4 Ways Drones Are Changing the Commercial Real Estate Industry

Abstract

The FAA issued the first commercial drone permit in 2006, paving the way for non-military uses of aerial drones. Drone technology has come a long way since the 1980s and '90s, the U.S. military heavily invested in drone technology. Commercial real estate has found exciting uses for drones, and since the tech has become more affordable. Drones are a safer inspection option. The agency must still draft rules for how low and high drones can fly. A good deal of commercial drone use is still limited. Most of these inspections would usually require maintenance staff to climb on ropes or maybe even build scaffolding. The city uses binoculars and cameras from streets or nearby roofs to carry out their inspections. The New York City Department of Buildings has released a report in late 2021 showing that the Façade Inspection and Safety Program could use aerial drones to inspect building facades in the city.