I was flying my drone last week when it suddenly stopped moving, and a warning popped up on the screen. I did several research and discovered that this was because of ‘ geofencing. ’
Geofencing is similar to a digital barrier that rhyme manufacturers have put in place using GPS information to keep drones through entering restricted desert that they are not meant to fly in, for example airports and prisons. This feature is there to help pilots remain within class-G airspace and to avoid No-Fly Zones.
Keep reading this article for more information about geofencing and exactly how to unlock it!
Why Does Geofencing Exist?
Geofencing is a technology that has been around for a long time and is used in different technologies for the purpose of various purposes. This particular geofencing technology makes a fence-like barrier in regards to specific area.
In the same way that a fence is there to protect plus block your dog from leaving the backyard and potentially getting hit by cars, geofencing works in the same manner for drones. The drone will actually hit an invisible wall structure and be forced to turn around and be unable to your restricted zone.
This technology keeps drones through taking off in places that are restricted from the FAA. These locations are usually around airfields, sporting events, and government buildings which will be labeled temporary No-Fly Setting up.
Businesses like DJI get this technology in all their own drones. Since DJI is the leading retailer of consumer drones, this means a lot of aviators have been restricted simply by this technology.
All of their drones are equipped with this technology and therefore are not even able to remove when in a restricted area. Pilots must not view this like a bad thing, because it also helps protect people around them.
If geofencing did not exist, there would be nothing stopping drones from flying straight into restricted airspace and colliding with planes.
The geofencing tech is used on the applications that will support the LAANC ( Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) program, applications like the DJI PROCEED app, KittyHawk, and some more apps.
The geofencing system on the DJI drones is constantly being up-to-date and refined to be able to continue to work flawlessly.
Yuneec drones and Parrot also offer geofencing tech within their apps which enforces the existing no-fly area restrictions.
But this does not imply that you can’ capital t fly your drone in these zones in any way. Using the LAANC program you can request to fly in a No-Fly Zone. These specific zones are categorized in different colors to identify their various levels.
Keep reading to find out more about these types of zones and exactly what each zone indicates!
Geofencing Setting up Explained
There are different color coding zones that reveal the different kinds of geofencing zones. These color rules are:
Red Area
This color indicates the restricted zones that will require a custom open.
Grey Zone
The Grey Area indicates any region with flight limitations. The places along with flight restrictions are usually areas near airfields.
The restrictions in this zone can not be unlocked because of different safety reasons.
Blue Area
This particular zone color shows an area that is dangerous to fly inside but can be unlocked using a self-unlocking program.
Green Zone
Yellow zones tend not to require any unlocking, all they do is definitely indicate that the region you are in may be a little dangerous in order to fly in.
The only thing that will happen is a notification will show up on the pilot’s screen warning them.
How To Apply To Unlock Drone Geofencing?
DJI was the first company to present geofencing in their drones, and since they are the leading producer and provider of drones in the world, this means most drones around the world have this technology implemented.
I will be focusing more on the particular DJI drones whenever explaining the unlocking method, as they would be the most owned by many people drone enthusiasts all over the world, and because of that, a lot of hobbyists are not able to flee in certain areas.
There are two types of unlocking that can be done in order to unlock the particular geofencing on your drone. There is the Self Unlock that can be done with glowing blue zones and a Custom made Unlock which can be completed on red areas.
Before you start with the unlocking procedure you need to make sure that you possess the authorization to be able to soar in the area that you are requesting to unlock.
You need to first have authorization to soar in this area because this consent needs to be presented in your unlocking application.
Self Unlocking
Here are the steps to follow in order to self uncover your drone geofencing:
- Before you do other things, you need to login for your requirements on the DJI self unlock webpage.
- Select your own drone model.
- Find the area you want to fly in and select it.
- You select this by pressing the particular blue pin(representing personal unlock zones) that covers the area you need to fly in.
- Enter your own flight controller serial number.
- You need to enter your own cell phone number or the credit card number, that is associated with the drone you are traveling, to verify your identity. If you enter a cellphone number, it is essential to keep it near to you because you will be necessary to enter a confirmation number that will be delivered to you in an TEXT MESSAGE.
- Since you have finished the tips listed above, choose the time you want to fly and click the “Submit” press button.
- The unlock will start at midnight on the day of the drone flight.
Custom Unlocking
Here are the particular steps to follow in order to custom unlock your own drone geofencing:
- Log into your DJI accounts on the custom made unlock page.
- Choose your own drone model.
- Identify the particular location that you want in order to fly in.
- Select the crimson pin of the region, and you need to remember that red means it is a custom unlock zone.
- You have to present then the proof that you are authorized in order to fly your drone in that area. Usually, this will be a LAANC authorization, but many times people have some sort of some other documentation that they decide to present instead.
- When you have finally completed the above tips, you need to agree to all of the terms and conditions and then click on “Submit. ”
- Now it is time for the waiting time period. DJI needs to review your request and answer it. This usually happens an hour after you have clicked the send button. If your application has been approved, you are going to receive a confirmation e-mail stating this.
- If you have any problems with the above ways, contact DJI support for assistance and also to check on the standing of the request you have made.
Just how do Enthusiasts Feel?
Well, the droning community is really split in two with regards to the topic of geofencing, plus they are either happy about it or completely dislike the tech!
“ Don’t tell me where to fly! “
– Common blower phrase .
A lot of fanatics in drone discussion boards online have expressed their dislike of the technology saying that it restricts them from flying where they want to fly. They feel like since they put down a decent amount of money buying the treadmill, they should now be capable to fly wherever they want to.
A lot of lovers have faced the issue of driving completely to a location they have wanted to fly their drone for a long time. On arrival, all these people see on their display screen is a big mistake message telling them they cannot fly in that area.
But , this tech was not put in place just to hassle drone pilots! This actually helps keep the individuals around enthusiasts safe as well as keep the pilot safe.
How does it keep pilots safe?
Well, it really is illegal to take off in a restricted or No-Fly Zone. Therefore having geofencing prevent you from entering one of these restricted places will keep you from getting in trouble with authorities.
In case you are found to be flying in a No-Fly Zone, you can collect a hefty fine as well as be arrested if you are found carelessly traveling your drone possibly on purpose or in error.
