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Educational Sessions

Utility Arborist Association (UAA)

The Future is Now: Arboriculture and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
3:05 PM — 3:45 PM
Osceola Ballroom B
A, U, T, L, Bp

This session will demonstrate how arborists can take advantage of a technological revolution already happening today in agriculture, natural resource management, utility inspection, site monitoring, disaster response, and engineering inspection: the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to improve current technology and practice.

Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, also known as drones - not flying death robots - will be authorized to fly in American skies in fall 2015. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are already revolutionizing inspection, monitoring, safety, and mapping in numerous countries across the globe. This session provides an overview of the capabilities of UAVs, the differences between types of aircraft, and what to consider during the decision process before purchase.

Attendees will learn about the types of aerial vehicles available commercially for the tree care industry in general and arborists in particular. Attendees will see which niche may be appropriate for arborists, tree care, and utility inspection companies. Attendees will learn about UAV operation, equipment capabilities, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of craft. Attendees will learn how to choose their own aircraft or form a UAV partnership that may be appropriate for their business. Attendees will learn the state of cameras and data collection devices carried by UAVs and how data are processed post-flight for clients.

 Arboriculture technology is poised to take a giant leap forward with UAVs – get your business out in front of safety, inspection and monitoring using UAVs.

  1. Hammrich, T. and Staley, D. 2013. Use of nmanned Aerial Vehicles in Arboriculture: Toward new heights. Tree Care Industry Magazine 24:11 pp. 26-31.

Presenter Information

    • Dan Staley
      Dan studied urban forestry at the University of California, Davis and environmental planning at the University of Washington, where he specialized in urban ecology. Dan's practice integrates land use planning with urban forestry to ensure urban areas have healthy and resilient green infrastructure. 
    • Alex Bilous
      Alexander Bilous is Co-founder and managing partner of Harris Aerial. 
      Harris Aerial specializes in custom heavy-lift UAVs capable of carrying a multitude of stand-alone payload packages for professional cinematography, geo-spatial surveying, search and rescue, thermal imaging, as well architectural and construction applications. 
      www.HarrisAerial.com

Presentation file information