A lecture from the North of England Institute for Mining and Mechanical Engineers. In-person at Neville Hall and streamed online.

Drones are increasingly useful tools for collecting data, inspecting assets and understanding the world around us. But where do they deliver real commercial value, and what limits their usefulness?

This one-hour lecture introduces the technology behind modern drones and explores practical applications across surveying, construction, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring and logistics. Examples will show how aerial photography, photogrammetry, thermal imaging and lidar turn airborne observations into measurements, digital models and information that supports better decisions.

Designed for a technical audience without specialist drone knowledge, the presentation will examine the complete process from planning and data capture to analysis and delivery. Genuine consideration will be taken regarding the operating constraints imposed by battery capacity, weather, communications, safety and regulation.

Looking ahead, it will consider the potential of automated docking stations, specialised sensors, artificial intelligence and flights beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight. Throughout, the emphasis will be on the promise of high quality and informative data acquisition.

This is the 2nd Joint Lecture of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Northumbria Network and the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.

Gordon Fawley has worked in the drone industry for nearly ten years, experiencing first-hand the rapid development of the technology, its commercial applications and the legislation governing its use.

Originally graduating in Quarry Engineering, Gordon spent many years supplying professional staff to the construction industry before moving into commercial drone operations. Alongside qualifying as a drone pilot, he completed an MSc, with a dissertation exploring novel applications of drone mapping to identify and investigate potential archaeological sites.

Until earlier this year, Gordon was Operations Manager for a commercial drone company, helping introduce new technologies into practical surveying, inspection and monitoring work. He has since co-founded DataMarch Ltd., providing drone-based surveying, inspection and consultancy services.

Combining an engineering background with operational experience and academic research, Gordon brings a practical perspective to what drones can achieve today, the challenges of using them effectively, and the opportunities emerging as the technology develops.

17:30-18:00 - Tea and Coffee

18:00-18:50 - In person talk and live stream starts

18:50 to 19:00 - Q & A

Welcome to our NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.

For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/ (https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/)

For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/

Description supplied by the event organiser.