The city’s use of drones has taken off this year and is set to be propelled further with the purchase of a $40,000 commercial-grade device.
The new tiny aircraft — about 10 pounds with four motors and 17-inch propellers — will be used to inspect wires, poles, substations and all aspects of the city’s electric utility system. Thermal and zoom imaging will help detect equipment defects that then can be fixed before they become a problem …
http://www.govtech.com/fs/infrastructure/Niles-Ind-Looks-to-Drones-for-Utility-Inspections.html
Government Technology | Oct. 30, 2017