AI technology is revolutionizing various industries — and that includes the drone sector. Sites like ChatGPT and Google-owned Gemini offer pilots tools to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and ensure safe and efficient flights. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, leveraging AI can significantly improve your drone flying experience and the workflows that follow. It might just be the key to elevating your drone business.
Yes, here at Drone Girl, we’ve embraced ChatGPT too. We extensively review the products we test by hand. And we’re out in the world checking out drone technology in action for ourselves (did you see The Drone Girl in Paris trying desperately to see the Disney drone light show?!).
But we’ve found ways that AI makes our work better — saving time off the annoying stuff to fill with the fun stuff. And we wanted to share our best tips.
Below are 9 tried-and-true ways drone pilots can use ChatGPT and other various AI tools. For those specific to ChatGPT, we’ve included the exact prompts:
1. Drone flight planning and optimization
AI can optimize flight paths by taking into account weather conditions, terrain, and airspace restrictions. Tools like Litchi provide automated flight planning, ensuring safe and efficient missions.
Try this ChatGPT prompt: “How can I plan an efficient flight path for a coastal landscape shoot?”
2. Creative photography and videography
After a long day of capturing stunning aerial footage, the last thing you want is to spend hours editing. AI-powered photo editing software, like Adobe Lightroom and Luminar AI, offers features such as automated exposure adjustments, sky replacement, and intelligent composition suggestions. These tools enhance the quality of aerial images and videos, with capabilities like auto-enhance photos, AI-powered object removal, and one-click templates for quick edits.
Try these ChatGPT prompts for drone photographers:
- “What are some creative ways to use ND filters in drone photography?”
- “What settings should I use for capturing sunrise or sunset with my [insert name of your drone model]?”
- “How can I achieve smooth cinematic shots while flying my drone?”
- “What are some creative ways to use ND filters in drone photography?”
- “How do I set up and use the waypoint navigation feature on my drone?”
- “What is the best way to use the hyperlapse feature for time-lapse videos on a [insert name of your drone model]?”
- “Can you explain how to use ActiveTrack and other subject-tracking features on [insert name of your drone model] effectively?”
3. Troubleshooting and drone maintenance
Ever get an error message on your drone that just won’t go away? AI tools can assist in diagnosing drone issues and recommending maintenance practices. ChatGPT can help pilots understand error codes, perform routine checks, and prevent common problems.
Try these ChatGPT prompts:
- “What should I do if the battery on my [insert name of your drone model] is draining faster than usual?”
- “How do I calibrate the compass on my [insert name of your drone model]?”
- “What are the signs that my drone’s propellers need to be replaced?”
- “Can you explain how to properly store [insert name of your drone model] batteries to extend their lifespan?”
4. Advanced mapping and modeling
Software like Pix4D and OpenDroneMap utilize AI for photogrammetry, creating detailed maps and 3D models from aerial images. These tools are essential for applications in surveying, construction, and agriculture, offering features such as 2D orthomosaic and 3D model generation, accurate measurements of areas and volumes, and AI-driven image analysis.
Try these ChatGPT prompts ahead of your next drone mapping project:
- “How do I create a 3D map using my drone and photogrammetry software?”
- “What is the difference between orthomosaic and DSM in drone mapping?”
- “How can I use drones for agricultural monitoring and crop health assessment?”
5. Safety and emergency procedures
Imagine you’re capturing a stunning sunset over a lake, and suddenly, your drone signals a low battery or loses a GPS signal. It’s a situation no pilot wants to face, but being prepared is key. AI can provide real-time alerts and safety protocols, guiding you through the necessary steps to land your drone or regain control safely.
Try these ChatGPT prompts:
- “What are the best practices for a safe emergency landing?”
- “What are the best practices for flying drones in high winds?”
- “What are the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in [Insert area of your flight]?”
- “What safety measures should I take when flying my drone at night?”
6. Staying updated on regulations
Heading out for a vacation but not sure of the current regulations for flying your drone? AI tools like ChatGPT can provide drone pilots the latest information on legal flying zones, no-fly areas, and licensing requirements for your destination. Staying informed helps you avoid legal issues and ensures you can fly your drone with peace of mind.
Just be sure to confirm with the government’s website for the most up-to-date regulations, as some AI-powered data sources might not always be on top of the most current regulations.
Try this ChatGPT prompt: “What are the current drone regulations in U.S. national parks?”
7. Intelligent data analysis
For agriculture and environmental monitoring, AI tools like DroneDeploy offer plant health analysis, terrain modeling, and more. These insights help make informed decisions and optimize resource use.
Try this ChatGPT prompt: “How can I use drones for agricultural monitoring and crop health assessment?”
8. Community engagement and content creation
Want to share your drone shots and experiences with the world? AI can assist drone pilots in creating engaging content for social media and blogs, offering ideas, and optimizing posts. It can even tell you what hashtags to add to a post. This helps pilots share their work, engage with the drone community, and even grow a following.
Try these ChatGPT prompts:
- “What are some engaging blog post ideas for drone photography enthusiasts?”
- Enter the caption for a photo, and then type in “generate relevant hashtags for this caption.”
9. Help you study for your Part 107 test
While our recommended Part 107 test prep courses tend to have all the answers, sometimes you get stuck — or just need a more specific explanation. Sure, many of these services offer 1:1 support, but there’s still going to be some sort of time delay. With ChatGPT, the time delay is no more than a few seconds. With that, it might be helpful in answering your question.
Try these ChatGPT prompts:
- “I learn best by [insert learning style, like reading or listening]. What are the best resources for me to study for the Part 107 knowledge test?”
- “I answered [insert the wrong answer] in response to the following question from the FAA’s Part 107 test. [Insert question here]. Explain to me why that’s wrong, and share the correct answer.
How have you used ChatGPT or other AI-powered tools in your work as a drone pilot? Leave a comment sharing how drone pilots can use ChatGPT below!
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