Flying high

摘要

A brochure, Flying New Way - A Boost for European Creativity & Innovation, was published recently by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enterprise & Industry, and is a short presentation of the potential of remotely-piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) - commonly known as drones - for civil and commercial applications including mapping. It said that if their full potential was unleashed, they would bring important benefits to European citizens and the European Economy as a whole. For that reason the European Commission is acting to support the sector. Provided that regulations are in place, technologies are available and societal impacts, including privacy protection, are properly addressed, it said, this emerging market of innovative aerial services would be able to boost industrial competitiveness and support the development of SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). Meanwhile, UK aerial mapping company Bluesky has launched its biggest ever online map shop.