Firework shows have been entertaining people since (at least) 1486. Over recent years, however, they have become increasingly controversial, mainly due to their impact on wildlife. As a result, drone shows are growing in popularity. Here is a quick guide to what you need to know about them.
The Basics of Drone Shows
You can think of a drone show as being a dance show in the air. The show designer choreographs a series of moves to create a visual story. Drones take the place of human dancers although they themselves are not usually visible. All that’s seen is the light they carry.
Just like a regular dance show, however, a lot has to happen behind the scenes to create the spectacle viewers enjoy. When you use drones most of the work is done by technology. This allows the possibility to have large-scale shows with a very small human team. In fact, just one person can sometimes be enough to operate this type of event.
Show Drones Versus Regular Drones
Show drones are built for lightness and, hence, agility. They need lights, GPS, and sensors plus batteries with sufficient power to keep them in the air for the duration of the show. The lights used for show drones are always LEDs. One of the reasons for this is that LED lights need minimal power. Show drones may also need cameras but this is not certain.
Logistical Considerations
It can be helpful to do your research on show sites before you start putting together your show. This will avoid the possibility of you putting a lot of resources into creating an amazing show only to discover that there’s nowhere you can display it.
Ideally, you want a decent-sized area of flat, open ground. It needs to be large enough for there to be no risk of collision. This includes the possibility of the drones colliding with each other as well as them colliding with objects or spectators. You will also need a GPS ground station, access to reliable WiFi, and a suitable laptop.
Once you’ve found a suitable location, check if the location is compliant to host your show. Keep in mind that even sites that are fine with people flying drones individually may not automatically consent to drones being used for public shows. Always check well in advance so you have time to negotiate and go through any authorization process.
Software and Skills
You generally need two key software tools to create light shows. Firstly, you need animation software to create the story for the show. This will be structured as a series of images formed by the lights the drones carry. Together, these images will combine to tell a story.
Secondly, you need flight-planning software to translate the story into flight paths the drones can follow. These flight paths should allow the images to be seen by all spectators regardless of where they are standing.
Remember to think about the vertical as well as the horizontal. In other words, think about whether any of your audience will be viewing the show from a height (e.g. an apartment balcony).
The Importance of Testing
With most shows, the majority of testing is usually done in software. For small shows, you may not need a real-world test. If you do have one, it should just be to confirm the results of your software test. When you do launch your show, you should always check the condition of your equipment and the weather before launch.
In Conclusion
A drone show tells a story by creating a series of images in lights. These images are produced by drones following a flight path created in specialist software. It may also include music and/or spoken words. These shows have become popular as they are safer and more sustainable than fireworks. They are also very cost-effective as even large-scale shows can usually be run by a relatively small team. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about drone light show events.