When you’re working in above-ground mining drone operations or on other sites, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference and ensure you’re ready for anything the day throws at you. Here at Sphere Drones, we know what it takes to perform in tough environments, and that's why we’ve put together this kit list with our pilots so you can keep operations running smoothly and within regulatory guidelines. The drone: DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK Module  The drone of choice is the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK module. It offers a complete solution for miners who need precise ..read more

Flyability has released an update for its Inspector 5.0 software package bringing a number of updates to the data processing side of the Flyability Elios 3. This update brings Inspector 5.0 to version 24.07. UT payload support added Flyability has added support for the Elios 3's UT payload in this software update, allowing for thickness data to be read directly from Inspector, adding a checkbox in the filters menu of the 3D viewer for full access. The data captured by the UT payload can also be exported into a CSV file matching thickness readings to the POIs throughou ..read more

Sphere Drones has witnessed the evolution of drone technology first hand since 2012 and the advancements it has brought across various industries, with drone surveying being at the top of the list. In this article, we break down the basics of drone surveying, key workflows like photogrammetry and LiDAR, and show how drones boost efficiency and accuracy. What is drone surveying? Drone surveying uses drones equipped with high-res cameras and sensors—like RGB, multispectral, thermal, and LiDAR—to capture aerial images and data of landscapes, assets, and structures. Surveyors often use ground cont ..read more

In the rapidly evolving field of surveying, the integration of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has emerged as a game-changer. This sophisticated tool, combined with drone technology, offers unparalleled precision and efficiency, transforming how we capture and analyse spatial data. In this article, we'll delve into the basics of LiDAR, look at its applications in surveying, and show you how it is reshaping industry standards. Understanding LiDAR technology At its core, LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to measure distances. It operates by emitting rapid pul ..read more

LiDAR technology on drones has gained significant attention in recent years, transforming industries from surveying to environmental management. While its advantages are widely celebrated, there’s often some confusion surrounding its use and capabilities. In this follow-up blog, we’ll demystify LiDAR technology on drones by exploring its limitations and comparing it with other methods. Our goal is to provide a balanced view, helping you understand why LiDAR is a powerful tool in its own right. What is LiDAR and why is it buzz-worthy? Before diving into its limitations, let’s recap what makes L ..read more

Welcome to the second episode in our DJI Dock 2 series where we will explore the new Dock 2 and Matrice 3D series from DJI, as well as take you through Dock 2's integration with our Hub drone solutions, HubX and HubT. In this episode, we are taking a look at the integration between Dock 2 and our HubX business critical data platform and the benefits of using such as setup. What is HubX? HubX is a mobile solution designed for Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) or terrestrial scanning tasks in regional and hard-to-access locations, remotely and at scale. Its self-sustained ..read more

Sphere Drones, a leader in drone technology and solutions, is proud to announce its recent achievement of becoming BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) accredited. This accreditation underscores Sphere Drones' commitment to safety in RPAS operations. Understanding the importance of BARS accreditation The use of RPAS vehicles onsite is not without its risks. Accidents can lead to expensive property damage, major delays, injuries, and even fatalities. To mitigate these risks, a BARS Audit provides a thorough evaluation of an operator's operations and technical management systems. This in-depth au ..read more

Sphere Drones announces strategic partnership with Aptella to revolutionise autonomous scanning and mapping operations with HubX for businesses across APAC. Sphere Drones is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Aptella, a leading technology solutions provider. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of autonomous scanning and mapping operations for customers across various industries, including resources, mining, construction, and emergency services. This strategic partnership expands the reach of HubX across APAC Under this agreement, Aptella will distribute Sphere ..read more

With Flyability’s Elios 3 becoming the essential indoor inspection tool since its release in 2022, the company has decided to officially commence the End Of Life process for both its predecessors, the Elios 1 and Elios 2. Since Sphere Drones undertook Flyability as a partner, our team have used both the Elios 1 and Elios 2 through the years in operations for our clients, being endlessly effective in capturing data in inaccessible spaces like sewers and underground mine sites while making indoor inspections safer for our team and our clients. We now use the Elios 3 for all our indoor ..read more

Greetings from sunny Queensland! As we close out the fourth week of 'The Great Australian HubX Roadshow', our team has been actively demonstrating the future of remote drone operations across the country. We are excited to provide you with a brief recap of our journey and achievements so far. Week 1 In May, our team kicked off the roadshow from Sphere Drones HQ in Sydney and headed north to Newcastle to connect with the Fyfe team. From there, we continued to Byron Bay to connect with clients and then into Queensland where we showcased the capabilities of HubX and our deep drone-in-a ..read more