Drones have gotten incredibly smart in the last few years. With powerful processors and AI capabilities, drones can now be programmed to perform autonomous flights. This makes it possible for a fleet of drones to do regular rounds along pre-determined flight paths, even without a pilot actively flying them.

Drones can be automated to fly along pre-determined paths and conduct fly-bys at set schedules. This is vastly more reliable and efficient than having security personnel doing regular rounds on foot.

More recent drones have been designed with intelligent tracking systems. This allows the pilot to identify a subject – like a vehicle or a person – and command the drone to automatically follow them as they move.

The level of sophistication of drone cameras has made them the new go-to device for professional photographers. These features also lend themselves well to surveillance, especially when there’s a need for high-resolution imagery and powerful zoom functions. High-end drones can also be equipped with thermal cameras for night-time surveillance.

One of the more noble applications of drone technology is its use to aid efforts to reduce wildlife poaching.  doing a patrol to look for poachers across vast plains and forests can be incredibly difficult. Whether in Africa or Asia, wildlife protection groups have turned to drone technology.