Learning patterns/Using drones for aerial photography for Commons and Wikipedia
What problem does this solve?
[edit]Please note: This Learning Pattern is mainly based on texts by Commons User Phantom3Pix and was edited/ translated/ posted by Wikimedia Deutschland (WMDE). It is currently being brought up to date by the drone pilot teams of Lokal K and temporärhaus as EU regulations have changed at the start of 2024.
With aerial photos taken via a drone you can present objects of encyclopedic relevance from a completely different perspective compared to conventional photography. Particularly in the case of cultural heritage properties or of nature conservation areas, e.g. during the annual photo contests "Wiki Loves Monuments" and "Wiki Loves Earth", such pictures can provide a significant added value.
However, when dealing with a drone, in addition to some technical hurdles, you may face a jungle of regionally different legal requirements. What permits are required? What costs can be expected, what support options are available and what else is there to consider?
What is the solution?
[edit]What technical requirements are the minimum to take pictures by means of a drone?
[edit]The drone should be GPS controlled so that it maintains its position in the air without manual countermeasures. The camera should have an appropriately high resolution.
In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, volunteers can borrow a photo drone (owned by WMCH) through the joint technical pool of the Wikimedia chapters in these countries.
Which legal requirements exist and how can they be met?
[edit]The legal requirements for operating drones have been harmonized in Europe through the recent years. Relevant regulations are Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, which have been rolled out starting in 2020 and taken full effect on January 1st, 2024.
The new regulations do not discriminate between private and commercial use anymore. They differentiate, however, between the operator (i.e., the owner) and the remote pilot (i.e., the person actually controlling the drone in flight) and their respective duties.
Drone classification and categories
[edit]The new legislation also introduced new class identification labels and the corresponding "Open" categories in which they can be operated under certain provisions:
| Category | UAS Class | Operating Procedures | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open A1 | C0 (<250g) | including flying over uninvolved persons |
none |
| C1 (<900g) | no flight over uninvolved persons | A1/A3 proof of completion | |
| Open A2 | C2 (<4000g) | 30m distance to uninvolved persons (5m in slow-flight mode) | A2 pilot certificate of competency |
| Open A3 | C3 and C4, legacy UAS without classification | 150m distance to uninvolved persons and urban areas | A1/A3 proof of completion |
This means that "legacy drones" without any classification labels may only be used within the Open A3 category, i.e., at least 150 meters away from uninvolved persons and urban areas, which greatly restricts their use.
The drone classifications most suitable for photography for Wikimedia projects are C0 and C1, with C0 posing the least restrictions. Operating a C1 drone requires the remote pilot to have a certificate of completion of a A1/A3 competency test. Therefore, while C1 drones might have better camera equipment onboard due to their higher maximum take-off weight, C0 drones also allow users without any formal qualifications to fly the drone legally. However, it should be noted that completing the A1/A3 competency test assures that the remote pilot has familiarized themself with the legal framework of operating drones within EASA jurisdiction. It can therefore be recommended that any remote pilot provide a A1/A3 proof of competency, regardless of drone classification.
Duties of UAS operators and remote pilots
[edit]The operator has to fulfill (among others) the following requirements:
- register as an operator with their national aviation authority, which will issue a drone operator registration number
- display this drone operator registration number on a plaque or sticker on the drone
- register the drone operator registration number within the remote identification system of the drone which allows it to be identified in-flight via radio identification
- develop operational procedures to ensure safe operations (these have to be written down when multiple remote pilots may use the same drone)
- have liability insurance for the drone (most EASA member states require insurance also for light drones)
Remote pilots are required to
- complete the necessary training (if required for the class and category)
- check for local geographical restrictions published by the respective aviation authority
- ensure safe operation of the drone before and during flight
Geographical restrictions
[edit]EU member states can publish geographical zones in which operation of unmanned aerial systems may be excluded (for all or certain classes), restricted (prior authorization is required) or managed. An explanation of these zones can be found at EASA's website.
The zones are published through the respective National Aviation Authority, which usually provide some kind of tool to check for restrictions (e.g., DIPUL Map Tool for Germany.
Zone restrictions might also mean that operation of an UAS is permitted even within the restriction zone if a certain flight altitude is not exceeded. Due to the different regulation throughout the EU, checking with the local NAA is essential. In Sweden it is complex, but best practices have been collected by Wikimedia Sverige.
What other costs arise aside the costs for the technical equipment?
[edit]Liability insurance, including additional insurance for drones of up to 5 kg, costs 50–60 euros per year. The yearly permission fee for launching drones is 150–200 euros, which may be covered by the Wikimedia chapters in Germany, Switzerland and Austria on request.
What practical tips and tricks are to be considered?
[edit]Before actually taking aerial photos with a photo drone (and ideally after completing the A1/A3 certificate of competency), it's useful to practice maneuvering the drone on a big field or meadow to get familiarized with the controls. Some drone manufacturers allow mapping the controls to one's liking – is altitude on the right or left stick? Sometimes, it works that all remote pilots stick to one mapping that work for everybody. This might, however, not work for you. Therefore, experimenting with different control layouts in a more controlled environment and ideally with an experienced remote pilot at your side allows you to find out the setup that works best for you.
It's very important and legally mandatory within EASA rules to always keep visual contact with the drone! Sometimes, this can be quite tricky, because you have to account for the alignment of the photographic frame at the same time. If you want to do that the best way possible, it is prudent to have a second person as a spotter on-site to watch the drone even if the drone operator temporarily breaks eye contact. The spotter can also warn of any dangers in the surrounding. Ideally, the spotter should also be qualified through an A1/A3 certificate of completion.
Where can I get more information and find competent contacts?
[edit]In Germany, you can approach the Deutscher Modellflieger Verband (German model flying association), and there are many forums and pages in the social web where you can get more detailed information. On Youtube there are some really interesting and good tutorial videos by Arthur Konze. In many German cities, local associations and schools might be useful as well.
When to use
[edit]The information from this learning pattern was used when shooting the Wiki Loves Monuments 2015 winner photo.
Disclaimer
[edit]All legal information included in this text refers only to the laws and regulations in Germany or in Switzerland, is subject to change and may strongly differ in other countries. Please check thoroughly which laws and regulations are valid in your respective region/ country before applying this learning pattern.