Nelson Mandela University has become the first university in South Africa to legally operate drones; they plan to use them in aid of education and protecting the environment.
Gqeberha, South Africa (13 October 2022) – The Nelson Mandela University (NMU) just got a sign-off to take a bird’s eye view of Gqeberha. The university is the first in South Africa to be granted permission to use drones in the area after waiting years for the approval.
The use of drones will fall under the School of Engineering and give both under- and post-graduate students the opportunity to gain specialised skills in a technical environment that supports not only the South African community, but also the niche market of drone operations.
The university plans to use the drone unit to aid other departments within the university. There are several ways the university can make an impact going forward. First and foremost, offering the service to all university researchers and staff, from across six campuses and associated faculties, without having to outsource at a higher cost.
According to the university, the Ocean Sciences department needs assistance with the collection of mucus samples from the spray of whales. Drones give them the opportunity to do this from a distance. The Zoology department needs assistance with measuring the greenhouse effects associated with different grazing foliage. The Architecture department would need help with land surveying of historic sites that are not accessible by road and Maintenance could benefit with high quality images of roof tops and areas difficult to reach.
“This breakthrough is of strategic importance to the University. We now have the ability to collect data in the form of aerial imagery at a much higher rate than ever before. This enables us to understand and manage large scale projects that are linked to the community, much faster.
Fisheries, illegal poaching, whale populations, forestry and fire control are a few examples of what will benefit from having a bird’s eye view,” said Karl du Preez, Principal Lecturer and Director of the University’s Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre (AMTC).
The approval of this unit is set to be a fruitful one, not only for the NMU School of Engineering, but for all those animals and spaces that need better scientific study.
Beyond the realm of educational pursuits, drones have the power to change lives within the surrounding communities. They can also be used as follows:
- Search and rescue drones use thermal cameras to operate at night and in thick cloud and smoke.
- Drones are used to monitor security sites remotely for industry, and on farms.
- They are used for package delivery, ranging from Amazon goods to vital blood and medical supplies to remote villages (Zipline). The South African Blood Bank recently obtained their ROC.
- During military operations drones give troops an aerial view of the battlefield.
- In disaster management drones can penetrate thick smoke, fly through open windows into buildings and use thermal cameras to pinpoint hot spots for firefighting teams.
- Locally the University is able to go out into the community to solve problems via drone technology, such as assistance with crime prevention in the security industry, environmental protection including wildlife tracking and GPS surveys GPS, and the enhancement of agricultural- and maintenance practices.
The process has been a long one for the team but well worth the wait. We look forward to hearing how these drones will make a difference to students and communities.
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