The amount of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), in the National Airspace System (NAS) is expected to dramatically increase by the year 2021. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this all depends on how quickly the regulatory environment can evolve. To encourage deregulation and facilitate the cost-saving utility of UAS across industries, businesses should take a multi-tiered approach to risk management.  

For instance, platforms such as Simulyze’s Mission Insight operational intelligence (OI) application supplies real-time UAS data insights that provide the key to safely integrating drones into the NAS. This data is helping flight operators across industries gain the full value of the technology. It’s also transforming many industries as they leverage vast amounts of information produced by 3D mapping and sensors carried on drones. Real-time processing is vital to making the most of this data.           

Real-time Data Insights Needed in Utilities   

Emergency response, law enforcement teams and precision agriculture are among some of the industries where operators need immediate access to rapidly changing data to support critical decisions. Real-time data allows these industries to quickly assess damage, investigate crime scenes and improve situational awareness to increase worker safety as well as safeguard the general population.

Among these industries are utilities companies, many of which aren’t wasting any time taking advantage of the recent FAA rules authorizing drones for commercial purposes. The utilities sector has been particularly quick to transform as they’ve been rapidly adopting UAS technology. Many utilities companies are integrating and transitioning their traditional inspection and maintenance methods, such as helicopters and third-party inspection services, towards drones. Industries such as gas, oil and electrical are profiting from real-time insights with UAS technology. Benefits include reduced costs and improved time efficiency, crew member safety and post-operation analysis.

Real-time operational insight also provides operators with the information needed to make time-sensitive decisions. For instance, live data from UAS inspections and surveys allows operators to more quickly identify areas of concern in hard-to-reach locations and alert others to potentially dangerous gas leaks or unsafe equipment. Real-time, in-depth data access provides superior surveillance and management of mission-critical events.

OI Provides Unprecedented Intelligence  

The value of real-time data insight is unprecedented. Simulyze’s Mission Insight and OI technology can help to close the gap in data flow by supporting commercial UAS operations to more quickly and easily access data from anywhere, in any format to provide a common operating picture (COP).

Mission Insight’s ability to manage UAS data and create real-time 3D maps offers a wealth of information on everything from critical weather updates to GPS tracking. The application interprets, standardizes and fuses highly disparate data sources in real-time, offering exceptional situational awareness and insight for complex operations. This provides flight operators with a complete picture of the surrounding area, enabling drones to safely complete tasks and missions.

The use of drones by utilities companies and other industries is part of a national trend toward increased use of UAS technology. With OI supporting safe and efficient drone operations, industries can expect easing of regulations and broader commercial UAS applications. Simulyze’s OI platform empowers commercial organizations to make better, more strategic decisions in real time. Through intelligent insight, OI can help accelerate the commercial UAS timeline and continue to propel industries forward.

To learn more about the many ways companies in the utilities sector can benefit from drones, download our infographic: 7 Reasons Why the Utilities Industry Should Be Employing Drones today. Or, schedule a demo to learn more about real-time data insights and other advantages that Operational Intelligence (OI) and UAS technology can offer various industries.