We concluded the course on Saturday with fantastic final presentations and a stunning fly off. Savoring the class in the Spatial Analysis Lab fashion, here are our maps to monumentalize SSEP 2018. 

Can Drones Fly in Your Hometown? (Launch the full map here)

Explore the drone regulations in our class members’ hometowns! 

Compiled Mapping Missions (Launch the full application here)

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The class ventured to Grow Food Northampton for our first mapping mission last week, fully experiencing “if you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” In order to execute successful drone missions, we consult a checklist that is regularly updated. We asked the class to reflect on their first mission and develop their own checklists based on these questions:

• What is a checklist item that you found to be particular important based on your experience at Grow Food Northampton? Please explain in 2-3 sentences.
• What is an item missing from your checklist that would be important to include and why?
• What is a checklist item that is not on the Spatial Analysis Lab’s checklist, and why should we include it in future missions?

All the submissions demonstrated careful research and considerations; the students emphasized and added these checklist items:

• Preparation:
  • Towel or paper towel
  • Spare drone
  • Pen and notebook
  • Verify any software/firmware updates
• Prior to take-off:
  • Keep other equipment away from launch point
  • Check the weather regularly 
  • Format SD card
  • Clean camera lens
  • Audibly declare “Arming”
  • If indoors, check GPS/sensors that may interfere with flight
• After landing:
  • If uneven landing, do equipment check
  • Dry/clean off drone with towel

Spatial Analysis Lab Mission Checklist Before & Updated Version