While the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) itself bears little resemblance to the drones making huge headlines, military and defense applications were the predecessors to modern day operational intelligence (OI) technology that has the potential to revolutionize commercial markets. In fact, the new OI applications on the market are enabling UAS technologies large and small to connect to greater situational awareness.

Mobile technology is making the days of working behind a desk from 9 to 5 a thing of the past. As smartphones, mobile apps and WiFi connectivity become more ubiquitous, working from anywhere and at anytime is a very real possibility.

The headlines are full of articles about technology advancements that can help save lives in law enforcement – from improved body armor materials to thermal imagers that can zero in on hidden suspects and evidence.

Public fascination with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – particularly commercial drones – was piqued in December 2013. That’s when Amazon broke the news that it planned to use drones for deliveries, starting a scramble among commercial companies to implement similar technology that continues to gather steam with Amazon’s recent patent grant for drone delivery.