DJI has announced Geospatial Environment Online Version 2. 0 (GEO 2. 0), a geofencing update for its drones that improves their ability to avoid restricted airspace near airports. The improvements are "based on a more finely-tuned evaluation of risks associated with aircraft approaching and departing different types of airports," according to Brendan Schulman, DJI VP of Policy & Legal Affairs.

The update will arrive in phases starting in November for airports and airspace in the US. DJI indicates similar upgrades will arrive in other regions, but doesn't provide a timeline, saying only that they "will follow in due course. "

DJI explains that its new system enables Geospatial Environment Online to create a 3D "bowtie" safety zone around airport runway flight paths; the update also adds complex polygons for placement around non-runway facilities deemed sensitive.

The update also adds restrictions for the final approach corridor of active runways, which are designated as "runaway exclusion zones" by the FAA Reauthorization Act. DJI has dropped AirMap and selected PrecisionHawk as its new North America data provider. The company collaborated with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to get guidance on GEO 2. 0 from general aviation pilots and airports.

DJI drone owners will need to update their drone firmware and the DJI GO 4 flight control app to access the changes.

2018-10-25 19:33