Getting into the drone mapping business can be a challenge, but the rewards are many. Using uncrewed systems, mappers get the chance to use the latest technology to collect valuable information, solve real-world problems, and help clients move ahead with their projects.

Unfortunately, getting into drone mapping business isn’t a simple matter. Operators must understand the legal framework for drone mapping, master the technology, and create a clear, valuable product for customers. Moreover, they must transition from a “technician” mindset to a “business owner” mindset, and focus their attention not just on mapping but on developing a repeatable, profitable business model.

To help mappers build successful drone mapping businesses, Commercial UAV News and the Pilot Institute hosted a webinar on August 5. “How to Get Started in Drone Mapping” featured Jared Janacek, founder and President of Texas Drone Company and an instructor with the Pilot Institute. During the webinar, Janacek drew on his real-world experience of starting and growing a drone mapping company to illustrate the challenges of getting an operation up and running and provide advice on overcoming those issues to build a thriving business.

“Most drone pilots might not succeed in mapping, and it's not because you're not skilled, it's not because you're lacking any tools or any things like that,” Janacek said. “It's just because they're stuck in this technician mindset. And what we want to try to encourage you through this presentation is to take a step back and put yourself in a business owner mindset.”

Janacek explained the importance of developing that mindset, and he showed how acting like a business owner can help you tackle issues around marketing, hiring and training, understanding the regulatory environment, purchasing the right technology, and more. He stressed the need to differentiate your offerings from your competitors and take a logical approach to developing the right “tech stack,” rather than purchasing the latest systems that might not translate into real value.

To build on the lessons presented during the webinar, Janacek and his colleagues at the Pilot Institute will have a strong presence at the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo. The Pilot Institute will be offering workshops on “Drone Business Made Easy” and “Drone Mapping, Modeling and Surveying” during the Expo. And, as part of the dedicated Pilot Hub, Pilot Institute instructors will be holding sessions on “Mapping Mastery: Workflows That Win Jobs,” “Deep Dive into Part 108,” and more. 

Janacek strongly encouraged drone mapping professionals to check out the Pilot Institute workshops and sessions, along with the Pilot Hub, at Commercial UAV Expo. “There’s a lot of new drones on the market and a lot of new technologies that we’re going to be diving into, and the Pilot Hub is going to be a really cool time with lots of industry professionals,” he said.

Click here to watch the webinar “How to Get Started in Drone Mapping.”

Click here to learn more about the Pilot Institute at Commercial UAV Expo.