Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is a flying device that has various uses. It can be useful in photography, filming, delivering products, and as surveillance in military or police affairs.
Some drones are designed to see in the dark; examples of these drones are those that have an installed night-vision camera and infrared light. Through these features, flying drones and capturing photos or videos are possible.
There are many people and technological institutions who are trying to invent useful things. One of the things they are improvising is drones that can be used even at night time. If you are interested to know more about drones that can see in the dark, read some information below that will help you discover details about this type of drone.
Can Drones See in the Dark?
Drones are sometimes called Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Drones that have a camera are often used during the day because there is a clear view of everything around it. Many would have thought that it is impossible to maneuver this device during night time where the surrounding is dark, but that isn't necessarily the case as some drones are designed to see in the dark. It is possible if your drones are equipped with the necessary upgrades to be able to see in the dark, such as night vision cameras and infrared lights.
Since drones have night vision cameras, you can also take good pictures even if the atmosphere is dark. Most night vision drones have night flight setting that helps adjust and operate features that are suitable for dark environment.
How far can drones see at night? That depends on a lot of factors. Usually, drones can see less than half a mile (1450ft – up to perhaps 2200ft) if the background has good contrast.
Image processing can be used even at night. These image processes are through infrared light, low light, and thermal light. Through this, capturing photos is possible.
Some drones have thermal cameras, and this thermal camera can be a bit heavy. It detects thermal radiation and does not require some light to capture photos, unlike low light cameras and Infrared cameras. This type of camera needs a bit of space and power.
Drones with low light cameras process more light. Most cameras, such as DSLR can have a low light camera feature. The low light cameras in drones have a large CMOS chip and a large lens for them to work properly, capturing more images from the surroundings. Low-light cameras can capture a clear or contrasted image and video.
Benefits of a Drone with a Night Vision Camera
A drone with a night vision camera has a lot of features that are helpful and useful during nighttime. It has a variety of uses. It can be either used for entertainment or surveillance purposes.
A drone that has an infrared camera is sometimes used to observe land during nighttime and to see the activities of people who are passing by or to see animals that are roaming around. This type of drone is especially helpful if you are trekking in rural areas because it will provide you with a better view at night. You can also use it as your guide through the night. It is not appropriate as a guide in hunting animals. Even though drones have brushless motors, still, they create enough noise that can alert prey.
Using drones with night-vision cameras can be used to capture pictures and record videos of animals' movements, but they are difficult to hunt because animals are alert when there are unfamiliar movements around them.
Is it Legal to Fly a Drone at Night?
In purchasing a drone that can be used during daytime or nighttime, you need to consider some factors such as its legality and the consequences of maneuvering it whenever you want. Know that most of the drones will need to go under registration with the Federal Flying Commission (FFC).
Registering is not the only requirement, there are other regulations in terms of using drones properly. Also, you need to consider the specific rules in your community or your country that you need to be aware of. You can find instructions and rules for particular states in having drones on the FFC website.
Now you need to know the two most common laws that you need to follow; these are 'trespassing' and 'privacy'. Some people may have issues if you are flying your drone above their land, and some may misinterpret your activities. You can't control what people may think, and they have the right to complain and demand privacy. So, you might want to consider these factors when you are flying your drones. Also, filming other people, especially in public places without their permission or without them knowing is not only illegal but also rude.
Common Uses of Drones
Drones are helpful to the Military
The U.S. and British military soldiers started using drones, for spying (early 1940's). In this modern era, some drones have thermal imaging which is useful for the soldiers to plan and strategize in the war, day or night.
The most popular drone in the military today is the MQ-9 Reaper. It measures 36 feet long and can reach 50,000 feet above the ground. This drone can fly undetected.
Delivering products
Drones can be used in delivering products too. It can carry products weighing 55 pounds, delivering the products in front of your door. Many companies around the world are currently testing and improvising how to use these delivery drones to provide better services to their customers.
Tending to Rescue Mission
Accidents happen unexpectedly anytime. In some instances, there are rescue missions that are not safe for humans, so they use man-made inventions such as drones to help the rescuers carry the mission out and save the day. Drones that can be used during daytime and nighttime are very much needed. For example, if there is a capsized ship or boat and some people are drowning, rescuers can use an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for assistance. Also, in the case of an unexpected disaster such as an Avalanche, drones are used to find people trapped in the snow, helping the victims to escape from that unfortunate event. There is a drone that can lift cargo weighing 6,000 pounds or more. This drone is the K-MAX.
Use to Gather Useful Data in Outer Space
The United States Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been using a drone to gather useful data in space. This drone is the X-37B UAV, a drone that is observing Earth from afar, gathering important information about the world and outer space. This shows how efficient drone is for scientists and astronauts, helping them explore and discover things in the space.
Wildlife Preservation
Drones are very helpful in historical and wildlife preservation. Most of the drones are inexpensive and more efficient to use. Monitoring the population of wildlife is hard for humans. It's good to have a drone in the sky that gathers and provides information about wildlife. Observing and tracking wildlife animals can help gain information, such as their health status and the condition of their ecosystem.
Drones can also help in the reforestation process. It can help plant trees by dropping vessels that contain seeds and fertilizers.
Medicine Distribution
Drones nowadays can also be used to deliver medicines in rural areas. It is very useful during emergencies. For example, if someone in a remote place needs an organ transplant, what is the best way to deliver it to the patient? It would be a drone, especially if the road is full of snow and there are other factors in the way. Drones can be very reliable for delivering important medical supplies.
Photography
Drones are very helpful for photographers. Some perfect and beautiful angles when capturing photos are taken from above. Photographers can capture beautiful sceneries through drones, and it is considered good to take photos during the day. However, taking pictures at night can be done also through the use of drones with night-vision cameras.
Conclusion
The drone is not just a device used when there is daylight. It can also be used in the dark if that drone has a night-vision camera with infrared lights and other features. Through this modern invention, it is now possible to maneuver a drone even during nighttime. Drones have a lot of benefits, from taking good pictures and tending to the needs of many people, making them one of the useful inventions ever made. Also, having a drone is a responsibility. Nobody wants to be accused of peeping out to other people, especially if that is not your actual intention. Know the necessary rules when you are using it to avoid conflict with other people and make the most of your handy aerial device.
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.