Drones, drones, drones

Five uses for drones that

aren’t firing missiles, delivering Amazon orders or annoying neighbours FIGHTING CRIME In 2012, New Zealand Police purchased a drone to assist in criminal investigations. They used it, for example, in an investigation of a Wellington murder, taking photographs of the crime scene – a steep bank with overhanging trees – that could be easily contaminated by humans. COMMITTING CRIME Cheap, small and untraceable, drones are a perfect addition to any criminal’s arsenal. Want to get cigarettes and cellphones into a prison? Want to smuggle crystal meth into the US from Mexico? Need to figure out which home to burgle? Want to steal another criminal’s marijuana crop? A drone could be the nefarious tool for you. SE L L I N G RE A L E S TAT E Worried that you’ll only get $1.5 million for your draughty Auckland villa? Why not give Trade Me browsers a virtual tour of your home and garden with an impressive drone video? Start with the birds-eye view of your house in its surroundings, pan in to the property, then head inside. TA KI N G SE L F I E S Dronies” are the new, ultimate way to snap yourself a selfie video. Hover the drone in front of you, smile for that goofie pic, then send the drone away to record you at the centre of the surrounding countryside. It isn’t easy – think about trying to keep yourself in the centre of the shot as the drone camera moves slowly upwards. But holiday snaps don’t get much cooler than that. JOURNALISM The University of Missouri’s Drone Journalism Program is teaching journalism students how to fly drones, navigate federal aviation regulations, operate remote cameras, consider the ethics of drones, and interpret and use the material gathered by drones.