New drone system takes flight in Geelong

THE skies of Geelong have been used to trial a sophisticated traffic control system for aircraft at low altitude.

The City of Greater Geelong worked with Thales and Telstra on the prototype GLAAM (Low Altitude Airspace Management) Initiative, a technology that dynamically manages airspace, integrating drones and conventional aircraft while automating drone flight approvals.

The six-month initiative demonstrated that drones can be operated safely in a semi-urban environment.

It also established how drones can be used effectively in the development of Smart City concepts in Australia.

GLAAM allowed drone flights that met certain criteria to gain automatic approval to fly in low-altitude (below 400 feet, or nearly 122 metres) airspace.

To be approved for flight, applicants were required to share information such as the proposed drone flight path, the details of the pilot and the reason for the flight.

At the moment, the process for approving drone flights is slow and complex, which is slowing the progress of drone usage in various services and industries.

The city is already using drones for aerial tree inspections and building and roof maintenance (including the recent annual inspection of the roof of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre), but there is potential to use the drones for coastline mapping and 3D data collection.

Geelong was chosen as the trial location due to the region’s varying geography, as well as the city’s strong position as a clever and creative organisation with a dedicated Smart Cities team.

Findings from GLAAM will be used to guide the development of a traffic control system for drone flights across Australia.

The trial has also helped to demonstrate the possibilities for more advanced use of drones across many sectors.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the city was committed to supporting innovation as a way to attract new industries.

“Building the technology industry in our region will greatly benefit the community by increasing job opportunities and a creating a more resilient and diversified economy.

“Drone technology can also help us do things faster, smarter and safer for our community.”

Thales Australia chief executive officer Chris Jenkins said the project showed the creation of a seamless sky was possible.

“This trial has proved that the technology is there to support drone users perform their missions in an orderly, safe and timely manner, helping to safely unlock their full benefit.”

Telstra group owner of incubation and excellence Gianpaolo Carraro said Telstra was looking to solve aerial connectivity at lower altitudes than regular aviation, such as command and control and airspace awareness.

“Our ambition is to be an integral player for the industry, supporting safer and secure low altitude airspace equality.”