NCDOT Hosts Drone Workshop in Thomasville

As more and more industries are incorporating drones into their practices, the N.C. Department of Transportation wants to help educate local agencies and businesses on some of those potential applications.

A capacity crowd was on hand Thursday as NCDOT’s Division of Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Office hosted a free workshop for government and commercial drone operators on the campus of Davidson County Community College in Thomasville.

Over 100 attendees learned about the use of drone technology in construction and surveying, as well as tips on data management, safety, and other practical applications of drones.  Presenters also provided updates on the latest changes in federal and state regulations and gave a live flight demonstration.

“Drone technology is quickly advancing, and so are the possibilities for a business or government organization interested in using one,” Said Basil Yap, UAS Program Manager for NCDOT.  “Attendees should now have a better understanding of the possible applications for drone technology, and what it takes to effectively implement drones into their operations.”

NCDOT hopes to use these free workshops to show how safe this emerging technology can be, and to encourage businesses and government entities to explore how drones can be beneficial to their activities.

This was the fourth in a series of drone workshops NCDOT is hosting across the state, and the final one of the year.  The workshops will continue in 2018.