Drone Systems Overview
Expert-defined terms from the Drone Repair and Maintenance course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aerial Photography refers to the capture of images or videos from an a… #
Related terms include Aerial Videography, Drone Photography, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Imaging. Aerial Photography is used in various applications such as mapping, surveying, inspection, and monitoring of infrastructure, as well as in the film and entertainment industry.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a service provided by ground #
based controllers to guide and coordinate the movement of aircraft, including drones, to ensure safe separation and prevent collisions. Related terms include Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B), and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM). Air Traffic Control plays a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient air transportation systems.
Altitude refers to the vertical distance of an object or aircraft,… #
Related terms include Elevation, Height, and vertical distance. Altitude is an essential factor in drone operations, as it affects air density, wind patterns, and radio signal strength.
Anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed and direction #
Related terms include Wind Vane, Pitot Tube, and air data computer. Anemometers are commonly used in weather stations and meteorological stations to provide accurate wind data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Antenna refers to a device designed to transmit and receive radio… #
Related terms include Transceiver, Radio Frequency (RF) Signal, and wireless communication. Antennas play a critical role in enabling reliable and efficient communication between drones and their ground stations.
Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocol… #
Related terms include Software Development Kit (SDK), Application Software, and data integration. APIs are used in drone systems to integrate various components and enable seamless data exchange between different systems and applications.
Autopilot System refers to a computer system that enables a drone… #
Related terms include Flight Control Computer, Navigation System, and automatic control. Autopilot systems use a combination of sensors and algorithms to navigate and control the drone's flight path.
Battery Management System (BMS) is a system that monitors and controls… #
Related terms include Power Management System, Battery Monitoring System, and energy storage. BMS is essential for optimizing battery life and performance, as well as preventing overcharge and over discharge.
Camera Gimbal is a stabilization system that enables a camera to <… #
Related terms include Camera Mount, Image Stabilization, and optical stabilization. Camera gimbals are used to capture smooth and stable footage, even in turbulent air.
Command and Control (C2) refers to the system used to command and… #
Related terms include Ground Control Station, Remote Control, and mission control. C2 systems enable real time monitoring and control of the drone's flight path and payload operations.
Computer Vision is a field of study that enables computers … #
Related terms include Machine Learning, Object Detection, and image processing. Computer vision is used in drone systems to enable autonomous navigation and object detection.
Data Link refers to the communication system used to transmit</… #
Related terms include Radio Frequency (RF) Signal, Satellite Communication, and wireless communication. Data links are used to enable real time data transfer and command and control of the drone's flight operations.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a three dimensional representatio… #
Related terms include Topographic Map, Terrain Model, and geospatial data. DEMs are used in drone systems to enable accurate terrain mapping and navigation.
Drone refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is <b… #
Related terms include Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), and unmanned vehicle. Drones are used in various applications such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and monitoring.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) is a device that controls the <b… #
Related terms include Motor Controller, Speed Controller, and power management. ESCs are used to optimize motor performance and efficiency, as well as prevent overheating and damage to the motors.
Flight Control Computer (FCC) is a computer system that control… #
Related terms include Autopilot System, Navigation System, and flight management. FCCs use a combination of sensors and algorithms to navigate and control the drone's flight path.
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that a… #
Related terms include Geospatial Analysis, Mapping Software, and spatial analysis. GIS is used in drone systems to enable accurate mapping and analysis of geospatial data.
Ground Control Station (GCS) is a system used to command and co… #
Related terms include Remote Control, Mission Control, and command and control. GCSs enable real time monitoring and control of the drone's flight path and payload operations.
Gyroscopic Stabilizer is a device that stabilizes a drone's ori… #
Related terms include Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and inertial measurement unit. Gyroscopic stabilizers are used to enable smooth and stable flight, as well as prevent crashes and damage to the drone.
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is a device that measures a drone'… #
Related terms include Gyroscope, Accelerometer, and inertial sensing. IMUs are used to enable accurate navigation and control of the drone's flight path.
Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology… #
Related terms include Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and geospatial mapping. Lidar is used in drone systems to enable accurate terrain mapping and object detection.
Mission Planning refers to the process of planning and coordina… #
Related terms include Flight Planning, Mission Control, and operation planning. Mission planning involves defining mission objectives, identifying flight routes, and coordinating with air traffic control.
Motor refers to the device that propels a drone's rotors an… #
Related terms include Propeller, Engine, and power plant. Motors are a critical component of drone systems, as they enable flight and maneuverability.
Object Detection refers to the process of detecting and identif… #
Related terms include Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and image processing. Object detection is used in drone systems to enable autonomous navigation and object avoidance.
Payload refers to the cargo or equipment carried by a drone, such… #
Related terms include Cargo, Sensor, and equipment integration. Payloads are used to enable various applications such as aerial photography, inspection, and monitoring.
Propeller refers to the device that propels a drone's rotors</b… #
Related terms include Motor, Engine, and aerodynamic design. Propellers are a critical component of drone systems, as they enable flight and maneuverability.
Radio Frequency (RF) Signal refers to the signal used to communicate</… #
Related terms include Wireless Communication, Data Link, and communication protocol. RF signals are used to enable real time data transfer and command and control of the drone's flight operations.
Remote Control refers to the system used to command and control… #
Related terms include Ground Control Station, Mission Control, and command and control. Remote control systems enable real time monitoring and control of the drone's flight path and payload operations.
Sensor refers to the device that detects and measures ph… #
Related terms include Payload, Equipment, and measurement system. Sensors are used to enable various applications such as environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and industrial inspection.
Software Development Kit (SDK) is a set of tools and libraries use… #
Related terms include Application Programming Interface (API), Software Application, and development kit. SDKs are used to enable custom software development and integration with drone systems.
Telemetry refers to the process of transmitting and receiving</… #
Related terms include Data Link, Radio Frequency (RF) Signal, and communication protocol. Telemetry is used to enable real time data transfer and command and control of the drone's flight operations.
Terrain Following refers to the ability of a drone to follow and <… #
Related terms include Autopilot System, Navigation System, and terrain awareness. Terrain following is used to enable safe and efficient flight over varied terrain.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) refers to an aircraft that is remotely</… #
Related terms include Drone, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), and unmanned system. UAVs are used in various applications such as aerial photography, inspection, and monitoring.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) refers to the system that includes the … #
Related terms include Drone, UAV, and unmanned system. UASs are used in various applications such as aerial photography, inspection, and monitoring.
Video Transmission refers to the process of transmitting and re… #
Related terms include Data Link, Radio Frequency (RF) Signal, and communication protocol. Video transmission is used to enable real time video streaming and monitoring of the drone's payload operations.
Weather Station refers to a system that monitors and measures</… #
Related terms include Meteorological Station, Weather Forecasting, and climate monitoring. Weather stations are used to provide accurate weather data for flight planning and safety.