Project Proposal

HPA Aerial Drone Project

Project Abstract:

For the 2017-2018 academic year, I would like to continue the Aerial Drone Project with my partner, Chris Whitfield. The purpose of this project, which was started by 2014 graduate Bo Bleckel, is to use drone photography and videography for a variety of applications that haven’t necessarily been implemented yet. On top of just general videography and photography, there is a whole new realm of possibility in 3D mapping.

Background:

This project peaked my interest towards the end of my sophomore year. I had spoken to former project members Jack Solomon, Juan Miche-Rosales, and Bo Bleckel about the project, and found myself very drawn in by the creative possibilities that come with the use of drones. Being a photographer, I saw this project as a way to expand my own work, as well as a means to advance our school. Initially, I saw a huge possibility to find new and unique angles of the HPA campus. However, it wasn’t until I started working on this project in Independent Science Research that I realized the additional possibilities that 3D mapping with drones brings. I have been working on the HPA Drone Project since the beginning of this academic year with my classmate, Chris Whitfield. In that time, we have gone through the lengthy process of learning how to fly a drone, learning how to capture cinematic angles with drones, and finally, creating digital content with the drones that we have at our disposal.

Purpose and Overview:

The sole purpose of this project is creation. Drones have proven to be a very useful tool in many ways, and we strive to take advantage of their usefulness in as many ways possible. The majority of what we create through this project is photography and videography. When people think of drone photography, they think of a picture taken from directly above the subject. The way that I use drones for photography expands greatly on this basic concept. I have found that, though the straight-overhead angle can produce some amazing photos, there are many more possibilities in closer angles. Getting a drone just above eye level allows me to capture an angle that is the perfect median between handheld photography and high-altitude drone photography. The video aspect of this project extends from videos of HPA to videos that showcase our island’s natural beauty from a never before seen angle. On top of photography and videography, this project has entire other realm: 3D mapping. By taking hundreds of high-quality still photos with a drone from all different angles, we are now able to put together a seamless, interactive map similar to Google Earth. A software program called Pix4D raw pictures taken with a drone and stitches them together to create a map. The possibilities of all of these implementations are what drive me to continue this project into my senior year, and then pass it on to someone who is hopefully as passionate about it as I am.

Tools/Resources:

The tools that we have here at the Energy Lab already are the tools that we need to continue this project. Already at our disposal are two DJI Inspire 1 drones, one DJI Mavic drone, four Inspire batteries, and four Mavic batteries. We also have helpful accessories like a controller hood for the Mavic’s controller, and three neutral density filters for the Mavic.

Outcome & Impact:

My inspiration and my driving factor behind this project is my love of nature and the ability to capture a single moment in nature for eternity. I have had a burning passion for photography for four years and this project is an incredible way to expand my passion into a new direction of creativity. Though I have become very experienced with drones and am comfortable flying in any environment that isn’t too windy, I feel that there is unlimited room for growth. With a backdrop like HPA and the beautiful island that we call home, I see lots of ways in which we can continue this project and still create content that we are proud of.

Legacy:

I began this project as a continuation of the drone project started here at HPA by Bo Bleckel in 2014. Chris and I both know that there is a legacy that comes with this project and want nothing more than to pass it on to younger students once we graduate. After five years of getting to know the HPA community, I know that there is no shortage of photographic talent and creativity. I believe that finding people to continue this project will be very easy, and I have confidence that it will be left in capable hands.

Questions: I have no pressing questions for Dr. Wiecking at this point.