With drone sightings in airports becoming more and more common, security all over the world is trying to find a solution. The most common result in these incidents is the fact that they can never pinpoint where the drone operator is. Mapping out the suspects are never easy.
By the time authorities arrive in the scene, the operator as well as their drone has long been gone. Where is the accountability? Are drone owners free of any repercussions?
Mapping the Source
The solution to this ongoing issue may involve the use of Artificial Intelligence. Using AI mapping, researchers in Israel may be able to find the operator of a flying drone. They do this by studying the drone’s flight pattern. By mapping the drone’s movement, they can identify a likely location for its operator.
While flying, someone controlling the drone may find bias in sunlight direction, wind strength, and vantage points. A drone flying in specific directions may only be possible with unobstructed view. This limits potential locations of the operator, and can therefore pinpoint their location.
AI Potential
Their current AI mapping program has a 73% accuracy, and while it is still far from perfect, it can still be a great asset on the field. It can also act as a deterrent; drone owners may not feel so confident flying in restricted areas if they can be found faster.
Drone incidents in these airports often lead to dead ends, with the drone and its owner gone before authorities even sweep the area. Some can even hide their signals, making it harder to detect drone control via radio signals. Using AI mapping to check for visual cues can be a big difference in this regard, and may even lead to faster results in the future.
With drones and airports becoming synonymous in today’s modern world, countermeasures are essential. A direct drone collision can take down a fully loaded plane, and a mere drone sighting can shut down an entire airport.
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