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The latest version of Europa Technologies’ global map data products includes layers that can assist in the creation of no-fly zones for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A recent aircraft-drone collision in the United Kingdom highlights the immediate need for mandatory geographic restrictions on drone operation. On 17 April 2016, a British Airways A320 aircraft was struck by a drone during its approach into London Heathrow airport. The aircraft, travelling from Geneva, was carrying 132 passengers and 5 crew. The incident has been well publicised in both UK and international press and demonstrates the real danger of operating UAVs in controlled airspace. Many media reports have referred to on-board “geofencing” which is the concept of using GPS (or other positioning technologies) with a reference database of explicit areas, which are inclusion or exclusion zones. Should a geofence rule be broken, an action can be taken. www.europa.uk.com
