terms and concepts related to drones, providing a foundational understanding for anyone interested in drone technology and operations.