Last year GIS Technician Sean Carlisle obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate which allowed him to fly a drone for the City of Seminole.

When he became certified, he did not imagine how much a drone would help the city.

“When I started pursuing my part 107 from the FAA to fly, I really was not aware of all the possibilities utilizing a drone would open up,” Carlisle said.

“Not only does the drone capture stunning pictures and video to enjoy, it also allows me to help with other departments,” he said. “I often take video or pictures in hard to reach areas to find something or capture places and building from angles that would not normally be possible from the ground. For example, I have helped public works find manholes, code enforcement inspect roofs, and capture images of debris obstructing a creek.”

Another way Carlisle uses the drone is by taking high resolution pictures of the cemetery plots at Maple Grove Cemetery. From there he is able to have those incredibly high resolution images processed and then use GPS tagging of the drone images to create a precise digital map.

“Thanks to the drone’s use of GPS, I am able to capture incredibly detailed and accurate images to create a map for Maple Grove,” he said.

In the future Carlisle potentially sees the ability to start using the drone for 3D models. This could be used to capture models of buildings and lots.

“These buildings are often empty and have the potential to be a working space for a new business. I can make a 3-D image for potential businesses to see, and hopefully they will be intrigued enough to come and fill the space,” he said.