Increasing numbers of ecologists and conservation biologists have begun to explore the use of drone technology to obtain accurate and up-to-date data on the distribution and density of species, as well as the threats to their habitats, in their ongoing attempts to conserve and monitor biodiversity. Conservation drones are low-cost, autonomous, and operator-friendly unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for surveying, mapping, and monitoring both habitat and biodiversity. They are fast becoming a valuable complement to ground-based surveys and satellite imagery for a wide range of ecological and conservation applications. The authors pioneered the use of conservation drones for the purpose of monitoring orangutan populations in Southeast Asia. They subsequently founded ConservationDrones.org to share their knowledge of building and using drones with colleagues in the wider environmental community. This website has proved highly popular and this book aims to further build capacity to use drones and inspire others to adapt emerging technologies for practical conservation.

This book aims to further build capacity in the conservation community to use drones for conservation and inspire others to adapt emerging technologies for conservation.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have already become an affordable and cost-efficient tool to quickly map a targeted area for many emerging applications in the arena of ecological monitoring and biodiversity conservation. Managers, owners, companies, and scientists are using professional drones equipped with high-resolution visible, multispectral, or thermal cameras to assess the state of ecosystems, the effect of disturbances, or the dynamics and changes within biological communities inter alia. We are now at a tipping point on the use of drones for these type of applications over natural areas. UAV missions are increasing but most of them are testing applicability. It is time now to move to frequent revisiting missions, aiding in the retrieval of important biophysical parameters in ecosystems or mapping species distributions. This Special Issue shows UAV applications contributing to a better understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem status, threats, changes, and trends. It documents the enhancement of knowledge in ecological integrity parameters mapping, long-term ecological monitoring based on drones, mapping of alien species spread and distribution, upscaling ecological variables from drone to satellite images: methods and approaches, rapid risk and disturbance assessment using drones, mapping albedo with UAVs, wildlife tracking, bird colony and chimpanzee nest mapping, habitat mapping and monitoring, and a review on drones for conservation in protected areas.

While the military use of drones has been the subject of much scrutiny, the use of drones for humanitarian purposes has so far received little attention. As the starting point for this study, it is argued that the prospect of using drones for humanitarian and other life-saving activities has produced an alternative discourse on drones, dedicated to developing and publicizing the endless possibilities that drones have for "doing good". Furthermore, it is suggested that the Good Drone narrative has been appropriated back into the drone warfare discourse, as a strategy to make war "more human". This book explores the role of the Good Drone as an organizing narrative for political projects, technology development and humanitarian action. Its contribution to the debate is to take stock of the multiple logics and rationales according to which drones are "good", with a primary objective to initiate a critical conversation about the political currency of "good". This study recognizes the many possibilities for the use of drones and takes these possibilities seriously by critically examining the difference the drones' functionalities can make, but also what difference the presence of drones themselves – as unmanned and flying objects – make. Discussed and analysed are the implications for the drone industry, user communities, and the areas of crisis where drones are deployed.

"The global loss of biodiversity is occurring at an unprecedented pace. Despite the considerable effort devoted to conservation science and management, we still lack the basic data on the distribution and density of most animal and plant species, which in turn hampers our efforts to study changes over time. In addition, we often lack behavioural data from the very animals most influenced by environmental changes; this is largely due to the financial and logistical limitations associated with gathering scientific data on animals that are either widely distributed, cryptic, or negatively influenced by human presence. To overcome these limitations, conservationists are increasingly integrating/employing/incorporating technology to facilitate such data collection. The use of camera traps, acoustic sensors, satellite data, drones, and sophisticated computer algorithms to analyse the large datasets collected are becoming increasingly common. Although there are several specialist books on some of these technologies, there is currently no overarching volume that describes the available technology for conservation and evaluates its varied applications. This edited volume will fill this void, bringing together a team of international experts using a diverse range of approaches"--

This important new text introduces conservation criminology as the interdisciplinary study of environmental exploitation and risks at the intersection of human and natural systems. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book enhances understanding of the various human and organizational behaviors that pose risks to the environment, humans, and drive conservation crime. As human population growth, global market economies, climate change, deforestation, and illegal exploitation of natural resources continue to increase, academic research from numerous disciplines is needed to address these challenges. Conservation Criminology promotes thinking about how unsustainable natural resources exploitation is a cause and a consequence of social conflict. Case studies profiled in the book demonstrate this cause and effect type situation, as well as innovative approaches for reducing risks to people and the environment. This text encourages readers to consider how humans behave in response to environmental risks and the various mechanisms that constitute effective and ineffective approaches to enforcement of wildlife crimes, including environmental and conservation policy. Case studies from the USA, Latin America, Africa, and Asia highlight corruption in conservation, global trade in electronic waste, illegal fishing, illegal logging, human-wildlife conflict, technology and space, water insecurity, wildlife disease, and wildlife poaching. Taken together, chapters expand the reader’s perspective and employ tools to understand and address environmental crimes and risks, and to provide novel empirical evidence for positive change. With established contributors providing interdisciplinary and global perspectives, this book establishes a foundation for the emerging field of conservation criminology.

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of drone photography and videography with this comprehensive course. Delve into the history, benefits, and legal considerations of this emerging field, discovering the immense potential drones offer for capturing stunning aerial shots. Explore the different types of drones and camera equipment available, learning how to choose the perfect setup for your photography and videography needs. Master the basics of drone flight, from controls and maneuvers to safety tips and airspace regulations. Unleash your creativity as you delve into the art of capturing breathtaking aerial photos, mastering composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques. Dive into the realm of professional aerial videography, honing your skills in camera movements, storytelling, and editing. Take your drone photography to new heights with advanced techniques such as panorama, HDR, long-exposure, and night photography. Discover the practical applications of aerial mapping, 3D modeling, and surveying in various industries. Explore the commercial and business aspects of drone photography, from starting a business to navigating legal requirements and marketing strategies. Delve into the world of aerial cinematography for films and documentaries, learning how to collaborate with film crews and create captivating shots. Reflect on the ethical considerations of drone photography and videography, such as privacy, environmental impact, and reporting standards. Learn how to properly maintain and care for your drone, maximizing its lifespan. Discover the unique opportunities and challenges of aerial photography and videography in events, wildlife and nature photography, extreme conditions, and future trends. Immerse yourself in the limitless possibilities that drones bring to the world of visual storytelling.

Drones and Journalism explores the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, by the global media for researching and newsgathering purposes. Phil Chamberlains examines the technological development and capabilities of contemporary drone hardware, whilst also exploring the use of drones in investigative reporting, in the reporting of humanitarian crisis, and the use of this new technology in more mainstream media practices. The book also analyses the complex place of the media’s drone use in relation to international laws, as well as the ethical challenges and issues raised by the practice.

How to Start a Business About the Book: Unlock the essential steps to launching and managing a successful business with How to Start a Business books. Part of the acclaimed How to Start a Business series, this volume provides tailored insights and expert advice specific to the industry, helping you navigate the unique challenges and seize the opportunities within this field. What You'll Learn Industry Insights: Understand the market, including key trends, consumer demands, and competitive dynamics. Learn how to conduct market research, analyze data, and identify emerging opportunities for growth that can set your business apart from the competition. Startup Essentials: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your vision, mission, and strategic goals. Learn how to secure the necessary financing through loans, investors, or crowdfunding, and discover best practices for effectively setting up your operation, including choosing the right location, procuring equipment, and hiring a skilled team. Operational Strategies: Master the day-to-day management of your business by implementing efficient processes and systems. Learn techniques for inventory management, staff training, and customer service excellence. Discover effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, including digital marketing, social media engagement, and local advertising. Gain insights into financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and pricing strategies to optimize profitability and ensure long-term sustainability. Legal and Compliance: Navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with industry laws through the ideas presented. Why Choose How to Start a Business books? Whether you're wondering how to start a business in the industry or looking to enhance your current operations, How to Start a Business books is your ultimate resource. This book equips you with the knowledge and tools to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success, making it an invaluable part of the How to Start a Business collection. Who Should Read This Book? Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals looking to start their own business. This book offers step-by-step guidance from idea conception to the grand opening, providing the confidence and know-how to get started. Current Business Owners: Entrepreneurs seeking to refine their strategies and expand their presence in the sector. Gain new insights and innovative approaches to enhance your current operations and drive growth. Industry Professionals: Professionals wanting to deepen their understanding of trends and best practices in the business field. Stay ahead in your career by mastering the latest industry developments and operational techniques. Side Income Seekers: Individuals looking for the knowledge to make extra income through a business venture. Learn how to efficiently manage a part-time business that complements your primary source of income and leverages your skills and interests. Start Your Journey Today! Empower yourself with the insights and strategies needed to build and sustain a thriving business. Whether driven by passion or opportunity, How to Start a Business offers the roadmap to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Download your copy now and take the first step towards becoming a successful entrepreneur! Discover more titles in the How to Start a Business series: Explore our other volumes, each focusing on different fields, to gain comprehensive knowledge and succeed in your chosen industry.

DRONE TECHNOLOGY This book provides a holistic and valuable insight into the revolutionary world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The book elucidates the revolutionary and riveting research in the ultramodern domain of drone technologies, drone-enabled IoT applications, and artificial intelligence-based smart surveillance. The book explains the most recent developments in the field, challenges, and future scope of drone technologies. Beyond that, it discusses the importance of a wide range of design applications, drone/UAV development, and drone-enabled smart healthcare systems for smart cities. It describes pioneering work on mitigating cyber security threats by employing intelligent machine learning models in the designing of IoT-aided drones. The book also has a fascinating chapter on application intrusion detection by drones using recurrent neural networks. Other chapters address interdisciplinary fields like artificial intelligence, deep learning, the role of drones in healthcare in smart cities, and the importance of drone technology in agriculture. Audience The book will be read and consulted by a range of industry engineers involved with introducing drone technology to their daily operations.