Drone Innovation: Meadowlark Drone’s Unconventional Solution to a Cemetery Problem.
In the world of technological advancements, drones have proven to be more than just aerial gadgets for photography and surveillance. Recently, Meadowlark Drones took on a unique project, showcasing the versatility of these flying machines. The unlikely setting? A local cemetery struggling to align century-old paper plot maps with the actual grave sites.
Unlocking Cemetery Secrets with Meadowlark Drones
Imagine a cemetery over 100 years old, its layout depicted by simple rectangles on outdated plot maps. The challenge faced by the cemetery board was two-fold: uncertainty about available gravesites and the fear of selling plots that might not even exist. Enter Meadowlark Drones, armed with innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Previous map used to determine gravesites in the cemetery.
Updated georeferenced map with new plots
Actual image of the cemetery.
Mapping Marvels with Mavic 3E Drones
Meadowlark Drones deployed their Mavic 3E drones, equipped with an RTK module, to create a highly detailed and accurate map of the cemetery. The Mavic 3E's mechanical shutter and programmable flight path proved instrumental in capturing the necessary data efficiently. The result? An orthomosaic map, seamlessly stitching together multiple camera shots into a cohesive, detailed image.
Navigating Challenges in Cemetery Mapping
Overlaying rectangles on the map to identify existing gravesites presented unexpected challenges. Decades of subtle variations in row widths and angles made this task trickier than anticipated. However, Meadowlark Drones persevered, successfully mapping existing gravesites and determining potential new ones in relation to the existing layout.
Surprising Discoveries and Collaborative Designs
Working closely with the cemetery board, Meadowlark Drones contributed to the layout design of a new cemetery section, revealing more available gravesites than initially thought. The project not only solved immediate problems but also opened up possibilities for future endeavors.
Revolutionizing Cemetery Management
Traditionally, such mapping projects would involve manual measurements and stringlines, taking up significant time and effort. Meadowlark Drones, with their Mavic 3E drone, collected orthomosaic data in just 15 minutes. The mapping software allowed for precise adjustments, accounting for existing plots and efficiently placing new ones.
A Glimpse into the Future
Beyond this successful project, Meadowlark Drones envisions the geolocation and data entry for sections of the cemetery that are already full. The potential benefits are immense—cemetery data easily searchable, displayed, maintained, and shared. Imagine someone trying to locate a loved one’s gravesite; instead of searching through old logs and wandering around the cemetery, they would be able to find the accurate location of the gravesite with a simple search.
Closing Thoughts: Drones Redefining Expectations
Meadowlark Drones' unconventional use of drones in cemetery mapping exemplifies the creative and diverse applications of this technology. This project not only solved a unique problem but also shed light on the unforeseen capabilities of drones. It's a testament to the ever-expanding horizons of innovation and problem-solving in the world of technology.
