The Sunday News
THE Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) has encouraged the use of cameras mounted on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) popularly known as drones to capture images required for marketing as a way of positioning the country as a top-notch destination.
Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles employing sophisticated technology in robotics, aeronautics and avionics (chief among the equipment being GPS technology and computer software) to achieve flight in various profiles, proximity (up close) speed (dead slow), navigational accuracy and 3D.
Caaz public relations manager Ms Annajulia Hungwe said international practice and existing trends have embraced the use of cameras mounted on UAVs to capture images required for destination marketing.
“The traditional method has been the use of camera persons to capture various photos and video presentations. The images by the camera persons despite being top class and most of them have received various international awards and acclaim, the limitation has always been that the traditional method invariably involved a human being (camera person) interfacing with flora, fauna and other geographical features in Zimbabwe. That interface posed a risk to the camera person and other crew for example when filming elephants or lions.
Use of cameras mounted on UAVs affords a much closer, life edge exciting and quality images that are second to none. The standard, level, resolution and near touching proximity afforded by use of cameras mounted on UAVs can only add immense value to images and videos used to market Zimbabwe as a destination,” said Ms Hungwe.
In terms of the Civil Aviation Laws, for one to conduct any aviation activity including operation of a drone, prior approval must be obtained from Caaz.
According to Caaz specific regulations relating to the operation of drones in Zimbabwe by private and commercial users are at advanced stages of promulgation.
“Among outstanding aspects, as required by the law, is the consultation of various stakeholders including UAV/drones users before the UAV regulations are promulgated,” Ms Hungwe said.
Research by this paper has shown that aerial photography is still generally misunderstood in the country with people associating the use of drones with military operations.
Ms Hungwe said the use of drones had been negatively popularised by their publicised employment in military operations not sanctioned by international conventions.
“The untold suffering by the communities has instilled fear and suspicion on aerial use of drones. The mere fact that these drones can be mounted with weapons such as missiles and weapons of mass destruction further raises serious security risks.
“However, there is valuable peaceful use of drones which positively impacts the lives of communities such as patrols in conflict areas, landmine removal, volcano progression, as a first responder in locating stranded people during a disaster such as floods and other humanitarian activities,” she said.
She, however, said the entrenched and deep rooted myth and security threat of drones could not be ignored but could be dispelled when transparent regulations are promulgated and systematic surveillance of drone operations is conducted.
“Value addition to tourism, wildlife management and marketing is realised and there is a need to embrace drone technology in the country including manufacture of the UAVs locally,” she said.
According to a UK publication the Daily Mail, viewers get a different view of Zimbabwe through drone footage that “gives magnificent bird’s eye view over wetlands, beaches and the granite hills of Matopos” which present a unique perspective of Africa.
In a drone footage entitled “See Zimbabwe as you’ve never seen it before” shot by Scout Aerial the video shows giraffes careering through the grasses, lions looking upwards towards the sky and hippos bobbing up from under a lake as well as tourists on a boat trip hurling themselves into the water, while elephants walk along the shore, a fish eagle is seen looking out over verdant land among some of the interesting shots of the country.
“Shot over two weeks in the country, the video features music by Yolanda Be Cool ft. Gurrumul and it is a unique perspective of Africa’s offerings — from stunning wildlife to unparalleled landscapes,” read the Daily Mail.
