Getting started with Drones from a programmer's perspective

This year, I started getting into drones. Due to new technologies, drones are increasingly being used in recreational and professional settings. The key thing, of course, is that they are programmable. This article is why drones are a good hobby for programmers.

How I got my start

I was first interested in a virtual drone workshop that the public library was offering. I heard of drones, but I wanted to learn more about the hobby. I have experience in GIS and also wanted to expand my professional skillset. Drones were a way to improve myself and explore the world. I took the initiative, got my TRUST, and am currently studying for the Part 107 exam. Part 107 is necessary if you want to do professional drone work.

Hack away

As someone who dreams of having a makerspace and a proper home lab one day, I am interested in DIY drone kits and custom firmware (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4). As a programmer, I find that writing code for flight controllers and navigation is challenging. A drone can also come with a hardware-software integration challenge (great for tinkerers).

Commercial drones gained popularity for their recreational use in makerspace communities and among hobbyists. You may have seen drones in various challenges (drone racing, obstacle courses, hackathons). Aerial photography and cinematography also contributed to the popularity of drones. It's easier to use a drone to get to a remote location or need a good aerial view than to risk yourself (the only risk is that the drone can get damaged).

Open new doors

It's proven that occupations involving drones will increase in the next few years. Jobs involving drones in defense, logistics, law enforcement, disaster response, filmmaking, and environmental monitoring. Startups and companies are looking for drone software engineers. Open-source drone software ArduPilot, Parrot, and PX4 are valued contributions that build reputation in drone communities.

If you are interested in getting a drone job, some tasks may include: writing scripts to process drone-gathered data, programming drones for autonomous flight, using computer vision and AI for object detection, tracking, or mapping, and taking videos and images. Job fields include agriculture, surveying, inspections, and research. I will write more articles on drones in the future.