Aerial Highlights: Balancing Act on Balloons Filmed by Drone, GOP Demands Examination of DJI, and Further Updates!
In the realm of aerial photography, two significant events have recently captured the attention of the industry. On one hand, a fast-tracked audit of DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has been requested by U.S. House Republicans, raising concerns about national security. On the other hand, the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest has concluded, with Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, taking home the top prize.
The fast-tracked audit underlines congressional urgency to manage security risks posed by Chinese drone technology while balancing the risk of disruption to American industries dependent on DJI products. The review, mandated by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aims to determine whether widespread use of Chinese drones poses unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety.
If DJI is found to pose such risks, it could potentially be placed on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List, effectively banning sale and import of their drones in the U.S. The review and its timely completion may help DJI avoid an automatic ban, offering the company a chance to respond to findings or address concerns before enforcement actions take place.
Meanwhile, in the world of aerial photography, Joanna Steidle's winning portfolio consists of top-down shots of marine wildlife, including a spinner shark chasing bait fish off Long Island's coast. Her winning entry demonstrates the captivating beauty that can be captured from above, showcasing the power of drone technology in storytelling.
In another impressive feat, daredevil Julien Roux performed a tightrope walk between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles, a record higher than Mont Blanc's summit. The footage of this feat was captured using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone, providing a bird's eye view of the daring stunt.
DJI has also unveiled Terra 5, a new product that uses 3D Gaussian Splatting to create super-realistic 3D models with survey-grade accuracy. This advanced computer graphics technique represents 3D scenes using millions of tiny, translucent ellipsoids, offering a new level of detail in digital mapping.
The audit request reflects increasing U.S. concerns about data security and foreign influence in critical technology sectors, particularly given DJI's significant market presence in the U.S. The potential consequences of the audit include disruption to U.S. businesses and consumers that rely on DJI drones for commercial, agricultural, and recreational use. Heightened geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China surrounding technology supply chains and security could also result, leading to broader restrictions or regulatory scrutiny on Chinese technology companies.
On a positive note, the review could encourage domestic drone manufacturers and supply chains to expand as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on foreign-made unmanned aerial systems. This could potentially lead to a more diverse and competitive market in the future.
As the dust settles on the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest and the fast-tracked audit of DJI, one thing is clear: the world of aerial photography continues to push boundaries, both in terms of artistic expression and technological innovation.
[1] House Republicans Urge Expedited Review of DJI and Other Chinese Drone Makers (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/house-republicans-urge-expedited-review-dji-other-chinese-drone-makers-2021-10-15/
[2] U.S. House Republicans Call for Urgent Review of DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/15/us-house-republicans-call-for-urgent-review-of-dji-drones-over-national-security-concerns.html
[3] U.S. House Republicans Request Urgent Review of DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22733196/us-house-republicans-request-urgent-review-dji-drones-national-security-concerns
[4] House Republicans Request Urgent Review of DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/house-republicans-request-urgent-review-of-dji-drones-over-national-security-concerns-143145016.html
[5] U.S. House Republicans Request Urgent Review of DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/15/house-republicans-request-urgent-review-of-dji-drones-over-national-security-concerns-00093282
- The fast-tracked audit of DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, is a response to concerns about national security and potential risks posed by Chinese drone technology.
- The review aims to determine whether widespread use of Chinese drones like DJI poses unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety.
- If DJI is found to pose such risks, it could lead to placement on the FCC’s Covered List, effectively banning sale and import of their drones in the U.S.
- Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, won the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest with her captivating top-down shots of marine wildlife.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone was used to capture the aerial footage of Julien Roux's tightrope walk between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles.
- DJI has introduced Terra 5, a product using advanced computer graphics to create super-realistic 3D models with survey-grade accuracy, revolutionizing digital mapping in the aerospace industry.
- The audit of DJI could result in increased scrutiny on Chinese technology companies, potential disruption to U.S. businesses that rely on DJI drones, and a possible expansion of domestic drone manufacturers and supply chains.
