Category: Pillar Research

Glacier mapping drones are the field truth for the cryosphere Glacier mapping drones are quietly becoming the most reliable ground-truth for climate scientists tracking the cryosphere in 2026. Where…

Autonomous precision landing is two sensors doing different jobs Autonomous precision landing in 2026 is a two-sensor story. Vision Positioning Systems (VPS) handle the last few meters of…

There is no single global drone pilot license in 2026 There is no single global drone pilot license you can hold in 2026. What exists instead are three regional pilot certification regimes — FAA Part…

Drone light shows vs fireworks in 2026: real cost per minute, audience reaction data, environmental impact, and when to pick drones, fireworks, or a hybrid pyro-drone show.

BVLOS Drone Operations 2026: The Future of Commercial Drones BVLOS — Beyond Visual Line of Sight — is the Holy Grail of commercial drone operations. Currently, most drones must stay within the pilot’s visual range (typically 400 feet and 3,000 meters). BVLOS would allow drones to fly far beyond that, opening enormous commercial possibilities. What…

Best Drone Flight School and Training Programs 2026 Whether you’re a recreational pilot who wants to fly safely or a professional seeking Part 107 certification, structured training makes a massive difference. Here’s the best drone flight schools and training programs available in 2026. Free Online Training FAA TRUST Certificate (free) Every recreational drone pilot needs…

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Review 2026: The Ultimate Professional Drone The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just the best drone DJI has ever made — it’s arguably the best camera you can put in the sky under $5,000. After three months of professional use, here’s our comprehensive review. Camera System The Mavic 4 Pro features…

Drone Photography Side Hustles That Actually Pay in 2026 Drone photography has evolved from novelty to legitimate income source. Here are the side hustles that are actually paying in 2026, with real numbers from practitioners in the field. 1. Real Estate Aerial Photography The classic use case. Real estate agents pay $150-500 per listing for…

Drone Underwater ROV Guide 2026: Exploring The World Beneath The Surface While aerial drones dominate the headlines, a parallel revolution is happening underwater. Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and underwater drones are becoming accessible to enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the world beneath the waves. Why Underwater ROVs? Seventy…